Sentara Potomac Hospital

Beating the Clock

2012-01-30T07:49:00.003-05:00

Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital provides fast, lifesaving care to its first heart attack patientMarcel Huard is living a healthier life after being treated at Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital. He credits the team with saving his life.

“I think I’m having a heart attack.”

Those were the seven words Woodbridge resident, Marcel Huard, said when he arrived at Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center. What happened after that, he says, was a blur.

“After I said that to the front desk person, the next thing I knew I was in a wheelchair with about six or seven people around me being rushed down a hall,” says Marcel. “It was instantaneous and it was like a TV show.”

One morning, the 56-year-old Air Force officer was just getting over a cold and, even though he didn’t feel very well, decided to venture to a local coffee shop. As he drove to the coffee shop he started to question his decision.

“By the time I arrived at the coffee shop I was feeling pretty bad and it wasn’t because of my cold,” says Marcel. “I was having severe pain in my chest and down my left arm.”

At that point, he drove himself to Sentara Potomac Hospital and uttered those seven words. [Editor’s note: if you ever feel chest pain, please stop and call 9-1-1]

“What Mr. Huard was experiencing was indeed a heart attack,” says Dr. Balbir Sidhu, a cardiologist at Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital. “The type of heart attack he had is called a STEMI, which is an acronym for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. When someone has a STEMI, the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, is completely blocked by a blood clot.

“When this happens, time is of the essence. We took Mr. Huard into the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the Heart and Vascular Center and performed an interventional procedure to place a stent into the blocked artery. A stent is a small tube that we insert into the artery to open up the blockage and allow blood to flow through to the heart. Without the proper blood flow, a heart virtually dies.”

Before the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital opened in May, patients like Marcel would have had quite a different experience.

“In addition to a team of expert clinicians our new center offers advanced treatment of cardiac and vascular conditions utilizing state of the art technology,” says Tricia Hill, MSN, R.N., senior director of Nursing. “In the past, patients experiencing STEMIs required emergent transfer to an alternate facility. Now, at Sentara Potomac, it is a privilege to provide advanced life saving cardiac and vascular care for our community right here in our community.”

“My doctor told me that I didn’t have any time to waste,” says Marcel. “The time it took from when I walked into the door until the stent was inserted was only about 45 minutes. If I had to be transported to another facility, it may have taken too long. I’m so fortunate that the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center was able to successfully treat me.”

Marcel stayed in the hospital for two days after his procedure and is now back to his normal daily routine.

“My doctor told me that my heart suffered no damage as a result of the blockage,” says Marcel. “I’m glad so many people were ready to go when I got to the hospital.”

The Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital opened in May and offers residents in our community the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, including interventional cardiac catheterization and other procedures to treat heart and vascular diseases.

Click here to see a guided tour of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital.

Measuring Your Heart Health

2012-01-26T07:57:00.002-05:00

A free seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

At this free seminar, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jason Morda will discuss the common and not so common tests that are recommended to determine your risk for cardiac disease. He’ll also provide information on important prevention techniques and the variety of treatment options available to you.

Join us on Tuesday, February 28, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Register online or call (703) 221-2500.

Medicaid Statement From Dave Bernd CEO, Sentara Healthcare

2012-01-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

We understand that Medicaid is a significant driver of costs in Virginia’s biennial budget. However, current Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals, nursing homes and physicians are having real and tangible effects on access to care and healthcare jobs in Virginia. Current budget proposals will make the crisis worse.

A Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) report says 14 hospital obstetrics units have closed in Virginia since 2003, due in part to historically low Medicaid reimbursements. Another hospital OB department and a 16-bed psychiatric unit are scheduled to close in 2012.

With those realities before us, we are grateful that Governor Bob McDonnell is open to earmarking future state revenues beyond projections for Medicaid. Unfortunately, even if the legislature approves that approach, higher-than-projected revenues are only a hopeful possibility in a stubbornly slow economy and not a solution to the Medicaid crisis.

Current proposals in the FY13-14 biennial budget would lower Medicaid reimbursements for hospitals to 59% of inpatient costs in 2014. Nursing homes currently lose an average of $15 per day on Medicaid recipients, who comprise 80% of some nursing home populations. Providers cannot keep absorbing these growing losses through internal cost-cutting without eventually affecting services.

Losing access to care for Medicaid recipients may have long-term effects on public health and the economy. In the end, Virginia’s poorest, sickest, oldest and most fragile citizens will suffer. However, loss of access to services affects everyone in a community, not just those on Medicaid.

With that in mind, we support a proposal for a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission on the real effects of current Medicaid funding on access to care and healthcare jobs in Virginia. Virginia ranks 48th among the states in Medicaid reimbursements, even though Virginia’s healthcare system is acknowledged as an extremely efficient user of Medicaid dollars.

We applaud Governor McDonnell for listening to the VHHA and other healthcare leaders about the crisis facing Medicaid in Virginia. We hope the General Assembly will find a way to hold the line on current Medicaid reimbursements in the next biennial budget and not further jeopardize access to care by paying providers across the state even less.

Advances in Cataract Surgery

2012-01-24T14:40:00.001-05:00

A free seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

Join Dr. Susan Majlessi, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, as she discusses new advances in cataract surgery. Cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye turns cloudy and obstructs the passage of light. Left untreated, cataracts may cause vision problems that interfere with daily activities or blindness.

In the United States, 75 percent of those over the age of 60 show some signs of cataracts as a normal effect of aging. Fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery.

Learn about your surgical options during this free informative event on Wednesday, February 8, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Spring Hill Clubhouse, 8946 Yellow Daily Place, in Lorton. Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Free Diabetes & Heart Disease Seminar

2012-01-17T13:30:00.003-05:00

A free seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

Are you aware of the link between diabetes and heart disease? Did you know that heart attack and stroke strike people with diabetes more than twice as often as people without diabetes?

At this free seminar, board-certified interventional cardiologist, Dr. Kambeez Berenji, will discuss how diabetes affects the cardiovascular system and provide information about heart disease prevention and screenings that can help determine your risk factors.

Join us on Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital. To register call the Health Connection at (703) 221-2500 or register online.

Special Heart Health Screenings Offerred at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2012-01-10T07:28:00.002-05:00

Need to know your heart health numbers?

The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology both recommend that all adults over the age of 40 have a baseline EKG. Register for Sentara Potomac Hospital's special Heart Screening which includes:

~Complete 12-lead EKG Reading (includes atrial fibrillation screening)
~Cholesterol Test
~Blood Pressure Check and
~A Heart Risk Evaluation

After the screening, participants are sent a pocket-sized card with an image of your baseline EKG on one side and essential emergency information and cardiac history on the other.

Upcoming Screenings:
Saturday, February 25, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 28, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, April 26, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 8, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Screenings are by appointment only and are held in the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital and cost $20. Appointments last about 30 minutes.

To schedule your screening, call 703-221-2500. These screenings are very popular and available appointments fill up quickly -- register today!

Resolving to Lose Weight in the New Year?

2011-12-22T09:01:00.004-05:00

Find out how during our live Weight Loss Surgery Webinar

Dr. Denis Halmi of Bluepoint Surgical Group and Medical Director of the Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge is hosting a live Weight Loss Surgery Webinar on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

This interactive event will cover weight loss surgery options and provide answers to your questions. Dr. Halmi and the surgeons of Bluepoint Surgical Group perform more than 300 weight loss surgeries at Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center each year, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, banding and sleeve gastrectomy.

Please contact your insurance provider prior to registering to determine whether or not you have the benefit. Several area employers do not have the bariatric surgery rider including Prince William County. In addition, you may want to contact Bluepoint Surgical Group to find out if they accept your specific insurance plan. Bluepoint Surgical Group does not participate in Medicaid for Bariatric Services. More information at bluepointgroup.com.

Weight Loss Surgery Information Webinar
January 31, 2012
6:30-8:00pm
Register Online

Meet LeAnda Garrison from Stafford and learn how sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery at Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center at Potomac Hospital changed her life for the better: watch the video.

Sentara Family Health Connection Takes Second Place in Dumfries Parade!

2011-12-15T08:57:00.002-05:00

The Town of Dumfries held its 37th Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday afternoon. Troo the Trauma Kangaroo, aka Mayra Figueroa, of the Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinic, led the Sentara Potomac contingent in the parade.

Sentara Potomac Hospital was represented by staff from the Emergency Department, Family Health Connection, Auxiliary and Library along with family members. Candy and toothbrushes, donated by the SPH Auxiliary, were passed out to the crowd.

Congratulations to The Family Health Connection who won second place in the Emergency Vehicle Services Category!

The Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinics are custom Ford vans staffed by nurse practitioners from Sentara Potomac Hospital who provide medical care and health information to uninsured residents in the community.

Community Gives Warmth to our Tiny Patients

2011-12-14T09:59:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to the Creative and Performing Arts Center and Cabin Branch Quilters who organized the It Takes a Village to Raise a Child Preemie Quilt Project and donated 32 quilts and $500 to Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Sentara Potomac Hospital NICU nurses Katie Burton and Barbara Ashcroft accepted the gifts at a recent ceremony.

Thank you for your generous gift of warmth for our smallest patients.

Sentara Heart and Vascular Center Physician Profile

2011-12-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Cleveland Francis, M.D.: Patient-doctor communication is key to success

Batman and Robin. Starsky and Hutch. Laverne and Shirley. True partners stay together through thick and thin and handle sticky situations with grace and ease. How do they do it? The key is communication. The patient-doctor relationship can be both personal and emotional, and communicating your needs, symptoms and expectations are paramount to the success of your first visit and future care.

Diagnosis depends on good descriptions

“Describing your symptoms and medical history in detail is very important for an accurate diagnosis,” explains Cleveland Francis, M.D., a cardiologist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff and member of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center team.

“As a cardiologist, I see a lot of patients who complain of chest pain, but the description ‘chest pain’ is too broad. It’s important for a patient to come to the doctor ready to give a detailed account of pain, symptoms, timing and history.”

According to Dr. Francis, this involves an organized patient and a physician willing to listen.

What your doctor needs to know

“With cardiology, in particular, it’s helpful for the patient to describe the character of the pain,” says Dr. Francis. “The more thorough the description the better, such as squeezing, sharp, dull, ache, pressure, etc. Plus, the location is also important -- left or right side of the chest, in the middle of the sternum, in the stomach area or the back.”

According to Dr. Francis you should also be ready to answer these questions: What relieves the pain? How long does the pain last? What are the associated symptoms when having the pain? What’s the duration of the pain? Is this occurring for the first time or has this happened before?

“If a patient can answer all of those questions, a listening doctor can in most cases arrive at a good tentative diagnosis of the patient’s problem and may only need minimal testing to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis,” says Dr. Francis.

Dr. Francis also recommends that patients provide a list of all current medications and a detailed family medical history -- especially of parents and siblings.

Dr. Cleveland Francis is president of Mount Vernon Cardiology Associates, located in The Potomac Center on the campus of Sentara Potomac Hospital. His interests aren’t limited to cardiology -- he’s also a former national country music recording artist and still enjoys a local music career.

The Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital opened in May and offers residents in our community the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, including interventional cardiac catheterization and other procedures to treat heart and vascular diseases.

To reach our goal of providing an exceptional patient and family experience, we incorporated patient feedback into the design and operational development of Sentara Heart and Vascular Center. To see the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center first hand, take a guided tour.

To find a physician call our free referral and information service at 703-221-2500.

Honor your Loved Ones with a Love Light

2011-11-21T15:34:00.002-05:00

Want to give a lasting gift this holiday season? Recognize your loved ones with Sentara Potomac Hospital Auxiliary Love Lights for $15 per light. Proceeds benefit Sentara Potomac Hospital.

The names of those people being honored will appear in an album to be displayed in the hospital lobby during the holiday season. The annual Love Light Tree lighting ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

To help us light our Love Light Tree, please call the Sentara Potomac Hospital Auxiliary at 703-670-1539.

Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminar in Springfield

2011-11-09T11:23:00.001-05:00

Have previous dieting and medical weight loss attempts been unsuccessful? Join board-certified weight loss surgeon, Dr. Denis Halmi, to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

Plus, hear firsthand from surgery patients about their experiences.

Join us on Saturday, November 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Hilton Springfield, 6550 Loisdale Road, in Springfield.

Register online or call 703-221-2500 or 1-800-Sentara.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

New Advances in Cataract Surgery

2011-11-03T09:56:00.001-04:00

A free seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

Join Dr. Susan Majlessi, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, as she discusses new advances in cataract surgery at this free community seminar.

Cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye turns cloudy and obstructs the passage of light. Left untreated, cataracts may cause vision problems that interfere with daily activities or blindness.

In the United States, 75 percent of those over the age of 60 show some signs of cataracts as a normal effect of aging. Fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. Learn about your surgical options during this informative event.

New Advances in Cataract Surgery
Thursday, December 8, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Westminster at Lake Ridge
12191 Clipper Drive in Lake Ridge
Free. Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Take a Guided Tour of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital

2011-11-01T13:38:00.004-04:00

The new Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital offers residents in our community the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, including interventional cardiac catheterization and other procedures to treat heart and vascular diseases.

Just ask Lorton resident, Charlie Beahm, who came to the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center for a diagnostic procedure but then got the surprise of his life when tests revealed that he actually had a heart attack. He was happy to get the cardiac care he needed close to home.

Take a guided video tour of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital.

Prince William Courage Gets Pink with Sentara!

2011-10-27T10:43:00.005-04:00

Prince William Courage soccer players have gone pink this month! In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the players donned pink sweatbands provided by Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Sentara Potomac Hospital Sports Medicine and NoVa Orthopedic and Spine Care teamed up with Prince William Soccer, Inc. in 2010 to provide sports medicine services to Courage athletes.

Check out PWSI's website for more pictures!

Have you had your mammogram? Self referral is now available at Sentara Potomac Hospital. Make your appointment online today!

Sentara Home Care Recognized for Quality

2011-10-20T09:37:00.003-04:00

Sentara Home Care Services received a ‘Gold Award’ designation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its participation in the Home Health Quality Improvement National Campaign.

Sentara Home Care was already using many of the best practices recommended to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, such as using telehealth technology to monitor vital signs and early identification of ambulatory needs to reduce falls and injuries.

Sentara Home Care is now in Northern Virginia. Whether you need nursing care, rehabilitative services, medical equipment or respiratory services, our central intake specialists are trained to assist you.

Home healthcare services can be requested by a patient, physician, friend, or family member. A physician may prescribe home care for a patient as follow-up care after surgery or a major illness. Patients can be eligible for home care services regardless of prior hospitalization.

Our financial counselors can help determine insurance reimbursement and file the necessary paperwork. We accept most major insurances including Medicare and Medicaid and are accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP).

The Woodbridge Sentara Home Care office is located at 3985 Prince William Parkway, Suite 204, and can be reached at 571-659-0687.

Patient Gets Big Surprise at Sentara Heart and Vascular Center

2011-10-19T15:31:00.005-04:00

Charlie Beahm is a tough guy. He’s not one to go to the doctor or complain about aches and pains. After being retired for 10 years his sister urged him to get a physical because he wasn’t feeling well and hadn’t gone to the doctor for many years.

“After my physical, one thing led to another and I ended up in a cardiologist’s office. He had me get a cardiac catheterization at Sentara Potomac Hospital,” says Charlie, a Lorton resident. “They found out during the test that at some point in the past I had actually had a heart attack and didn’t even know it.”

During his procedure at the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital it was discovered that indeed, Charlie did have a heart attack in the past.

“During his cardiac catheterization procedure, we saw that his arteries were blocked and there was evidence of a past heart attack,” explains Dr. Khalid Abousy, a cardiologist with Virginia Cardiovascular Care. “Because of this finding, in addition to his family history of heart disease, we placed him on the proper medications to decrease his risk of having another heart attack or stroke.”

Charlie’s symptoms were very vague and sporadic. He didn’t experience chest pain or the other more common symptoms of heart attack. He just wasn’t feeling very well.

“Even though I’m retired I do a lot of physical work,” says Charlie. “I don’t live a sedentary lifestyle and I usually feel pretty good, so I didn’t have any idea that I may have had heart problems.”

According to Dr. Abousy, Charlie’s inaction is pretty common.

“Many people write off aches and pains as ‘just part of getting older’,” says Dr. Abousy. “But it’s very important to have regular checkups and to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. In Charlie’s case, there is a significant family history of heart disease, which is a very important indicator. A family history increases your risk even if you have no other symptoms or risk factors.”

Even though he received a big surprise during his visit, Charlie is glad that he came in for the procedure.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like hospitals, but I had a really good experience here.” says Charlie. “The staff in the heart center treated me very well and they were very nice.”

Do you know your heart health numbers?
Find out at our upcoming Pocket EKG Screenings, which includes:
• Complete 12-lead EKG Reading (includes atrial fibrillation screening)
• Cholesterol Test
• Blood Pressure Check and
• A Heart Risk Evaluation
After the screening, participants are sent a pocket-sized card with an image of your baseline EKG on one side and essential emergency information and cardiac history on the other.

Upcoming Screenings:
Saturday, November 5, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Screenings are by appointment only, are held in the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital and cost $20. Appointments last about 30 minutes. To schedule your screening, call 703-221-2500.

For more information about the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center visit PotomacHospital.com. If you need help finding a doctor call Sentara Potomac’s Health Connection at 703-221-2500.

Cardiac Rehab Patient Featured on Arlington Show

2011-10-17T09:24:00.004-04:00

Cardiac Rehab patient, Don Greene (right), is being featured on an Arlington Governement Access televsion show about his recovery from heart bypass surgery.

Don is a longtime Dale City resident who had triple bypass surgery in February and was then referred to Sentara Potomac Hospital for Cardiac Rehab, which he attends three times a week.

“The atmosphere in Cardiac Rehab is great,” says Don. “The nurses are wonderful and they make this place special. I feel rejuvenated when I leave and I appreciate all of the guidance and care they give.”

Don celebrated his 79th birthday but he shows no signs of slowing down. He still works full time as the Fitness Center manager at Vornado (Courthouse Plaza) in Arlington and is also a member of the National Senior Olympic Games basketball team!

Watch Don's Story on You Tube.

Remembrance Ceremony on Oct. 16

2011-10-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

Commemorating infant and pregnancy loss

In honor of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Sentara Potomac Hospital is holding a Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, October 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Worship Room.

Please join us for speakers, poetry read by parents, music, commemoration and refreshments. Everyone who has experienced an infant and pregnancy loss, regardless of when or how the loss occurred, is invited to attend. It is our hope that the Remembrance Ceremony brings comfort to grieving parents, family members and others in our community.

Registration is not required. For more information, please call Chaplain Carol Wille at (703) 583-3003.

Potomac Health Foundation Awards Three Grants to Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-10-05T08:51:00.004-04:00

The Potomac Health Foundation has awarded three separate grants for projects at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

A $215,000 grant was awarded to the Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinics to cover operational expenses, salaries, and renovations to the oldest of the mobile clinic’s two vans.

The Potomac Health Foundation awarded a second grant of $85,000 to fund the new “Every Baby, Every Time,” program which will be operated out of the mobile clinics. Every Baby, Every Time is a prenatal education and care program that will include pregnancy tests, general prenatal care and finding a prenatal/delivery provider for women in the community.

Each year, many women use the Sentara Potomac emergency room exclusively for prenatal care or to deliver their babies. The Every Baby, Every Time program will increase awareness of the importance of early prenatal care, including nutrition, exercise and managing gestational diabetes.

“Every Baby Every Time will really help us educate women in our community about the importance of early prenatal care,” says Evelyn Marr, R.N., Director of the Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinics (pictured with the mobile clinic staff). “Our nurse practitioners and outreach workers will be able to perform pregnancy tests and give women resources for follow-up prenatal care and delivery. We’re so excited to add this component to our breadth of services.”

The third grant of $725,000 will fund a new mobile digital Mammography Van for Northern Virginia. In the Prince William County area there is a lack of early detection and treatment of breast cancer, particularly for low income women, leading to a high rate of deaths from breast cancer. Data indicate that the cancers are detected at a late, more serious stage, which signifies the need for improved early detection and treatment.

This program will improve access to mammography screening services for low income and uninsured women and will link patients with necessary follow up diagnosis and treatment services. An additional benefit will be the use of the Mammography Van’s exam room for a variety of women’s health issues, including well women exams and health education and counseling.

“The mammography mobile unit is a 40-foot coach that will have full digital mammography with computer aided detection,” says Marty Ward, director of Radiology and Imaging Services at Sentara Potomac Hospital. “We will partner with the Family Health Connection to serve those with little or no insurance and we’ll also partner with communities, organizations, and houses of worship to make access even more convenient for Northern Virginia residents.”

Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Mammography Van is scheduled to begin service in the spring of 2012. Please contact Marty Ward at 703-670-1866 if you are interested in having the Mobile Mammography Van visit your organization.

About the Potomac Health Foundation:
Potomac Health Foundation is one of the newest private health foundations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was established in December 2009 as a result of the merger between Potomac Hospital Corporation of Woodbridge, Virginia and Sentara Healthcare, also a Virginia not-for-profit corporation. Potomac Health Foundation serves the communities in eastern Prince William County, Virginia and adjacent communities in southeast Fairfax and north Stafford Counties. Potomac Health Foundation is a grant-making organization that focuses solely on health issues. It does not provide health services directly to consumers, but it does offer financial support to public and private organizations that do. The foundation seeks to improve critical aspects of human health - physical, emotional, oral, and nutritional - through clinical care, prevention and advocacy services.

About Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinics:
Sentara Family Health Connection Mobile Clinics are two custom Ford vans that provide primary care to residents of Prince William County. On the road since 1996, the mobile clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners from Sentara Potomac Hospital who provide physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure checks, immunizations, basic medical care and health information. The two mobile clinics serve the neediest of our community, visiting sites including A.C.T.S. Homeless Shelter, the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad, Dumfries United Methodist Church, the Community Services Board, the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Shelter, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Kilby Elementary School and Holy Family Catholic Church. Appointments may be made by calling 703-338-6678.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is going PINK

2011-09-20T15:27:00.008-04:00

Help us paint the town PINK at our free community events!

You’re invited to join us for our free informative sessions about breast health. Enjoy refreshments and giveaways, win door prizes and more!

Take Time for You – A Morning of Pink
Join our physician experts and Sentara Potomac Hospital staff for a morning seminar highlighting breast health on Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Speakers include:
• Tina Banson, M.D., Mammographer
• Kristin Marek, M.D., Family Practitioner
• Stephanie Williams, M.D., OB/GYN
• Susan Boylan, M.D., Radiation Oncologist

Seeing Pink Mammography Open Houses
Meet the staff, talk to physician experts and tour our facilities.
Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Register online or call (703) 221-2500.

Free Flu Shots for Seniors

2011-09-09T09:53:00.005-04:00

Each fall Sentara Potomac Hospital offers free flu vaccines to persons 60 and over. Vaccines are given at places of worship and other community locations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 60 and older get a flu shot each fall.

Schedule:

Oct. 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Prince William Senior Center at Woodbridge, 13850 Church Hill Dr.
Call 703-792-5081

Oct. 28, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Lake Ridge Fellowship House, 12800 Harbor Dr.
Call 703-494-5573

Nov. 1, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
St. Francis of Assisi, 18825 Fuller Heights Rd.
Call 703-221-4044

Options in Hernia Repair

2011-09-06T12:08:00.002-04:00

A free seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

Are you living with the pain caused by an untreated hernia? Dr. Jeffrey Sinclair, a board-certified general surgeon, will discuss laparoscopic, minimally-invasive surgical solutions to repair hernias in adults and children (ages 2+). He will also review types of hernias, common causes and what to expect during recovery.

Join us on Tuesday, October 4, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Free. Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Free Sinus Screening Filling up Fast!

2011-08-31T10:53:00.002-04:00

Are you suffering from chronic sinus problems such as runny nose, itchy eyes, loss of smell or taste, headaches, or dizziness?

These are common complaints, but solutions are available. Learn what treatment options might help you at our free sinus screening on Thursday, September 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in The Potomac Center, First Floor, next to Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Screenings are performed by board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Stephen Bane, who is trained in minimally invasive sinus surgery techniques, including balloon sinuplasty.

This screening is free but an appointment is required. To schedule your appointment call 703-221-2500.

Earthquake Update From Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-08-23T14:51:00.003-04:00

Earthquake Update from Sentara Potomac Hospital

4:40 p.m.

At Sentara Potomac Hospital no patients or staff were injured.

All buildings have been inspected and deemed structurally sound.

Utilities, cell phone and internet service are operational.

The hospital has returned to regular operations.

_______________________________________________________

At 1:50 p.m. today a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, with epicenter at Mineral, Virginia, near Richmond, was felt from North Carolina to New York.

At Sentara Potomac Hospital no patients or staff were injured.

There is no visible structural damage. Maintenance is in the process of making a complete facility assessment.

Utilities, cell phone and internet service are operational.

All non-emergency procedures have been postponed as a precaution.

We are also in communication with the Regional Hospital Command Center.

Sentara Lake Ridge Begins to Take Shape

2011-08-17T10:32:00.002-04:00

Construction has begun on Sentara Lake Ridge – an innovative and modern outpatient healthcare campus that will offer convenient, high quality medical services and a patient-focused experience.

The building is a tilt-up design, which incorporates architectural and structural elements within 16’ x 36’ sections of the exterior walls. Similar to pre-cast construction, forms are fabricated onsite with brick details set within the forms. Concrete is poured, finished and cured within the forms. Once completed, over 240 linear feet of exterior wall panels are lowered by crane onto the foundation over a 2-3 day period. This process forms the exterior of the building.

Once in place, structural steel is erected within the interior of the building. One significant benefit of this architectural design is a shorter schedule, saving up to three months compared to erecting the structural “skeleton” first and then framing and applying brick to the exterior of the building. This phase of construction will be completed in mid-August.

Sentara Lake Ridge is Sentara Healthcare’s first outpatient facility in Northern Virginia to provide 24-hour emergency care and advanced imaging by board-certified physicians and laboratory services.

Located at the corner of Minnieville Road and Summit School Road, the 43,500 square-foot facility is expected to open in early 2012.

Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminar in Springfield

2011-08-11T11:29:00.002-04:00

Have previous dieting and medical weight loss attempts been unsuccessful? Join board-certified weight loss surgeon, Dr. Denis Halmi, to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

Plus, hear firsthand from surgery patients about their experiences.

Join us on Saturday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Hilton Springfield, 6550 Loisdale Road, in Springfield.

Register online or call 703-221-2500 or 1-800-Sentara.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Prostate Health and You

2011-08-09T14:36:00.003-04:00

A Free Seminar from Sentara Potomac Hospital

Dr. Pratik Desai (pictured), a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologic oncologist, and Dr. Samir Kanani, a board-certified radiation oncologist, will discuss what prostate health means to you including prostate cancer treatments, side effects and risks, and professional medical advice regarding screenings and general prostate health. Ladies welcome!

Join us on Saturday, September 17, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Westminster at Lake Ridge, 12191 Clipper Drive in Lake Ridge. Complimentary heart healthy buffet begins at 9 a.m.

Free. Register online at or call 703-221-2500.

Free Sinus Screening at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-08-08T14:47:00.002-04:00

Heart Health Screenings at Sentara Heart and Vascular Center

2011-08-05T08:48:00.004-04:00

Need to know your heart health numbers?

The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology both recommend that all adults over the age of 40 have a baseline EKG. Register for Sentara Potomac Hospital's special Heart Screening which includes:

~Complete 12-lead EKG Reading (includes atrial fibrillation screening)
~Cholesterol Test
~Blood Pressure Check and
~A Heart Risk Evaluation

After the screening, participants are sent a pocket-sized card with an image of your baseline EKG on one side and essential emergency information and cardiac history on the other.

Upcoming Screenings:
Thursday, September 29, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 6, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 5, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Screenings are by appointment only and are held in the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital and cost $20. Appointments last about 30 minutes).

To schedule your screening, call 703-221-2500. These screenings are very popular and available appointments fill up quickly -- register today!

Cardiac Rehab Patient "Stars" in TV Show

2011-07-28T13:23:00.003-04:00

Cardiac Rehab patient, Don Greene (right), is being featured on an Arlington Governement Access televsion show about his recovery from heart bypass surgery.

Don is a longtime Dale City resident who had triple bypass surgery in February and was then referred to Sentara Potomac Hospital for Cardiac Rehab, which he attends three times a week.

“The atmosphere in Cardiac Rehab is great,” says Don. “The nurses are wonderful and they make this place special. I feel rejuvenated when I leave and I appreciate all of the guidance and care they give.”

Don will be celebrating his 79th birthday next week but he shows no signs of slowing down. He still works full time as the Fitness Center manager at Vornado (Courthouse Plaza) in Arlington and is also a member of the National Senior Olympic Games basketball team!

Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits War Hero at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-07-26T13:18:00.003-04:00

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, dropped into Sentara Potomac Hospital on Monday to visit retired Sgt. Major John Henry and celebrate his 86th birthday.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. Henry served in both the U.S. Air Force and the Marine Corps. He fought in two major battles of the Korean War and has taken tours of duty in Yugoslavia, Burma and Vietnam. He earned both a Bronze Star and a Silver Star during his service. What’s more, since 1985 he’s helped train a generation of military leaders as a Leadership Training teacher at the Marine Corps Base at Quantico.

General Amos brought a cake to his friend and colleague of more than 25 years. He then led the staff and family members in a resounding rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Mr. Henry is on the Medicine Unit being cared for by the wonderful staff. He made sure to mention the exceptional care he’s receiving but (understandably!) “is really ready to go home.”

Heat Wave Tips from Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-07-21T11:14:00.004-04:00

During these dog days of summer, the possibility of heat-related illness increases. According to Dr. Luis Eljaiek, chairman of the Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital, everyone should follow these guidelines during extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of water.Decrease your intake of alcohol and carbonated and caffeinated beverages. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay indoors (in air-conditioned buildings) during extreme heat. Avoid outdoors and the sun if possible.
• Eliminate running, biking, yard work and other strenuous activities.
• NEVER leave anyone or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check on your elderly neighbors, as they are especially susceptible to heat-related illness.

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Drink water often. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs:
• Symptoms are severe.
• The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Steve Argubright Receives Rotary Award

2011-07-07T07:44:00.006-04:00

Unsung Hero - a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged.

Congratulations to Sentara Potomac Hospital's Auxiliary President, Steve Argubright, who received the Lake Ridge Rotary’s 2011 Unsung Hero Award. Steve has provided more than 6,000 hours of volunteer service to Sentara Potomac Hospital and has given his time and talent for many years in too many ways to name.

We are very thankful for Steve's gracious and selfless dedication to Sentara Potomac and believe that he is most deserving of this award.

Pictured: Steve Argubright (left) receives the 2011 Unsung Hero Award from Lynn Arturi (Sentara Potomac Hospital Development Office) and Jim Lynch, President, Lake Ridge Rotary.

My "Quit" Story

2011-07-05T10:48:00.003-04:00

By Maureen Deutermann, R.N.
Director of Community Education

I started smoking at the age of 16 during a Wisconsin snowstorm. Sequestered in a Volkswagen Beetle with my sibling cheerfully puffing away, lighting a cigarette seemed my best defense against the annoying smoke accumulating in the baby car.

So began my 16-year love affair with cigarettes. With age, I knew better. I even quit for two years …until I glimpsed a physician’s note describing me as… “A 29-year-old slightly obese female.” I picked up a pack on the way home.

Cigarettes were my weight control, my social crutch and my stress management. When my 18-month-old daughter snatched a butt out of the ash tray and grabbed the lighter with her other little fist, something finally snapped in my smoke-clouded brain synapses. I quit for good.

Eventually, I started working at Sentara Potomac. When an opportunity arose to facilitate wellness programs, I quickly accepted, as I love to teach. One of my first assignments? A smoking cessation class.

I was then, and still am, a cantor in my church. I don’t exaggerate when I say that quitting not only preserved my health, but truly, dramatically, changed the course of my life. Could I credibly counsel people on living a healthy lifestyle if I were still a smoker? Would I still have the lung power at my age to lead worshipers in song if I had remained hooked on cigarettes? Obviously not, and these are two great joys in my life.

Today I’m a proud member of Sentara Potomac Hospital's Tobacco Free Environment Team, and wholeheartedly, gratefully support our Smoke-Free Campus!

Yesterday Sentara Potomac Hospital officially became a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. This means that the use of smoking or tobacco products is prohibitted anywhere on the hospital campus -- inside and outside. This policy is in line with Sentara's mission to improve health every day. Click here for more information.

Free Glaucoma Screening at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-06-23T11:09:00.004-04:00

Did you know that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the first among African Americans in the United States?

An estimated four million Americans have glaucoma but only half know it. That’s because glaucoma has no early symptoms or warning signs. Everyone is at risk, particularly African Americans, those over age 60, Hispanics in older age groups, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those who are nearsighted or have experienced eye trauma.

Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision. Since open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life. Diagnosis through a simple screening is the first step to preserving your vision.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is holding a free Glaucoma Screening on Thursday, August 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (by appointment) in the Century Medical Building, 2280 Opitz Boulevard, Suite 100, Woodbridge, on the campus of Sentara Potomac Hospital. This screening is performed by Dr. Susan Majlessi, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist.

This is a free screening but an appointment is required. For an appointment, call the Health Connection at 703-221-2500.

Please note: This screening is for adults who are currently NOT being treated for glaucoma. It is NOT a vision correction examination.

First Emergency Case Performed at SHVC

2011-06-21T13:30:00.003-04:00

The Interventional Radiology team of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital performed the first after-hours emergency case in the new center.

A critical care patient was urgently brought into the SHVC for a mesenteric angiography (a test to examine the blood vessels that supply the small and large intestines) performed by Dr. Jim Papadouris, with the assistance of Will Roden, R.N., Clinical Manager, and David Orta-Vega, RT(CV), Lead Technologist.

During the procedure, contrast was injected into multiple abdominal arteries to determine if the patient was experiencing active bleeding. Since no active bleeding was noted, the patient was returned to the ICU for continued care.

The Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital opened on May 31. The center offers residents in our community the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, including interventional radiology procedures, interventional cardiac catheterization, and other procedures to treat heart and vascular diseases. Learn more here.

Sentara Potomac Hospital Becomes Tobacco-Free Campus on Independence Day

2011-06-15T15:59:00.003-04:00

No smoking on campus, including sidewalks and parking lots after July 4, 2011

Hospitals see the effects of tobacco every day in heart disease, respiratory ailments and numerous types of cancer. Tobacco, smoked or spit, is a significant cause of preventable disease.

In support of Sentara’s mission to improve health every day Sentara Potomac Hospital will become a tobacco-free environment (TFE) on July 4, 2011. This means the hospital and its campus will be 100% tobacco-free, with no use of smoking or tobacco products permitted anywhere on the hospital campus, including parking lots. Everyone on hospital property including staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and visitors will be required to adhere to this policy.

Starting July 4 smokers will be asked, politely, to extinguish all smoking materials while on the hospital campus, including in parked cars. Nicotine gum will be available at no charge for short term use while visitors are on the campus. Educational materials and smoking cessation information will also be offered.

“Our goal is to provide a healthier environment for everyone at Sentara Potomac Hospital by eliminating the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke and to help staff, patients, and visitors adopt a healthier lifestyle through tobacco cessation,” says Megan Perry, hospital president. “This is a positive demonstration of concern for the health of everyone using our campus.”

The boundaries of the tobacco-free zone will extend to the campus property lines. This includes the main hospital and its surrounding sidewalks and parking lots, The Potomac Center building and its surrounding sidewalks and parking lots, and the Century Medical Building and its surrounding sidewalks and parking lots.

“We understand that compliance with this policy may be difficult for some visitors,” says Perry. “That’s why we are offering nicotine replacement therapy and educational information. We are not mandating that visitors quit smoking, but rather that they refrain from tobacco use while on hospital property.”

Independence Day – a great day to be free from tobacco!

Be a Hero. Donate Blood!

2011-06-15T13:33:00.003-04:00

The American Red Cross is holding a Blood Drive at Sentara Potomac Hospital on Tuesday, June 21, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center.

The American Red Cross needs over 1000 units of blood every day to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply for our community, and they provide the majority of the blood supply at Sentara Potomac Hospital, so we would greatly appreciate your donation.

B Positive, B Negative, and O Negative blood types are below a level which is considered to be safe, but all blood types are needed in order to treat local patients who depend on that type.

Appointments are available every 15 minutes. For information or to register call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or specify a desired appointment time online at redcrossblood.org.

Fuzzy Friends Bring Smiles to Patients, Staff and Visitors

2011-06-07T14:10:00.003-04:00

Sentara Potomac Hospital has a Pet Therapy Program that is made up of specially trained volunteers and their dogs who have met the rigorous criteria established through Therapy Dog International and Delta Society - nationally recognized training and registration programs for people and their pets.

Research has shown that when therapy dogs visit patients in the hospital, the patients’ spirits are raised and heart rates and blood pressures decrease. Also, they help people cope with life changes, loneliness, and disease recovery.

Two new fuzzy friends have joined the Pet Therapy Team:

SuzieQ (pictured) is just beginning her work as a therapy dog with owner Leslie Harris and is excited to meet many people. She is a six-year-old Labrador retriever mix rescued from the Prince William Animal Shelter. Being a lab means that her main interest in life is eating and the only criteria is that the item will fit in her mouth. Her favorite foods are carrots, broccoli, apples, and pears. SuzieQ is not as pitiful as she looks – her sad looks are purely an enticement for someone (anyone) to love her.

Eli is a 1½ -year-old male sphynx cat. According to owner Nichole Bukowski, his personality is like that of a dog or ferret. His favorite foods include liver, cat treats, dog treats, peas, and noodles. His favorite thing to do is go to the pet store and walk around on his leash. (He likes to pick out toys!)

Eli’s breed is also known as a Canadian Hairless, but they actually do have hair -- it’s so fine and short it is hard to notice.

Free Sinus Screening at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-06-06T14:22:00.002-04:00

Are you suffering from chronic sinus problems such as runny nose, itchy eyes, loss of smell or taste, headaches, or dizziness?

These are common complaints, but solutions are available. Learn what treatment options might help you at our free Sinus Screening on Wednesday, June 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Screenings are performed by board-certified ear, nose and throat specialists, Drs. Alidad Arabshahi and Ramin Ipakchi, who are trained in minimally invasive sinus surgery techniques, including balloon sinuplasty.

The screening is free but an appointment time is needed. Please register online or call 703-221-2500.

First Cardiac Procedure Performed at SHVC

2011-06-02T08:12:00.001-04:00

Team members in the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center performed their first cardiac procedure in the new center on Wednesday, June 1. The team inserted a Swan-Ganz catheter, which is the passing of a thin tube into the right side of the heart and the arteries leading to the lungs to monitor blood flow and the overall function of the heart. This procedure is usually performed on seriously ill patients.

The SHVC team members involved in the first cardiac procedure were (left to right): Jason Morda, M.D., Mount Vernon Cardiology Associates; Dawnielle Roderick, R.N.; Matt Fisher, RT(R)(CT); Ellen Walker, R.N.; Shane Bittinger, RT(R)(VI); Khalid Abousy, M.D., Virginia Cardiovascular Care; Deidre Thomas, R.N., Charge Nurse; David Orta-Vega, RT(R)(CV), Lead Invasive Lab Tech; and Candi Mansfield, R.N., RCIS.

Dr. Cooper Performs First Procedure at SHVC

2011-05-31T16:20:00.003-04:00

Interventional radiologist, Dr. James Cooper, performed the first procedure at Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital, which opened today.

Dr. Cooper performed a paracentesis, which is a procedure to remove fluid from the belly. This fluid build-up may be caused by infection, inflammation, an injury, or other conditions. Paracentesis is also used to relieve belly pressure or pain in people with cancer or cirrhosis.

The new Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital offers residents in our community the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, including interventional cardiac catheterization and other procedures to treat heart and vascular diseases and interventional radiology procedures.

For information or to make an appointment, call 703-730-4300 or toll free at 1-855-730-4300. To find a physician specialist, click here.

Doctors Tour Sentara Heart and Vascular Center

2011-05-27T08:51:00.005-04:00

More than 100 people enjoyed a sneak peek of the brand new Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital on Tuesday evening. Among those who took part were (from left to right) Tseday Sirak, M.D., of Virginia Cardiovascular Care, and Cleveland Francis, Jr., M.D., of Mount Vernon Cardiology Associates and his wife, Hardeep Francis.

The center is scheduled to open Tuesday, May 31.

Community Tours New Heart and Vascular Center

2011-05-23T09:18:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday, May 21, to tour the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital. Community members enjoyed refreshments, gifts, and saw first hand the brand new center that will offer an array of high tech treatments for heart and vascular problems. The center is scheduled to open on Tuesday, May 31, for patient care.

Focus Group Helps Design Exceptional Patient Experience

2011-05-20T14:13:00.003-04:00

It’s the goal of the team at the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center to provide an exceptional patient and family experience. How do we know what makes an exceptional experience? We asked the experts – our patients and their families. Then we listened.

Pictured are members of our focus group whose input was invaluable during the planning process. Special thanks to (left to right) Sharee Rolfe, Ed Ball, Joyce Ellis, Jim Wallen, Rose DeStefano, Janice Wallen, and Don Ellis.

Residents in our community will now have the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home, with the new array of services to be offered in the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital, scheduled to open on May 31.

These new services include Interventional Cardiac Catheterization (which is currently not available in Prince William County) and other procedures to treat heart disease. The 12,000 square-foot Center, conveniently located on the campus of Sentara Potomac Hospital, will also offer:

•Designated parking and separate Center entrance (this summer)
•Comfortable waiting area with a television, computer, and wireless access
•A comprehensive discharge packet created with cardiac patient input
•Diet and nutrition classes for family members

You’re invited to our free Sentara Heart and Vascular Center Community Open House on Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

During the event you can:
• Tour the center
• Meet the doctors and staff
• Have a free blood pressure screening
• Enjoy refreshments

EMS Personnel Get Sneak Peek at Heart Center

2011-05-18T15:50:00.003-04:00

Prince William County Fire & Rescue officials attended the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center Open House on Tuesday evening. All Prince William County EMS personnel were invited for their own sneak peek event. There will be another open house for EMS personnel on Thursday, May 19, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Please spread the word and we hope to see you there!

Pictured from left to right: Will Roden, Manager, Cardiovascular Services, Sentara Potomac Hospital; Steve Kersse, Battalion Chief, EMS Operations, Prince William County Fire & Rescue; Kevin McGee, Chief, Prince William County Fire & Rescue; Bob Midthune, Lieutenant, Prince William County Fire & Rescue; and Glenn Sheffield, Director, Emergency Services, Sentara Potomac Hospital.

It's EMS Week!

2011-05-16T10:44:00.001-04:00

It's National EMS Week and Sentara Potomac Hospital wants to say THANKS for everything these dedicated first responders do for our community.

Free Back Pain Seminar at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-05-10T14:10:00.002-04:00

Back, Leg and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Recurrent pain in the back, legs and neck is a common reason people visit their doctors. At this free seminar, Dr. Paymaun Lotfi, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, will explain the causes of pain and the diagnostic process to identify the problem.

Dr. Lotfi will also discuss different solutions to relieve your pain – from what questions to ask your doctor to lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medical treatment and new surgical options, including minimally invasive spinal surgery.

Join us on Wednesday, June 1, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Free! Registration is required. To register call Potomac's Health Connection at 703-221-2500 or register online.

Sentara Heart and Vascular Center Community Open House

2011-05-09T10:16:00.006-04:00

Join us on Saturday, May 21 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sentara Healthcare is excited to introduce the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital, which is soon to offer life-saving services not previously available in Prince William County.

The 12,000 square foot center is conveniently located on the campus of Sentara Potomac Hospital and will offer advanced heart and vascular care using the latest technology, coupled with highly skilled, board-certified cardiologists and interventional radiologists.

You’re invited to our free Sentara Heart and Vascular Center Community Open House on Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

During the event you can:
• Tour the center
• Meet the doctors and staff
• Have a free blood pressure screening
• Enjoy refreshments

Register online for this free event, or for more information, please call 703-221-2500.

Designing the Patient and Family Experience

It’s the goal of the team at the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center to provide an exceptional patient and family experience. How do we know what makes an exceptional experience? We asked the experts -- our patients and physicians. Then we listened.

We incorporated their feedback to provide an exceptional patient and family experience, including designated parking, a separate center entrance, comfortable waiting areas, comprehensive discharge information, and At Your Request food service.

The Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital is scheduled to open on May 31, 2011. Please join us at the Open House to learn more.

Sentara Potomac Marches for Babies

2011-05-05T11:28:00.004-04:00

Sentara Potomac Hospital sponsored the March of Dimes Walk -- March for Babies -- on Sunday, May 1, in Old Town Manassas.

Sentara Potomac Hospital team members, Christine Martin (Environmental Services), Tommy Evans (Maintenance), Maria Pons, Evelyn Marr and Megan Clay (Family Health Connection), along with family and friends, walked the four miles with smiles on their faces. Fun was had by all while helping to raise money for a worthy cause.

Relief for a Common Problem

2011-04-27T11:29:00.002-04:00

Doctors use a small balloon and other minimally invasive treatments to relieve chronic sinus inflammation

If it seems like every time you turn around someone is sniffing, sneezing, snoring or squinting, you’re right. These are symptoms of sinusitis, which is one of the most common chronic health problems, affecting an estimated 37 million Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

“Sinusitis is a general term that simply means inflammation of the sinuses,” says Alidad Arabshahi, M.D., an ear, nose and throat specialist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff. “It’s when the mucus membranes in your sinus cavities are swollen and do not allow air to flow easily through. This can cause miserable symptoms including stuffy nose, cough, and severe headaches.”

Finding relief

There’s good news for people who are looking for sinus relief but want to avoid traditional surgery.

“At Sentara Potomac Hospital, we perform Balloon Sinuplasty™,” says Dr. Arabshahi. “We place a small flexible balloon catheter through the nose into the blocked sinus passageway. We then inflate the balloon to restructure and unblock the passageway so that normal sinus drainage and function are restored.”

“Until recently, patients have had two main treatment options for severe sinusitis,” says Dr. Arabshahi. “Medical therapy, which includes antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery. Unfortunately, medical therapy doesn’t work for everyone and conventional sinus surgery can be painful because it involves the removal of bone and tissue to open up a blocked sinus passage.”

Since there is no bone or tissue removed with the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, patients recover more quickly with less pain or discomfort during recovery, according to Dr. Arabshahi.

Free Sinus Screening

Wednesday, May 18, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in The Potomac Center, First Floor (Next to Sentara Potomac Hospital).

Screenings are performed by board-certified ear, nose and throat specialists, Drs. Alidad Arabshahi and Ramin Ipakchi, who are trained in minimally invasive sinus surgery techniques, including balloon sinuplasty. Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Consider a Career with Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-04-26T09:51:00.005-04:00

Come to our Registered Nurse Career Fair!

Join us on Thursday May 5, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital for our Registered Nurse Career Fair.

You have dedicated your career and your heart to caring for others. Why not consider bringing your talents to Sentara Potomac Hospital? We invite you to be a part of the future of healthcare as we implement Sentara Healthcare’s electronic medical record, eCare, in October; and the opening of the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center in May.

Experienced registered nurses are invited to meet with Sentara Potomac Hospital nursing leaders from the following areas to find out more: ICU, IMCU, Medicine/Dialysis, Hematology/Oncology, Cardiology, Perioperative Services, Labor & Delivery, and Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

Staff, leadership and education level positions available. For more information, please contact Regina Falco at rafalco@sentara.com.

To join us for this event, we ask that you submit an online application and/or RSVP to 703-670-1509.

Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminars in Springfield and Fredericksburg

2011-04-25T13:13:00.002-04:00

Get Your Weight Loss Surgery Questions Answered at our Free Seminars

Join board-certified weight loss surgeon Dr. Denis Halmi to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures. Plus, hear firsthand from surgery patients about their experiences.

Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hilton Springfield, St. Thomas Room, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield.

Tuesday, May 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Fredericksburg Hospitality House, Palm Room, 2801 Plank Road, Fredericksburg.

Register online or call 703-221-2500 or 1-800-Sentara.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Free Sinus Screenings at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-04-25T10:32:00.001-04:00

Are you suffering from chronic sinus problems such as runny nose, itchy eyes, loss of smell or taste, headaches, or dizziness? These are common complaints, but solutions are available. Learn what treatment options might help you.

Screenings are performed by board-certified ear, nose and throat specialists, Drs. Alidad Arabshahi and Ramin Ipakchi, who are trained in minimally invasive sinus surgery techniques, including balloon sinuplasty.

Wednesdays, May 18 & June 15, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in The Potomac Center, First Floor (Next to Sentara Potomac Hospital).

Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Free Foot Screenings at Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-04-25T10:06:00.003-04:00

Pain in your feet can affect a person’s ability to enjoy the most basic activities of daily life. At the screening, Dr. Vincent Bonini, a board-certified podiatrist, will provide free consultations and explain available treatment options and ways to relieve your foot pain. These consultations will last approximately 10-15 minutes and are by appointment only.

Register today for our upcoming free foot screenings:

Thursdays, May 12 & June 9; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., The Potomac Center, First Floor the building connected to Sentara Potomac Hospital).

Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Free Men’s Health Seminar

2011-04-18T15:21:00.004-04:00

Permanent Solutions for ED and Bladder Control Problems

At this free seminar, board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist Dr. Pratik Desai will discuss solutions to erectile dysfunction (ED) and bladder control problems caused by prostate surgery, diabetes and heart disease.

During the program, patients will share their personal success stories. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend as well.

Tuesday, May 3, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Auxiliary Pleges $125,000 for Cardiac Equipment

2011-04-14T11:23:00.005-04:00

The Sentara Potomac Hospital Auxiliary has pledged $125,000 to purchase new portable Intravenous Ultrasound and Fractional Flow Reserve imaging equipment for the Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital. The new center, located on the hospital campus, opens in late May and will offer new heart and vascular services including interventional cardiac catheterization.

The equipment will provide physicians the technology to more comprehensively assess and treat patients with cardiac disease.

"We're thrilled to make this pledge," says Steve Argubright, Auxiliary president. "We are happy that we're able to contribute needed equipment that will help bring quality cardiac care to the local community."

The Sentara Potomac Hospital Auxiliary is made up of more than 150 community volunteers who provide an invaluable service to the hospital. In addition to operating the hospital Gift Shop, the volunteers also give freely of their time and talents by coordinating fundraising activities to benefit the hospital.

Visit PotomacHospital.com if you're interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary or for more information.

It's National Volunteer Week!

2011-04-13T16:16:00.004-04:00

The Sentara Potomac Hospital volunteers are the best on the planet! Thanks to all of our volunteers for everything you do for us each and every day.

Ask Our Experts

2011-04-11T10:10:00.004-04:00

Help for Bladder Control Problems

Q. I’m very frustrated with my bladder control issues. None of the treatments have worked and I need results so that I can get my normal life back.

Dr. Alok Desai: Your feelings are common with many people who have bladder control problems or incontinence. Making repeated visits to the restroom is both inconvenient and very frustrating.

The good news is there is help for those with an overactive bladder including leakage, the inability to fully empty your bladder, or urgency or frequency. At Sentara Potomac Hospital one of the most successful treatments we have is called Interstim® Therapy for Urinary Control, which is an FDA-approved minimally invasive treatment for bladder control.

Interstim Therapy is recommended when other treatment options for bladder control have not been successful. Overactive bladder can really impair a woman’s quality of life and I’ve seen many women (and men!) benefit from Interstim. The beauty of the procedure is that we can test it in the office to see if it works before any surgery is done. The patient knows what the results will be before they commit to having surgery.

If a patient has a successful test procedure, the Interstim procedure can be performed as an outpatient surgery, with a quick return to normal activity. In patients who have not had success with other therapies, Interstim has a reported success rate as high as 80 percent. At Sentara Potomac Hospital, we have successfully performed this procedure in patients ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s.

Dr. Alok Desai is a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Medical Staff. Dr. Desai completed his fellowship training at the Center for Continence Care in Minnesota, which performs more Interstim procedures annually than any other center in the United States.

Free Community Health Events
Join Sentara Potomac Hospital experts at our upcoming free health events. For a complete listing of programs and to register, click here.

Healthcare Decisions Day

2011-04-06T12:54:00.002-04:00

Sentara Potomac Hospital will observe National Healthcare Decisions Day on Friday, April 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tables with Advance Directives will be set up in the main lobby and outside the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Patient relations representatives will be available to anyone who would like assistance in completing Advance Directives and to answer any questions you may have.

Plus, we will be hosting Matthew C. Connors of Hancock, Daniel, Johnson & Nagle, P.C., for an informational presentation on Advance Directives. Please join us this Friday, April 15, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Hylton Education Center for this event. The presentation is open to all employees, physicians, and community members.

Please stop by, complete an Advance Directive and check one more thing off of your to-do list! For more information, please call 703-670-1575.

What's New in Treating Heart Disease?

2011-04-06T11:10:00.003-04:00

Join us for this free seminar as cardiologist Dr. Anna Czajka discusses the latest developments to diagnose and treat heart disease. Dr. Czajka will explain the techniques doctors use to diagnose heart disease, common symptoms and medical therapy for congestive heart failure.

Plus, learn about the role of pacemakers/defibrillators to manage congestive heart failure and find out about the new treatment options for valvular heart disease.

What’s New in Treating Heart Disease will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Register online for this free seminar or call (703) 221-2500.

Free Skin Cancer Screening on April 30

2011-04-06T11:01:00.002-04:00

When detected early, about 90 percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated and cured. Sign up now for our free Skin Cancer Screening on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in The Potomac Center, First Floor (next to Sentara Potomac Hospital). Screenings are performed by board-certified physicians.

The screening is free but an appointment is necessary. Call 703-221-2500 to schedule your appointment or for information.

Since skin cancer can be effectively treated if detected early, self-examination of the skin is crucial. Scrutinize those areas of your skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck, hands, ears and scalp. Most skin cancers develop on the head and neck. Use a mirror to check areas you can’t see, and ask your physician to perform a total-body exam with each routine checkup.

Early detection is important even if you haven’t been in the sun for a while – if you frequented the beach or tennis court as a youth, you’re still at risk decades later.

International Visitors Enjoy Tour of Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-03-31T14:32:00.003-04:00

A group of doctors, hospital administrators, and students visiting the U.S. from the Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan toured Sentara Potomac Hospital with Professor Dr. Thomas Wan of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Barbara Huelat, from Huelat Parimucha Healing Design, Sentara Potomac Hospital’s interior design company, was the keynote speaker. Kelly Degler, Sentara Potomac Hospital vice president, and Bill Moss,Potomac Health Foundation, both former students of Dr. Wan, also spoke to the group.

The group enjoyed the guided tours and learning about Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Happy Doctors' Day!

2011-03-30T07:34:00.004-04:00

National Doctors' Day is held every year on March 30 and celebrates the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for its citizens.

The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians.

In 1990, legislation was introduced to establish a national Doctors’ Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, March 30 was officially designated as "National Doctor's Day."

Sincere thanks to all of our doctors for everything they do for Sentara Potomac Hospital and the community!

Free Men's Health Seminar

2011-03-18T15:15:00.003-04:00

Permanent Solutions for ED and Bladder Control Problems

At this free seminar, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist will discuss solutions to erectile dysfunction (ED) and bladder control problems caused by prostate surgery, diabetes and heart disease.

During the program, patients will share their personal success stories. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend as well.

Saturday, April 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Register online or call 703-221-2500.

Ask Our Experts

2011-03-14T09:44:00.005-04:00

Confused and overwhelmed with diabetes? Don't be - we're here to help.

My doctor told me that I have diabetes. There’s so much information to learn about my condition and I feel overwhelmed by the changes I have to incorporate into my everyday life. How do I deal with this?

“Your concerns are very common for someone who has just been diagnosed with diabetes,” says Nadine Young, R.D., CDE, Coordinator of the Diabetes Management Program at Sentara Potomac Hospital. “Since diabetes is a chronic disease it has to be managed, not cured, which is one reason it’s difficult to deal with at first. Understandably, people just want to ‘fix it’."

“Many who are diagnosed with diabetes feel lost or confused because of the complexity of the disease,” says Young. “The good news is that it’s a diabetes educator’s job to teach you how to manage this disease successfully.”

“Our Diabetes Management Program is staffed with highly trained diabetes educators and registered dietitians who are here to help you,” explains Young. “After we take a detailed medical history, we teach you how to effectively test your blood glucose levels, plan your meals and manage your medications. Our team approach to managing your diabetes can help you avoid or delay the complications of this disease.”

This program is designed to complement your doctor’s care and requires a doctor's prescription. If you or someone you love has diabetes, Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Diabetes Management Program can help. Call 703-670-1767 or 540-659-1800, ext. 1767 for more information or go to PotomacHospital.com.

Is your heart working overtime?

2011-03-10T15:35:00.002-05:00

Have you ever worked overtime only to go home and fall -- exhausted -- on to your couch? That’s exactly how your heart feels if you have untreated high blood pressure or hypertension. In fact, eventually it will work itself to death.

“The heart is just like any other muscle in your body,” says Dr. Rishabh Sharma, a cardiologist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff. “When you work it hard it gets bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, when it gets too big from being overworked, it can actually fail.”

According to Dr. Sharma, high blood pressure also stresses out your arteries. “High blood pressure speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries,” says Dr. Sharma. “When the arteries harden they become narrower and less elastic, which causes a decrease in blood flow to the heart and other organs. In turn, your heart starts working even harder to compensate for the blocked arteries.”

Also, says Dr. Sharma, blood clots can get lodged in narrow arteries. “Blood clots can result in stroke, heart attack and other serious health conditions,” says Dr. Sharma. “It is vital that everyone has their blood pressure checked regularly so that the risk of heart disease and stroke can be decreased.”

Take a Load Off Your Heart

There are ways to reduce your heart’s workload. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods and controlling your weight, can help decrease or prevent high blood pressure.

“The first course of action is to prevent high blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Sharma. “If you already have high blood pressure, you should still make healthy lifestyle changes and continue to take any medications your doctor has prescribed. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range is paramount to avoiding potentially life-threatening health problems.”

Dr. Rishabh Sharma encourages everyone to have their blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’ because for many there are no symptoms.

To learn more about doctors on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff call 703-221-2500 to receive our free Medical Team brochure. You can also request one online.

Tired of Counting Sheep?

2011-03-08T13:24:00.006-05:00

Sleep Lab helps patients get their zzzzzz

Jim Lavelle was tired. He went to bed every night and slept, but he was exhausted for almost the entire next day. Unbeknown to Lavelle, his problem wasn’t a lack of sleep, it was the lack of quality sleep. Tired of being tired, the Fredericksburg resident scheduled a sleep study at Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Sleep Lab.

“Sleep is imperative to good health,” says pulmonologist Richard Robinson, M.D., who, along with Mark Clinton, M.D., is the medical director of the Sleep Lab at Sentara Potomac. “When people don’t sleep well it affects their physical health, mental health, productivity, their jobs and their relationships. Sleep seems so natural and simple, but the hectic lives that many people live cause many serious sleep problems.”

Most sleep loss is due to poor sleep habits and stress. However, millions of people suffer from undiagnosed sleep disorders including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.

“Snoring was my main problem,” says Lavelle. “But my wife also told me that I would stop breathing in the middle of the night. It was determined that my snoring is causing sleep apnea and my extreme fatigue.”

“There are several treatments that we use to help patients get back on track to better sleep,” says Dr. Robinson. “If you’re experiencing extreme fatigue, loss of concentration, dozing off during the day or feeling depressed, you may want to have a sleep study.”

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will discuss your concerns with you and determine if you need overnight evaluation at the Sleep Lab.

Fast facts about sleep deprivation

• More than 1,500 people die every year in sleep-related crashes on the roadways.
• Sleep loss costs U.S. employers tens of billions of dollars a year in lost productivity.
• Stress and worry are leading causes of insomnia.
• The large majority of people with sleep disorders are undiagnosed and untreated.
• Sleep problems are associated with many negative health consequences such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, heart disease, stroke and at-risk behaviors.
• Avoiding caffeine close to bedtime, avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly, establishing a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, and making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, cool and comfortable can help you get better quality sleep.

Source: National Sleep Foundation

Free Event for Cardiac Patients

2011-03-07T09:10:00.005-05:00

Cardiac Update: Stents & Bypass Surgery: What Cardiac Patients Should Know
Presented by interventional cardiologist Narian Rajan, M.D.

During this free seminar interventional cardiologist Dr. Narian Rajan will discuss the ins and outs of diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease and how to manage cardiac risk factors. He’ll also give an overview of the new stents and devices that are now available for cardiac patients. Plus, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of bypass surgery.

Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Sentara Potomac Hospital, Hylton Education Center
Free. Please register online or call 703-221-2500.

Living with Severe Obesity?

2011-03-03T11:55:00.003-05:00

Get Your Weight Loss Surgery Questions Answered at our Free Seminar

For those facing the struggles and frustrations of living with obesity, get your weight loss surgery questions answered at our free seminar. Join board-certified weight loss surgeon Dr. Denis Halmi to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures. Plus, hear first-hand from surgery patients about their experiences.

Fredericksburg Weight Loss Surgery Information Seminar + Patient Panel
Saturday, March 12, 2011
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fredericksburg Hospitality House, Palm Room, 2801 Plank Road, Fredericksburg

This is a free program, but please register online or call 703-221-22500 or 1-800-Sentara.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Breaking Down the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Cholesterol

2011-03-02T08:23:00.007-05:00

In the world of heart health, cholesterol is a dirty little word. If it’s too high, doctors cringe. If it’s too low, doctors cringe. There’s LDL, HDL, triglycerides, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol -- what does it all mean? We asked Dr. Nikki Waddell, an internist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff, about the good, the bad and the ugly of cholesterol and here’s what she said:

Q. What is cholesterol and why is it so bad?
Dr. Waddell: Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your bloodstream that your body needs to produce cell membranes and some hormones. However, too much cholesterol in your system greatly increases your risk for heart disease and stroke because it forms a thick plaque in your arteries that may block blood flow to your heart or brain.

Q. What’s the difference between good and bad cholesterol?
Dr. Waddell: HDL is considered good cholesterol because high levels of HDL may protect against heart disease. Conversely, high levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, increase heart disease risk because LDL is what causes plaque build-up in the arteries. So, the goal is to have a high number when measuring HDL and a low number when measuring LDL.

Q. How do I know if my HDL and LDL measurements are too high or too low?
Dr. Waddell: Your doctor will explain your cholesterol test results and what you can do to improve your numbers, but the current guidelines are: total cholesterol should be less than 200; LDL (bad) should be less than 100; HDL (good) levels above 60 give some protection against heart disease; and triglycerides should be less than 150.

Q. What are triglycerides?
Dr. Waddell: Triglyceride is a form of fat that’s made in the body. Many people who have elevated triglyceride levels also have high cholesterol. Most people with heart disease have high triglyceride levels – commonly due to obesity, smoking, low physical activity or a high cholesterol diet.

Q. How can you lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels?
Dr. Waddell: The best way to lower cholesterol is by making permanent changes to your diet. You should discuss low cholesterol diet options with your doctor – he or she may refer you to a nutritionist or another healthcare professional to help you make the best nutritional choices. Another great source for those who wish to change their diet is the American Heart Association (heart.org).

Q. So, all I have to do is eat right?
Dr. Waddell: Well, not exactly. While good nutrition plays a vital role in good health, regular exercise for weight control is equally as important. It’s recommended that everyone exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days. Taking a brisk, 30-minute walk every day will not only improve your cholesterol, it will provide many other health benefits as well.

For most people, changes in diet and exercise are enough to bring your cholesterol down to a reasonable level, but for some, medication may be needed. Either way, making sure your cholesterol is at a desirable level is the smart thing to do.

To find out more about Sentara Potomac Hospital physicians, please call our Health Connection at 703-221-2500 or online at potomachospital.com.

Sentara to Build Stand-Alone Emergency Department in Lake Ridge

2011-02-25T14:43:00.005-05:00

Outpatient Campus will Provide 24-hour Emergency Care, Advanced Imaging and Lab Services

Sentara Healthcare will soon begin construction on Sentara Lake Ridge – an innovative and modern outpatient healthcare campus that will offer convenient, high quality services and a patient-focused experience.

Sentara Lake Ridge is Sentara Healthcare’s first outpatient facility in Northern Virginia to provide 24-hour emergency care by board-certified physicians and advanced imaging and laboratory services. Located at the corner of Minnieville Road and Summit School Road, the 43,500 square-foot facility is expected to open in early 2012.

"One of the reasons we are opening Sentara Lake Ridge is to provide an alternative site for emergency care in our community," says Megan Perry, President of Sentara Potomac Hospital. "The Emergency Department at Sentara Potomac Hospital was designed 15 years ago to serve 40,000 patients per year, and now serves close to 60,000. We want to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the community and we believe that Sentara Lake Ridge will help us achieve that goal."

"A good patient experience is important to us and an overcrowded emergency room can cause longer wait times and create frustration for patients," says Perry. "The population within a five-mile radius of Lake Ridge is expected to increase by nearly 10 percent over the next four years, so opening Sentara Lake Ridge will allow us to better serve the emergency care needs of residents. Also, Sentara Lake Ridge will provide a very convenient location for imaging and lab services."

The Emergency Department at Sentara Lake Ridge will be open 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week and will be staffed by the board-certified physicians of BestPractices, who provide services at Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center. Emergency patients at this facility will be walk-ins only. Ambulances may transport patients who need to be admitted to the hospital for additional care, after they have been evaluated at Sentara Lake Ridge.

In addition to emergency services, there will be CT imaging services, digital mammography, bone density scanning, ultrasound and x-ray, plus laboratory services. These will be used by emergency patients and other patients who make appointments for these services. The advanced imaging services will be under the medical direction of Potomac Radiology and Imaging Associates, who also provide services at Sentara Potomac Hospital, and will primarily have weekday business hours and some limited weekend appointments.

Sentara is committed to adding value to the communities it serves. Sentara Potomac Hospital is the first Sentara hospital in Northern Virginia and joined the system in December 2009. Sentara Lake Ridge will be the first Sentara outpatient healthcare campus in Northern Virginia.

Since coming to Northern Virginia, Sentara has also introduced Medical Transport services and Home Care services. Sentara will introduce Sentara eCare®, a comprehensive electronic medical record to Sentara Potomac Hospital in late fall 2011,and to Sentara Lake Ridge upon opening.

Stroke Alert!

2011-02-22T08:25:00.006-05:00

Stay ahead of the third leading cause of death

We live in a world where everything happens quickly. Instant communication, instant purchases, instant gratification. Sometimes, to counteract the rush of life, it’s good to stop and smell the roses…except when you’re dealing with a possible stroke. To survive the third leading cause of death, time is of the extreme essence.

“It's very important to take immediate action if someone is experiencing signs of stroke,” explains Luis F. Eljaiek, Jr., M.D., medical director of the Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital. “If stroke symptoms are recognized early and 9-1-1 is called, we can give the patient a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. The catch is that tPA must be given within three hours of the start of stroke symptoms, so quick medical intervention is vital to a successful recovery.”

When it looks like stroke, don’t hesitate. Call 9-1-1.

Stroke Alert!

If you or someone with you has one or more of these stroke warning signs, don't delay – call 9-1-1 right away!

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Weight Loss Surgery Affords Stafford Mom a Healthier Life

2011-02-17T08:09:00.007-05:00

Melissa Ndebe (pictured), a busy Stafford mother of three, came to terms with needing help to lose weight after thinking long and hard about having weight loss surgery. Now, 230 pounds lighter, she’s living a much healthier and happier life.

Standing at a loooong six feet, two inches, Melissa was used to being one of the tallest people in the room. But after having kids and living a very busy life, she wasn’t only the tallest person, but the biggest.

“My weight really started to balloon after I had my kids,” says the Stafford mom of three. “At my heaviest I was 415 pounds. Frankly, the weight was holding me back. Many people suggested that I have weight loss surgery but I was really skeptical. I didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t handle my weight problem myself."

“Mrs. Ndebe came to our office with diabetes, liver problems, high cholesterol and severe sleep apnea,” says Dr. Denis Halmi, medical director of the Weight Loss Surgery Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital. “Those conditions are all gone now – along with the 230 pounds.”

On a scale from one to 10, Melissa rates her quality of life before the surgery a four and after – a 10.

“I didn’t realize how much of life I was missing until now,” she says. “When you’re that big, you tend to adapt, but after losing the weight I can really look back and see that adapting to life is just not enough. The healthy lifestyle changes that I’ve made have been passed on to my family. In fact, my husband has lost weight and my kids eat healthier as well.”

For those facing the struggles and frustrations of living with obesity, get your weight loss surgery questions answered at our free seminar. Learn about Sentara Potomac Hospital's surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

Also, find out more about insurance coverage and the Sentara Potomac Hospital weight loss surgery team at this free event on Thursday, February 24, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Register online or call our Health Connection at (703) 221-2500.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Visit PotomacHospital.com for more information.

Love is Good Medicine

2011-02-16T09:08:00.003-05:00

Research Shows Relationships Help Maintain Heart Health

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N., Director of Community Education

For some of us, it’s an excuse to prolong the chocolate orgy that began around Halloween. For others, it’s another example of crass commercialism sucking in naive consumers. And for some, it is actually a day to celebrate love and romance.

Whatever your view of Valentine’s Day, you’re savvy enough to realize that those whimsical little pink and red hearts adorning Valentine cards don’t resemble or have anything to do with our own pumping heart muscle. Or do they? As a symbol of loving relationships, those cute little hearts surprisingly have a LOT to do with our own hearts. Why? Because a growing number of respected researchers are coming to the conclusion that love is vital to heart health.

Indeed, cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish, considered by many to be the guru of heart health, deals exclusively with this subject in his book Love and Survival, 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health. Dr. Ornish is best known for advocating a super low fat diet that could reverse some heart vessel damage. It is quite noteworthy that this same doctor should have this to say on the healing power of love and intimacy:

“I am not aware of any other factor in medicine -- not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery -- that has a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness, and premature death from all causes.”

If you think Dr. Ornish is off in left field on this one, he has a lot of distinguished company out there with him. Scientists at Yale University examined degrees of blocked arteries (the culprits responsible for heart attacks and strokes) in 119 men and women. Those who felt the most loved by significant others had markedly less blockage.

Duke University looked at 1,400 male and female heart patients with the aim of measuring the importance of having a close confidant. After five years, those who were unmarried or lacked a confidant were three times more likely to have died than those who had a close confidant.

February is Heart Month, a good time to take stock of your own heart health. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly. Engage in activities to strengthen your heart such as aerobic exercise, losing excess weight, and tweaking your diet in a healthy (translation: less burgers and fries!) direction. Attend a heart health event offered by Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Just as important, or as Dr. Ornish maintains, more importantly, cultivate your loving relationships. Jump off the Shock Wave Roller Coaster of life and take time to be with yourself as well as others. Learn some quiet “exercises” such as deep breathing or meditation. These help to maintain connection to self.

Connect to others by cherishing and nurturing relationships with family and friends. Practice the art of really listening to those you love. If you have no one to listen to, it’s time to “reach out and touch someone.” There are plenty of folks out there who would make grand friends. Find them by joining a faith group or volunteering.

We are social creatures who thrive not only emotionally but also physically by our connection to each other.

Opening This Summer!
Sentara Heart and Vascular Center at Potomac Hospital. Residents in our community will now have the option of receiving cardiovascular care closer to home with the new array of services to be offered. Learn more here.

Don't Let Smoking Break Your Heart

2011-02-14T09:02:00.003-05:00

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N.
Director of Community Education

One of the toughest, and saddest, experiences of my nursing career occurred while I was an Administrative Nursing Coordinator (ANC) right here at Sentara Potomac Hospital. A relatively young man, in his 40’s, had suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite extensive efforts on the part of the Emergency Care Center team, he did not survive. It was my unenviable task to accompany the emergency physician to inform the family. After breaking the news as gently as possible, the physician softly posed the question, "Did he smoke?" The answer was yes.

At the time I remember wondering why of all questions, the doctor asked that one. After all, this was a case of undetected heart disease, not lung cancer or emphysema. A little research on my part quickly gave me the answer: smoking increases the risk for heart disease, and for young people who smoke (under age 50) the relative risk factor is even greater than for those over 50.

All smokers should understand exactly how they are assaulting their hearts every time they light up. Smoking increases blood pressure, decreases HDL (“good” cholesterol), decreases exercise tolerance and increases chance of blood clots. Continuing to smoke after heart surgery increases the risk of recurring heart disease. Women who smoke and use oral contraceptives greatly increase their risk of heart disease and stroke compared to their non-smoking counterparts. A smoker with a family history of heart disease greatly increases his/her risk to follow in their family’s footsteps.

Cigarette smoking is so prevalent (1 out of 5 Americans smoke) and significant a risk factor that the Surgeon General has declared it “the leading preventable cause of disease and deaths in the United States.” If you are a smoker there is no time more perfect than February, American Heart Month, to put down cigarettes for good.

Online resources abound: check out the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or American Lung Association’s website for assistance.

Need face to face support? Sentara Potomac Hospital offers a Nicotine Anonymous Support Group every Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center. Please, don’t let cigarettes break your heart!

Need to Know Your Heart Health Numbers?

2011-02-11T11:34:00.008-05:00

Register for Sentara Potomac Hospital's special Heart Screening which includes:

~Complete 12-lead EKG Reading (includes atrial fibrillation screening)
~Cholesterol Test
~Blood Pressure Check and
~A Heart Risk Evaluation

After the screening, participants are sent a pocket-sized card with an image of your baseline EKG on one side and essential emergency information and cardiac history on the other.

These screenings are now full. If you would like to be put on the waiting list for upcoming screenings, please call 703-221-2500.

A Patient’s Best Friend? Pooches Play Happy Role in Recovery

2011-02-08T10:56:00.004-05:00

Man’s best friend...the incomparable Lassie, Frazier’s Eddie, the first-dog, Bo. There’s something special about a human and his dog and the invisible bond that ties the two together forever. Having a dog as your friend means a lot of cuddling, playing and maybe a little drooling. Canine companionship has been proven to improve the quality of life for millions of people.

There’s no reason why the benefits of pet companionship shouldn’t be shared with others including those who are in the hospital. Research has shown that when therapy dogs visit patients in the hospital, the patients’ spirits are raised and heart rates and blood pressures decrease. Also, they help people cope with life changes, loneliness, and disease recovery.

Potomac Hospital has a Pet Therapy Program that is made up of specially trained volunteers and their dogs who have met the rigorous criteria established through Therapy Dog International and Delta Society - nationally recognized training and registration programs for people and their pets.

“Before becoming a registered Pet Therapy Dog, the dogs and the owners must pass health screenings, skills tests and aptitude tests,” explains Ann Boyle, who’s the volunteer coordinator of Potomac’s Pet Therapy Program. “All of us who volunteer at Sentara Potomac have undergone extensive training. In addition to training and tests, both the dog and handler have to possess the demeanor and personality to visit patients.”

Our Pet Therapy Program members include Ann Boyle and Sadie, a 3-year-old black Labrador Retriever; Anita Rose and Triton, a 4-year-old Portuguese Water Dog; Kris Campesi and Golden Retrievers Titus and Buddy; and our newest members, Jayda, and her owner, Marlene Abshire; and Marianne, a clumber spaniel and Molly, a boxer, and their owner, Nicole Bukowski. Jayda (pictured) is a five-year-old Rottweiler-Sheep Dog mix who loves pizza crust, people and lots of attention.

“Patients, staff and visitors love to see the Pet Therapy Dogs,” says Boyle. “People really perk up when they see us coming and that’s wonderful.”

Loving Dad Leaves Healthy Legacy

2011-02-04T08:56:00.006-05:00

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN
Director of Community Education

He was my hero, my mentor, my friend. When I was little, he made me oatmeal for breakfast. I never could tell him that I didn't like oatmeal. His frequent compliment, "you look so pretty, honey," did more to build a gawky teenager's self esteem than any other words. He encouraged me to pursue not only nursing, but a college degree as well, noting I would be glad of it in years to come (I was, and still am!).

My daughter fondly remembers his standard telephone greeting: a boisterous rendition of "Yes we have no Bananas!" He had a wonderful heart, but not a physically healthy one. He was my father, and when he died of a cardiac arrest 22 years ago, a light went out in my life.

I hope I inherited some of my father’s wonderful traits: he was a gentle, compassionate man who made a mark in his own little corner of the world. I do know that I inherited one of the risk factors which eventually contributed to his heart disease: high blood pressure.

Fortunately, I had uncharacteristic headaches which led me to employee health to have my blood pressure checked. It was, to put it mildly, “sky high” for a woman in her early thirties and has been kept in check with medications ever since. I say “fortunately” because the headaches were a warning; for most, the onset of high blood pressure has no symptoms, ergo its nickname “the silent killer.”

So it is with other risk factors for heart disease: high cholesterol doesn’t come up and introduce itself to the unsuspecting victim, and some 7 million Americans are unknowingly walking around with diabetes, a condition which greatly increases risk of heart disease.

The irony is this: heart disease remains the biggest killer of both men and women in this country, yet remains one of the most preventable diseases if risk factors are recognized and reckoned with. So what can one do to beat heart disease at its own game?

First, know that you are what your parents are. If mom or dad had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or heart disease you are at greater risk for these conditions.

Second, know your numbers. If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, or have not had a blood test to check your lipid profile (includes total, LDL, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and a fasting glucose (test for diabetes), do it! What you don’t know could kill you, quite literally. Your physician can advise you when and how often these tests are warranted, considering age and existing risk factors. I am faithfully and gratefully on my doctor’s doorstep every three months to make sure my blood pressure remains well-controlled. If you are already on medication for any of these conditions never, ever stop taking them without consulting your physician!

Third, take stock of your life style habits. Being overweight, sedentary, and poorly managing stress all contribute to increasing your risk of heart disease. Smokers beware: if you think your greatest risk from this horrific habit is lung cancer you are wrong: heart disease kills far more smokers than lung cancer.

My father’s life light was extinguished far too early. For your loved ones’ sake as well as your own, let your own light shine brightly on, by adopting a proactive attitude toward health!

Need to know your heart health numbers? Register for Sentara Potomac Hospital's special Heart Screening which includes: Complete 12-lead EKG Reading (includes atrial fibrillation screening), Cholesterol Test, Blood Pressure Check and a Heart Risk Evaluation. After the screening, participants are sent a pocket-sized card with an image of your baseline EKG on one side and essential emergency information and cardiac history on the other. Register online now or call 703-221-2500.

Reference: americanheart.org; diabetes.org

American Cancer Society Offers Clinical Trials Matching Service

2011-02-03T15:53:00.002-05:00

The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Clinical Trials Matching Service is a free, confidential program that helps patients, their families, and healthcare workers find cancer clinical trials most appropriate to a patient’s medical and personal situation.

Cancer clinical trials are research studies to find new drugs or methods to prevent, detect or treat cancer. Doctors use this research to learn whether a new treatment is safe and effective in patients. Such studies are vital to the development of new cancer treatments, prevention and early detection methods. ACS specialists are trained to answer questions about clinical trial participation and to open the door to treatment options available through research studies.

ACS helps you navigate through the clinical trial system by putting patients in contact with the coordinators for studies in which they are interested. For more information on the ACS Clinical Matching Service, please call 1-800-303-5691 or visit clinicaltrials.cancer.org.

Representative Gerry Connolly Tours Sentara Potomac Hospital

2011-02-02T10:07:00.013-05:00

The Hon. Gerry Connolly, U.S. House of Representatives, visited the Sentara Potomac Hospital Laboratory to experience the critical and expanding role laboratory testing plays in patient care. Rep. Connolly was greeted and given a tour of Sentara’s facilities by Dr. Jerome O’Connell. Pictured left to right: Michele Herman, histotechnician, Dr. Claudine Morcos, Dr. Janna Kelleher, Dr. Jerome O’Connell and Representative Connolly.

The tour focused on the important role of pathologists in healthcare, and included a demonstration of how pathologists use cutting-edge technology and laboratory tests to screen for cancer and precancerous lesions. Of particular interest was a discussion on the need to preserve the important role pathologists can play as a diagnostic consultant for patient care.

“The tour demonstrated how the Laboratory’s role is a vital component of patient care from diagnosis to treatment. Using state-of-the-art technology, pathologists can look at individual specimens and laboratory tests, provide a rapid diagnosis, and help guide patient treatment,” said Dr. O’Connell “We are honored that Representative Connolly would take time out of his busy schedule to visit our Laboratory.”

New Help for Couples

2011-01-27T10:28:00.003-05:00

Achieving natural pregnancy for women by treating male infertility

Many people do not realize that male reproductive problems account for about 20 percent of all infertility cases. What’s more, in an additional 30 percent of cases it’s a combined male/female issue. Between 15 and 20 percent of couples are diagnosed with infertility when they are unable to conceive a baby after one year of unprotected intercourse.

According to Dr. Ash Kshirsagar, a urologist on Sentara Potomac Hospital’s medical staff and director of Male Infertility at Potomac Urology, identifying and treating male infertility take the burden off many women who may unknowingly undergo unnecessary, painful and very costly fertility treatments.

“Common fertility problems in men such as underlying blood flow problems, obstruction in the reproductive tubes, and side effects from medications can be treated fairly easily and can give couples a great chance at natural pregnancy,” explains Dr. Kshirsagar. “This is excellent news for women who may mistakenly assume that they need to undergo fertility treatment when they have problems conceiving a baby.”

Dr. Kshirsagar is the only physician in the area who is fellowship-trained in male infertility and microscopic surgery, which he uses at Sentara Potomac Hospital to treat male infertility problems.

“Microsurgery allows me to precisely treat the affected area to allow for better sperm production,” says Dr. Kshirsagar. “We can also use this type of surgery to perform vasectomy reversals. Men who wish to reverse their vasectomy (elective male sterilization that blocks sperm from entering semen) now have a very effective option that can increase their chance of successful reversal to about 90 percent.

“These procedures have provided excellent outcomes for many men and couples,” says Dr. Kshirsagar. “Infertility can be a very trying issue for couples and it’s gratifying to know that we can help these couples reach their dreams of becoming parents.”

Need help finding a doctor? Call our Health Connection at 703-221-2500 or go online.

Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center Named an Institute of Distinction

2011-01-21T09:14:00.004-05:00

Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center at Potomac Hospital has again been designated as an Institutes of Quality® Bariatric Surgery Facility by Aetna.

Institutes of Quality Bariatric Surgery Facilities are a national network of healthcare facilities that are designated based on measures of clinical performance, access and efficiency for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to various surgical procedures to treat people living with morbid or extreme obesity.

Facilities selected for this designation meet the following criteria:
• Have significant experience in bariatric surgery, performing a minimum of 125 procedures a year.
• Have evidence-based and recognized standards for clinical outcomes, processes of care and patient safety.
• Provide ongoing follow-up programs and support for their bariatric surgery patients.
• Adhere to Aetna's standards for member access to the facility and Aetna participating providers.
• Demonstrate efficiency in providing care based on overall cost of care, readmission rates and comprehensiveness of program.

Want to learn more about weight loss surgery at Sentara Potomac Hospital? Come to our upcoming free seminar on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. Join a board-certified weight loss surgeon to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

To register call our Health Connection at (703) 221-2500 or register online.

About the Weight Loss Surgery Center The Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center at Potomac Hospital provides a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up and patient education and has been named a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Who's Number One? You May be Surprised

2011-01-19T13:52:00.007-05:00

By Maureen Deutermann, R.N., MSN
Director of Community Education

I will never forget a women’s health program the hospital sponsored several years ago. The topic was breast cancer, and the mood in the packed hospital auditorium was somber, the anxiety almost palpable. The participants were there to increase their knowledge about a life threatening disease, which is many women’s secret nightmare.

However, the opening statement of the keynote speaker, a cancer research physician, surprised us. It went something like this: “I know all of you are here because you are worried about dying from breast cancer. But to be honest, I must tell you that most of the women in this room will die of heart disease.” I can’t say the audience breathed any easier with this piece of info, but I’m sure it served as an eye-opener for many participants, myself included.

If you think heart disease is a “man’s disease,” consider these facts:

- Heart disease remains the No.1 killer of women age 20 and over.

- More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

- By comparison, while 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, 1 in 3 die of cardiovascular disease.

- 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease.

- 80% of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right health choices involving diet, exercise, and not smoking!

So there’s the bad news…or maybe it’s good news, if we use it to take an active role in our health. Want to beat your odds against heart disease? Know your personal risk factors for heart disease and modify the ones you can control (this works for men too, by the way!). Here are the major risk factors you can control:

If you smoke, STOP! Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in this country. Women who both smoke and use birth control pills are playing with a lethal combination.

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Women’s cholesterol climbs higher than men’s after the age of 55. Know your numbers and keep cholesterol levels in line by following a low saturated fat diet. Medication may be necessary if lifestyle measures aren’t successful.

Want to stop smoking? Come to Nicotine Anonymous at Sentara Potomac Hospital. This is an anonymous, caring and non-judgemental support group that meets every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center, Room H. Parking is located behind the hospital. There is no charge to attend, and no registration required. For more information, please call 703-670-1328.

Sentara Potomac Hospital Podiatrist Sings with Sole

2011-01-17T09:45:00.003-05:00

Dr. Arnold Levin, a podiatrist on Sentara Potomac Hospital's medical staff, was featured in Sunday's Washington Post Magazine. Read about his passion for writing and singing children's folk songs.

Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminars

2011-01-12T09:15:00.005-05:00

Get a jump on the New Year! Join a board-certified weight loss surgeon to learn about surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

These free seminars will be held on Thursday, January 13 and 27, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

To register call our Health Connection at (703) 221-2500 or register online.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

Visit PotomacHospital.com for more information.

Marion Wall Receives the 2010 Matthew F. McNulty, Jr. Award

2011-01-04T15:27:00.003-05:00

Longtime Sentara Potomac Hospital board member Marion Wall (center) was accompanied by (l to r) Andy Stephenson, Ken Krakaur, and Megan Perry of Sentara; Bill Moss of Potomac Health Foundation; and Howard Greenhouse, former Potomac board member, to the Healthcare Council of the National Capital Region’s CEO & Trustee Luncheon in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he received the Matthew F. McNulty, Jr. Award. Far right is Joe Burns, CEO & President of the Healthcare Council.

The Matthew F. McNulty, Jr. Award was created by the Executive Committee of the Healthcare Council of the National Capital Area to annually honor an outstanding healthcare leader. The award recognizes significant contributions to the region's healthcare field and is the Council’s highest award. Marion Wall received the 2010 award in December at the CEO & Trustee Luncheon.
Marion M. Wall joined the Potomac Hospital Board of Trustees in 1974 and was elected Chairman in 1988. He continued as Chairman until 1997 and then served as Chairman of the Potomac Hospital Foundation Board of Directors from 1997 – 2009.

Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Potomac Health Foundation, which provides grants to local organizations to better meet the growing healthcare needs of our community. He now also represents Sentara Potomac Hospital on the Sentara Healthcare Board of Directors.

"Motorcycle Santa" Visits Patients

2010-12-17T15:33:00.007-05:00

Santa, Mrs. Claus and all of their "elves" bring holiday cheer to
Sentara Potomac Hospital

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen....but do you know Officers Jack and Dave and George? They're members of the Prince William County Police Motormen Unit and none of them has a shiny nose.

Since Santa left the reindeer back at the North Pole, the Prince William Motormen made sure he and Mrs. Claus landed safely at Sentara Potomac Hospital. Santa's red bag was full of cuddly gifts for all the children in the Pediatrics Unit. They also visited patients in the Emergency Care Center and on the Progressive Care Unit.

The best part of the visit was Santa's and the Motormen's stirring rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Thanks to Santa and the Prince William Motormen for brightening our holidays!

Give the Gift of Life...

2010-12-08T07:45:00.004-05:00

...Get a Redskins T-Shirt

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N.
Director of Community Education

I’m sure by now many are finished with their holiday gift list (or not!). Did you know that there is an invaluable gift you can give this year that won’t cost a single swipe of your debit card? That this gift has the potential to save up to three lives? That this gift cannot be artificially manufactured? What, you may well ask, is this magical gift? A pint of blood. Yes, your blood, dear readers, can save lives, pure and simple. And oh boy, if you ever wanted to feel needed, consider these facts about blood needs:

· Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
· More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
· Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98% of whom are African Americans. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
· More than 1 million new cancer patients are diagnosed every year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatments.
· A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
· Only about 5 percent of the eligible population actually donates blood.

If you’ve never donated blood, be assured it is a safe process performed by experienced healthcare professionals. Heck, I do it all the time (well every 56 days if I happen not to be anemic that day), and honest, it’s practically painless!

The actual blood donation only takes about 10-12 minutes; combined with registration, mini-physical (checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to make sure it’s safe for the donor to give blood), donation and refreshments (bring on the Lorna Doones!). The total time is about an hour and 15 minutes. When you think of it, what a bargain gift! An hour and 15 minutes of your time to save three lives; I challenge you to find a better deal at any shopping mall this season!

Just in time for holiday giving, Sentara Potomac will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 21, from 1:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Hylton Education Center. Added perk: every donor will be the proud recipient of a Redskins T-shirt and a chance to win two tickets to a Redskins game (hopefully it’s one they’ll win)!

To make an appointment go to membersforlife.org/rccm/mobilesch/login.php and enter Sponsor Code 16927, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or drop by the registration table outside the Garden Café on Tuesday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wellness Wit and Wisdom

2010-11-23T15:25:00.003-05:00

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N.
Director of Community Education

Fall is definitely here. What led me to this brilliant conclusion? It could have been the ocean of leaves that appeared in my back yard overnight, but it wasn’t. It might have been the first sniff of wood smoke wafting through the crisp evening air, reminding me I need to get the chimney swept, but it wasn’t. Even my imminently expiring county automobile sticker didn’t jar me to the reality of the season as much as the sight of…PUMPKINS!!

Actually it was my lack of pumpkins that jolted me into an awareness of the season. There I was, the morning of Halloween, realizing that for the first time ever, I may not have a pumpkin to carve! Friends from church, oblivious to my anxiety, cleverly lured me out to breakfast; assuring me I would find orange orbs aplenty at the local Wal-Mart.

Imagine my considerable horror when the pumpkin bin at Wal-Mart was strewed only with several warty, downright scary looking gourds!! With literally minutes to spare before the closing bell, I raced over to the Farmer’s Market, not daring to hope what I’d find. Lo and behold, there, in the middle of the market, was a sea of the most beautiful, perfect pumpkins I’d ever seen. A bargain at only $3, or 2/$5, I chose two beauties and dragged them back to the car, to be turned into my best Jack O’ Lanterns ever!

No doubt about it, pumpkins are certainly an integral part of the fall foliage, as well as a traditional part of our fall and winter holidays. What other squash can claim the dual role of Halloween Jack ‘O Lantern and Thanksgiving dessert? I mean have you ever tried to carve a zucchini?

When the amazing pumpkin isn’t busy scaring trick-or-treaters off the front porch, it actually packs quite a nutritional punch. One cup of pumpkin puree boasts a modest 80 calories, 19 grams of carbohydrates, zero cholesterol, less than 1 gram of fat, a whopping 588 milligrams of potassium (move over banana!), 2.4 grams of protein, 20% RDA of Vitamin C and a hefty 310% RDA of Vitamin A. It’s also high in the “f” word:(fiber).

Unfortunately many traditional pumpkin recipes are doused with high fat ingredients: eggs, butter, and cream. They may be yummy, but not worth your arteries slamming shut. Try substituting lower fat ingredients in recipes so as not to negate the good nutritional impact of the pumpkin. Just in time for holiday feasting, here’s a skinnier version of pumpkin pie, one that rivals my mother’s heavier, more labor intensive version:

Light Pumpkin Cream Pie
1 prepared reduced-fat graham cracker crust
1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
2 small packages sugar free instant vanilla pudding/pie filling
1 cup skim milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 8-oz. container Cool Whip Free, divided
ENJOY!

Today is the Great American Smokeout

2010-11-18T08:41:00.002-05:00

Becoming Tobacco-Free Can Reduce Your Cancer Risk
By Snehal Patel, DDS, M.D.
Sentara Potomac Hospital Medical Staff

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation close to 36,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly one person per hour, 24-hours-per-day.

Of those 36,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in five years. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Often it is only discovered when the cancer has metastasized to another location. Prognosis at this stage of discovery is significantly worse than when it is caught in a localized intra-oral area. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90 percent are squamous cell carcinomas. It is estimated that approximately $3.2 billion is spent in the United States each year on the treatment of head and neck cancers.

Studies have shown that the death rate from oral cancer is about four times higher for cigarette smokers than for nonsmokers. It is also widely believed in the medical field that the heat generated by smoking pipes and cigars irritates the mouth and can lead to lip cancer.

Those at an especially high risk of developing oral cancer are over 40 years of age, heavy drinkers and smokers, or users of smokeless tobacco, including snuff. Campaigns to promote the safety of smokeless tobacco are being initiated, but it is clear that while it may reduce lung cancers, it has a negative effect on the rates or oral cancers.

Suspicious lesions of the oral cavity can undergo a simple biopsy under local anesthesia in the office, in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Want to quit?
If you need help to stop using tobacco products, join Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Nicotine Anonymous Support Group. This friendly group meets every Wednesday, 7 – 8 p.m. at Sentara Potomac Hospital to offer support and tips for staying tobacco free. We know you can do it! Free. For information call the Health Connection at 703-221-2500.

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
The American Cancer Society is marking the 35th Great American Smokeout on November 18 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. Visit cancer.org for more information.

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar

2010-11-09T16:09:00.002-05:00

A free informational program from Sentara Potomac Hospital

With weight loss, it’s not so much about what you’ll lose, but rather what you’ll gain – a way to improve your quality of life. A way to feel better.

For those facing the struggles and frustrations of living with obesity, this free seminar is for you. Learn about Sentara Potomac Hospital’s surgical solutions to weight loss including laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures.

Also, find out more about insurance coverage and the Sentara Potomac Hospital team at this free event.

Sentara Potomac Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of excellent outcomes in bariatric surgery.

This free event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House, Palm Room, 2801 Plank Rd., in Fredericksburg.

The first session will be held at from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.; and the second session will be held from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Free. To register call our Health Connection at (703) 221-2500 or register online.

Free Seminar: Prostate Health and You

2010-11-02T15:09:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., a board-certified urologic oncologist from Sentara Potomac Hospital will discuss what prostate health means to you including prostate cancer treatments, side effects and risks, and professional medical advice regarding screening and general prostate health.

This seminar is free and will be held at Westminster at Lake Ridge, 12191 Clipper Drive in Lake Ridge. To register, call 703-221-2500 or register online.

Free Flu Vaccines For Seniors

2010-10-28T12:55:00.002-04:00

Each fall, Sentara Potomac Hospital, in partnership with the Prince William Health District, offers free flu vaccines to persons 60 and over. Vaccines are given at places of worship and other community locations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 65 and older get a flu shot each fall. Upcoming senior flu clinics:

Monday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 18825 Fuller Heights Road, Triangle. For more information, call Marcia Connolly at 703-221-4044.

Thursday, November 4, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Prince William Area Senior Center at Woodbridge, 13850 Church Hill Dr., Woodbridge. For more information, call 703-792-5081.

Wellness Wit and Wisdom

2010-10-18T08:06:00.003-04:00

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N.
Director of Community Education

One of my favorite Disney movies is the classic Pollyanna. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, the heroine is an 11-year-old orphan who is sent to live with her bitter spinster aunt in a gloomy little village full of equally gloomy people. Pollyanna, however, is infused with an unquenchable enthusiasm for life which serves to change the lives of many of the villagers, and ultimately helps Pollyanna herself to overcome a personal tragedy.

Pollyanna’s tool for happiness is something called the “glad game.” Here’s how it works: Whenever something you perceive as being “bad” happens, say to yourself “I am glad of this because… (fill in the blank).” It’s a simple way of looking for the silver lining, or seeing the glass as half full. This little game is a good thing to practice, because as it turns out, having an optimistic outlook is beneficial to one’s overall health!

Studies show that folks who exhibit a positive attitude are less likely to develop certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and back trouble. They also recover more quickly from surgery. In fact, scientists now consider pessimism a risk factor for disease. In a study of 25-year-old Harvard University students, the optimists were significantly healthier at ages 45 and 60 than their pessimistic fellow students.

Psychologically, optimism also pays off. Optimists experience less stress, possibly because they believe in their own talents and expect the best outcome. Optimists don’t give up easily, and their persistence translates into greater achievement and success in life. In a study of clinically depressed patients, it was found that 12 weeks of training in optimistic habits worked better than medication!

Convinced that the practice of optimism is worthy of taking a whack at it? Okay, let’s start with a simple test of the Glad Game. Fill in the blank: “I am glad for Mondays because…” If you can do that one, Pollyanna would be very proud of you!

Free Diabetes Fair

2010-10-06T10:59:00.002-04:00

The Diabetes Management Program at Sentara Potomac Hospital invites you to the 21st Annual Diabetes Fair on Saturday, October 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital.

Bring your family and friends to this free event where you'll learn helpful hints for managing diabetes. You'll also have the opportunity to talk to medical professionals and ask questions. Plus:

• Ask the dietitian your questions about food and diabetes
• Talk to healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical representatives
• Learn about recipes and new products
• Blood pressure checks
• Body composition analyses
• Insulin pumps
• Blood glucose meters
• Enjoy healthy refreshments
• And more!

Special Presentation
Heart Disease and Diabetes: Reaching Your Target Range: A board-certified cardiologist will discuss the importance of knowing all of your numbers, including lipids, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and keeping them in your target range. Being proactive about reaching your target and staying within your target range will greatly reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Click here to register or call 703-221-2500.

Modern Treatments for Incontinence and other Women's Health Concerns

2010-10-06T10:40:00.002-04:00

More than 17 million women in the U.S. cope with urinary incontinence. If you’re one of them and want to know when to seek professional medical help, attend this free seminar presented by a board-certified urologist.

Making repeated visits to the restroom is both inconvenient and frustrating, but there is help for those with an overactive bladder including leakage, the inability to fully empty your bladder, or urgency or frequency.

At the seminar you’ll learn about modern treatments for common women’s pelvic health problems such as overactive bladder, incontinence, painful urination or intercourse, post-partum changes in bladder and bowel control and minimally invasive treatment of vaginal prolapse repair.

This free seminar will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital. Click here to register or call 703-221-2500.

FREE Sinus Screening

2010-10-06T10:31:00.002-04:00

Are you suffering from chronic sinus problems such as runny nose, itchy eyes, loss of smell or taste, headaches, or dizziness? These are common complaints, but solutions are available to help treat your symptoms.

Come take advantage of a free screening at Sentara Potomac Hospital and learn what treatment options are available. The screenings will be conducted by board-certified ear, nose and throat physicians specially trained in minimally invasive sinus surgery techniques, including balloon sinuplasty.

The Sinus Screening will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in The Potomac Center, Suite 130 (medical office building next to Sentara Potomac Hospital).

This screening is free but an appointment is required. Click here to register or call 703-221-2500.

Wellness Wit and Wisdom

2010-10-04T11:08:00.002-04:00

By Maureen Deutermann, MSN, R.N.
Director of Community Education

It seems like life just keeps getting more and more hectic and stressful. Even positive change causes stress. No time to think about anything as mundane as healthy food choices, right? WRONG! In periods of stress, even more attention should be paid to how we are fueling our bodies. Why? When under stress, we need more of all nutrients and in particular B vitamins, which contribute to the functioning of the nervous system, and calcium, which offsets the production of lactic acid from tense muscles.

Ironically, when under stress we often give in to the temptation of allowing healthy nutrition to take a nosedive.We are so busy and distracted that we may end up grabbing some pretty unhealthy grub. What’s a stressed out team member to do?? Here are some suggestions:

Adopt a nutritional “mantra”; anything that triggers you to think before you eat. “Garbage in garbage out” might do the trick!

Be prepared. Instead of becoming so ravenous that you find yourself wildly emptying quarters into the nearest vending machine, spend some time the night before planning and packing healthy snacks and lunches.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep blood sugar levels steady. Include sources of protein as well as carbohydrates in your snacks to give your energy level more staying power. Low fat cheese, peanut butter, and hard boiled eggs are good sources of protein. Team with whole grain bread, crackers or pretzels for the carb part of the equation.

Avoid or consume in moderation: Caffeine, which can increase nervousness, impairs sleep, and sucks up your reserve of B vitamins. Alcohol: also depletes B vitamins and can be disruptive to sleep, not to mention affecting judgment/thought processes.

Avoid concentrated sugar/sweets, which can cause an immediate surge in blood sugar only to ultimately result in an extended “low”: translation: you may start out with a zing but an hour or two later you may find yourself crashed into your computer keyboard. Not a good thing!

Think fresh and “whole” rather than processed. Whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables will supply adequate amounts of magnesium and Vitamins B and C, all of which are needed even more in times of stress. Don’t rely on a multivitamin to take the place of good nutrition; they can be helpful but can’t replace the health benefit of whole fresh foods.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to get enough sleep, take time to exercise, play, read, socialize; in short, take good care of yourself.

Reference: uhs.uga.edu/stress/nutrition; holistic-online.com/stress/stress_nutrition