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 and patient stories
Turning struggle into strength: Choosing resilience
When Roberto Robinson faced a life-threatening illness in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU), he chose hope. Supported by critical care physicians, nurses and other clinicians, and the steadfast presence of family and faith, Robinson found inner strength, hope and resilience in his darkest moment.A heart to heart transplant story
Sentara Heart Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) performs heart transplant surgery on a patient diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Read how Sentara’s cardiac care services and interventional cardiology saved a young mother.Interventional cardiology with heart at Sentara CSICU
Sentara Heart Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) helped patient Jesse McCullough find strength, hope, and faith. Read about how Sentara’s interventional cardiology and its cardiac care services restored Jesse in more ways than one.Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab helped Carol Carr build confidence and camaraderie during her heart recovery
Unlike other cardiac rehab programs, Pritikin’s approach is comprehensive, built on three pillars: regular exercise, healthy nutrition and emotional well-being. For Carol, that holistic focus made all the difference.Respiratory illnesses are on the rise: How to treat it and where to get care
Respiratory illness is making headlines across the U.S. Symptoms of common illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19 and RSV are similar, and treatment options vary based on risk level. High-risk individuals should seek urgent or emergency care. Primary care, walk-in clinics or urgent care facilities are recommended for mild symptoms. Sentara offers various care options, including primary, urgent and emergency care.Protect your mental health this holiday season
Stressors can steal some of your joy during the holidays. Learning how to navigate these can make the season brighter.Diagnosing Alzheimer's and dementia
While many people interchange the terms "Alzheimer's disease" and "dementia," they are not the same.Getting screened for lung cancer might just save your life
Lung cancer is often diagnosed late because symptoms don’t occur until later stages. This article will discuss how lung cancer screening works, who should get screened and what you can do to lower your chances of getting lung cancer in the first place.Free food assistance at Sentara CarePlex Hospital
We understand that times can be tough, and everyone needs a little help sometimes. Our mission is to make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Whether you're facing temporary hardship or need ongoing support, we're here for you.Rebuilding heart health: The Pritikin approach at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
When patients walk through the doors of Sentara Martha Jefferson Health and Wellness Center for the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program, they begin a journey that transforms more than their heart health. They're investing in a lifestyle change across three pillars: exercise, nutrition and a healthy mindset.Add a pediatric well-child visit to your back-to-school checklist
Now’s a good time to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to get school and sports physicals, update vaccinations and review your child’s overall health.Tips for a safe and fun-filled summer
As the warm embrace of summer invites us outdoors to enjoy long-awaited activities, the season also brings its share of health and safety concerns. Dive into our comprehensive summer safety guide.Pediatrician vs. urgent care: where to go when your child is sick?
When your child is sick should you call your pediatrician or urgent care? Akpomevigho A. Avbovbo, M.D., a pediatrician at Sentara Halifax Pediatrics shares some tips and explains why it is important to call your pediatrician first.Men's health and 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, more than 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025, and over 35,000 will die from the disease.Wearable technology aids in Parkinson's disease research
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.