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

  • Jenny Sisk’s new beginning after gastric sleeve surgery

    For Jenny Sisk, losing weight had always felt like a battle, one she fought for more than 25 years. After taking the life-changing step to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, she feels stronger and healthier than ever.
  • Sentara nurse Jessica Means gains a new lease on life and leftovers after weight loss surgery

    Weight loss surgery in 2021 blessed Jessica Means with a reduced-size stomach that requires portion control and prioritized grazing habits.
  • Symptoms of a stroke that rapidly go away signal a TIA

    If you are concerned about stroke symptoms, even for a few minutes, you could be experiencing a TIA, also known as a "ministroke," which can serve as a warning for a future, more serious stroke.
  • Commonly asked questions about prostate cancer screening

    Early detection of prostate cancer can keep it from spreading to other areas of the body. Learn more about prostate cancer screenings.
  • Free food assistance at Sentara Obici 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.
  • The road to recovery: seeking care at the right time

    When Frank Zimmerman first started having trouble breathing back in 2004, he didn’t realize that he was beginning a health journey that would get him where he is today.
  • 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.