Men’s Health Solutions

A free seminar for those coping with erectile dysfunction (ED)
and bladder control problems

More than five million American men live with bladder control problems and more than 30 million have some form of erectile dysfunction (ED), which can significantly impact quality of life for them and their partners.

The good news is that nearly every man can be successfully treated for these conditions and there is usually more than one option to choose from. Please join us for a free educational seminar to discuss the latest solutions for erectile dysfunction and male urinary incontinence.

A wide range of treatment options, from new medications to the latest surgical solutions, will be discussed. Also, patients will be attending to share their stories of successfully treating these conditions and will be available to answer your questions. Your spouse or partner is welcome and is strongly encouraged to attend.

Men's Health Solutions will be held on Saturday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital. This is a free event, but please register by calling 1-877-433-2873.

The Discovery Channel Comes to Sentara Potomac Hospital

The Discovery Channel filmed part of an upcoming documentary at Sentara Potomac Hospital. The documentary, called “Overcoming Obstacles in Treating Your Diabetes,” is set to air on Oct. 2, 9 & 16 at 8:00 a.m. on the Discovery Channel (Comcast channel 53 in Prince William County). The documentary follows several diabetes patients through their experiences related to their diabetes treatment, education and management.

One of the subjects in the documentary is Sheri Danner-Murphy, a 43-year-old mother of two from Woodbridge who spent time in Sentara Potomac’s Intensive Care Unit due to complications from diabetes. While she was in the hospital she was encouraged to follow-up her care by enrolling in Sentara Potomac Hospital’s Diabetes Management Program so that she could receive the proper diabetes education. Sheri has since enrolled in the Diabetes Management Program and is excited about finally taking control of her disease.

During the two-day filming, the Discovery Channel interviewed members of the hospital’s Diabetes Management team including diabetes educators Robyn Johanson, R.N., Nadine Young, R.D., and Barbara Warren, R.N., as well as Dr. Ericka Walker and inpatient educator Donna Weaver, R.N.

FREE Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening

If you experience leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, that usually disappears after a few minutes of exercising; you may have Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD. PAD affects the body’s blood vessels, especially in arms, legs, feet and hands.

In addition to leg pain, other symptoms of PAD can include: numbness and tingling in the lower legs and feet; coldness in the lower legs and feet; or ulcers or sores on the legs or feet that don’t heal. This screening is for adults who are currently not being treated for PAD.

The screening will be held on Saturday, September 25, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in The Potomac Center, First Floor (next to Sentara Potomac Hospital). The screening is free but an appointment is necessary. Click here to schedule your appointment or call 703-221-2500.

Wellness Wit and Wisdom

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

When I was a kid, it wasn’t going back to school that I dreaded (I was actually kind of a nerdy kid), but the fact that my dad was usually the one sending us off to school, as mom worked early. Don’t get me wrong, my dad was a prince of a guy, but he believed in launching us into those hallowed halls of learning with a good “stick to your ribs” breakfast on board. That usually meant the “o” word….oatmeal. I not only didn’t like oatmeal, the stuff made me literally gag.

My solution was to dig in and get it over with as soon as possible; confessing my oatmeal aversion to my sweet dad was not an option. Unfortunately, sweet dad took my gobbling as a sign of enthusiasm and would invariably plop another helping in my bowl…sigh. Then there were his boiled tongue sandwiches cleverly smuggled into my lunch sack…but that’s another story.

The point is: dad was not only sweet but wise, knowing that a good breakfast was important for energy, concentration, and learning in general. Another school year is upon us. For those of us with students at home, our efforts may be concentrated on securing new outfits, backpacks and school supplies. We would do well to take stock of what we’re putting into our little scholars as well!

Here are a few nutrition tips to help ensure a successful and healthy school year:

• By all means provide your children with a healthy breakfast before they board the bus. Include protein (egg, milk, peanut butter), whole grains (toast, whole grain cereal), and fruit. Beware of the sugar bombs being passed off as cereal!

• Lunch time is a challenge as you won’t be around to play food Gestapo. Check out your child’s lunchroom menu ahead of time, if possible, and help him/her make healthy choices. If you pack your child’s lunch you’re more in control, but make sure it’s something your child will eat. For years I packed an apple in with my son’s typical peanut butter sandwich and chips (yes chips…no one’s perfect!). It was only when one of the “lunch ladies” at his school casually informed me that the apple was consistently used for hoop practice that I switched to grapes. To this day grapes are the preferred fruit of choice for my now college-aged son. Who knew???

• Ah dinnertime: you’re tired, the kids are tired, let’s fly through McDonald’s. Right? Wrong! If you can’t remember the last time you all sat down at the dinner table together, a new school year is a great time to start. Children who regularly eat dinner at home with their parents have lower risk of substance abuse, lower stress and anxiety levels, and higher levels of self esteem, not to mention higher grades than their “take-out” peers.

This year, make sure your beloved scholars are packing good nutrition into their school days; you may just see a surprise payoff at report card time! Reference: http://www.casafamilyday.org/