Health & Wellness

Newer research suggests that time-restricted eating -- fasting for 12-16 hours overnight -- can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. The American Diabetes Association recommends several meal patterns, including Mediterranean, vegetarian, low-fat and low-carb approaches to help manage blood sugar levels. Sentara offers diabetes prevention, diabetes and prediabetes nutrition support and fitness programs to aid individuals in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Forensic nurses provide critical care to survivors of violence, bridging medical and legal support with compassion and expertise. At Sentara, their program addresses cases such as sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence and elder abuse by offering confidential treatment, evidence collection, injury documentation and advocacy resources. Their role emphasizes trauma-informed care, empowering survivors to heal, seek justice and rebuild their lives.

Multiple measles outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. in 2025, primarily due to declining vaccination rates, making infants and unvaccinated individuals highly vulnerable. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, with two doses providing 97% protection. Early vaccination may be recommended in high-risk areas or for international travel. Besides vaccination, protecting babies from measles includes practicing good hygiene, limiting exposure to crowds and ensuring caregivers are immunized.

Recent measles outbreaks in Texas and other parts of the country have led to some conflicting information about measles. Let’s review the facts about measles and learn how to protect your family from this threat.

Understanding how what you eat impacts diabetes or prediabetes is important in managing these health conditions. A balanced diet with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight and reduce complications. Strategies like portion control, hydration, and meal planning support glucose control. Sentara registered dietitians offer diabetes nutrition support that can improve long-term health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

One of the recommended ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer (and other cancers), is eating a diet that supports colon health.

Colon cancer screenings may not be a favorite topic, but they’re a game-changer for health.

Once eliminated in 2000, measles is resurgent in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates. Measles symptoms include fever, coughing, and a distinctive rash, with transmission primarily airborne. The MMR vaccine provides up to 97 percent effectiveness. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult their health care team before vaccination. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe complications and hospitalizations, particularly in vulnerable populations.

The medical understanding of obesity is shifting, recognizing it as a complex disease rather than a lack of willpower. GLP-1 medications, initially developed for diabetes, are now being prescribed for weight loss due to their ability to regulate appetite and provide additional health benefits. They are most effective with proper nutrition, exercise, and medical supervision. Bariatric surgery remains a highly effective long-term option, especially for individuals with higher BMIs or those who do not tolerate medication. Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions offers surgical and medical weight loss approaches in a supportive, judgment-free environment to help patients achieve sustainable health improvements.

Your diet always impacts your health, but it’s even more important when you’re pregnant and eating for two (or more!).

Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age, with many young patients diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed detection. Screening guidelines have been updated to recommend colonoscopies starting at age 45. While the exact cause of rising early-onset cases is unclear, factors like diet, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption play a significant role. Early detection through colonoscopies remains the most effective way to diagnose colon cancer.

For Johanna Joe, being a registered nurse in the mother-baby unit at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital has been the best kind of nursing role - challenging but also deeply rewarding. But this fall, Johanna got a chance to see the mother-baby unit from an entirely different perspective: as a patient.

Feeling like pebbles were stuck in her shoes, Rebeca Giacoman pulled into a rest stop while driving to Virginia from a vacation in Tennessee. She took her dog out for a walk and shook out her shoe, finding no pebbles, despite still feeling the sensation.

High blood pressure is a serious health concern in the Black community and contributes to heart disease being the leading cause of death. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, healthcare disparities and genetic predispositions exacerbate the issue. Lifestyle adjustments like a healthy diet, exercise, stress management and regular check-ups are important strategies to lower blood pressure. Sentara is committed to improving healthcare access through community programs and initiatives like Sentara Mobile Care.

The structural heart program at Sentara RMH Medical Center offers advanced, minimally invasive cardiac care for complex heart conditions. It provides treatments like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), enabling faster recovery and reduced patient risks. The program eliminates the need for patients to travel as far by offering high-level care close to home. A multidisciplinary team ensures personalized treatment plans and excellent outcomes through a collaborative approach.