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
How to Keep Your Holidays Fun and Festive
‘Tis the season to be…safe! The holiday season is here and with it comes plenty of good cheer, but there are also unique safety risks this time of year.Why insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, diabetes
Insulin is one of about 50 hormones circulating in the body, each playing a vital role in regulating the biological systems that keep you healthy.Choosing a Hospital for Your Delivery
One of the first things an expectant mom starts thinking about is the delivery experience you want and where you will deliver your baby. "We know new moms look for information online and talk to other expectant moms as they choose an OB provider and start planning for the birth of their baby," says Jennifer Baugher, team coordinator at Sentara RMH Medical Center Family Birthplace in Harrisonburg.You’re Pregnant! 5 Things to Talk to Your OB-GYN/Midwife About Now (free downloadable list)
"Whether you're a first-time mom or not, everything can feel new and scary. Each pregnancy is different," explains Cathy Slusher, MD, OB-GYN with Harrisonburg OB-GYN Associates. Your first prenatal visit with your OB-GYN (sometimes called an OB doctor, OB specialist or obstetrician) or your Certified Nurse Midwife (also known as a CNM or midwife) is an opportunity to confirm your pregnancy, review your medical history and ask the questions you no doubt have on your mind.Breast Cancer Survivor Encourages Annual Mammograms
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about the importance of screening, early detection, and knowing your family history. As the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women, breast cancer is something women of all ages may face in their lifetime. One of those women is Mindy Shifflett.From Trike to Bike: Helping kids learn to ride a bicycle
But what's the best plan to go from a tricycle to a "big boy" or "big girl" bike without training wheels? Sentara physical therapist Cierra Neidermeyer shares some helpful tips with the adults (or big sisters or brothers), helping a child learn to ride a bike.Are you eligible for a lung cancer CT screening?
"We highly encourage those with high-risk factors for lung cancer, such as a history of smoking, family history of lung cancer, or exposure to carcinogens to talk to their primary care provider or pulmonologist about a low-dose lung CT scan," notes Jessica Chitwood, a CT scan technologist at Sentara. "Treating lung cancer early, like all cancers, gives us more hope for a better outcome."Occupational Therapy for Children and Teens with ADHD
October is ADHD Awareness Month and the theme for this year is “Moving Forward with ADHD.” For the 17 million children and adults in the United States living with ADHD, support, education and advocacy is key to moving forward to improve their quality of life.Knowing Family History Critical For Prostate Cancer Survivor
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an important time for spreading awareness about one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men in the United States.Pay attention to symptoms that can point to gynecological cancer
A century ago, cervical cancer was the number one cause of cancer deaths for U.S. women. Fortunately, in the 1950s, when doctors began widely using Pap smears to detect cervical cancer, these rates fell drastically.Adults Need Vaccines Too
Often we associate vaccinations with young children, but adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date, too. Did you know that immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time? Adults are also at risk for different diseases.PT progresses swimmingly with aquatic therapy for 12-year-old
Connor Hurst, 12, juggles sports, school and friends like any other preteen. On top of that, he devotes several hours each week to increasing his strength and abilities with physical therapy.Sentara Offers First da Vinci Robotic Surgical System in Williamsburg
Expanding on their offerings of the latest healthcare technologies, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center enhanced their surgical options with the addition of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.