Sentara provides programs, services, events and information to help people in the communities we serve take proactive steps to boost their health and stay well. To find ways to eat healthier, live longer and prevent disease browse upcoming classes and events, register for one of our community health programs, get wellness information and tips or read about the experiences of our patients.
Health Articles
Postpartum mental health: Understanding, preparing and navigating the journey
Postpartum mental health is an important part of a new mother’s well-being that is often overlooked. Proactive education before the baby arrives, support systems, self-care and open communication can help new mothers cope with emotional and physical changes. Trauma from delivery can also have lasting effects on a new mom’s mental health as well as her bond with the baby. Early intervention ensures better outcomes for both mother and baby.6 facts you may not know about handwashing
Washing your hands is one of the simplest steps you can take to stay healthy. Learn more about the proper techniques for washing your hands and why handwashing is so effective.Addressing the array of emotions that follow a cancer diagnosis
Having cancer affects the physical, social, emotional and spiritual parts of life. Talking through your concerns and fears is as important to your recovery after a cancer diagnosis as your medical treatment.Preventing complications from respiratory illnesses this cold and flu season
Each fall and winter, we see seasonal spikes in the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Learn why it’s important to be vaccinated against these illnesses and what additional preventative measures you can take.Catching breast cancer early makes all the difference
Learn more about the importance of getting screened, what screening options are available and how women of all ages can protect themselves against breast cancer.Cracking the code on cholesterol numbers
We're here to help you break down what it means to have healthy vs high cholesterol levels and what you can do to change them with your lifestyle and medication.Care for caregivers: Supporting those who support others
Caregiving can be demanding and often leads to stress, which can negatively impact the caregiver's health. This article highlights the importance of self-care for caregivers, offering tips to manage stress, maintain physical and mental well-being and seek support. It also includes advice from an experienced caregiver and suggests resources like respite care and family medical leave to help caregivers manage their responsibilities effectively. Prioritizing self-care benefits the caregiver and ensures better care for their loved ones.Robotic-assisted knee replacement: 'I wish I hadn't waited that long'
An old cheerleading knee injury plagued Tammy Murphy for decades. Learn how she was able to get back to a better quality of life with a new type of robotic surgery.Enjoying new-found mobility after robotic-assisted knee replacement
As a carman who maintains railcars for TTX, Pat Haines is used to being on his feet. But when the pain in his knee became unbearable, a new type of robotic surgery helped him regain mobility.CDC speech therapy guidelines have changed, but early intervention is still the goal
In this article, we’ll talk about how developmental milestones are meant to be used, what the updates mean for parents and caregivers, and what you should do if you’re worried your child might have a speech delay.Talking to your kids about weight
Parents must tackle many sensitive topics with their kids. One of the most challenging concerns centers around weight. We share some advice on how to approach this conversation with your child and how to create a healthier lifestyle for your whole family.When it comes to prostate cancer, knowledge is power
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second deadliest after lung cancer. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, nearly 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, and over 30,000 will die from the disease.Empowered by experience: From brain tumor patient to healthcare champion
At 23 years old, Megan Kaleb, now 26 was suffering from migraine headaches and relentless nausea. However, having come down with COVID-19, she chalked the lingering symptoms up to aftereffects of the virus.Robotic-assisted knee surgery comes to Sentara Leigh Hospital
Earlier this year, Sentara Leigh Hospital adopted a new tool that promises to keep them on the cutting edge of total knee replacement technology: the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution.It's cookout season and you're on the menu
Summer is the time for backyard barbeques and other outdoor activities, but it's also when ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects come out. Learn when to seek medical care for a bug bite and how to avoid getting bitten in the first place.