OurHealth Magazine for Richmond: January/February 2020

Connecting You to Trustworthy Care Close to Home

OurHealthRichmond.com

January | February 2020

Magazine for Richmond

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

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DEPARTMENTS JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2020

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The Pulse | People. Places. News to Know.

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Health Scene | Happenings. Who’s Who. Trending.

For the fourth year in a row, Middle and Upper School students and teachers from The Steward School in Richmond participated in the school’s annual head shaving/hair donation event and fundraiser.

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Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge.

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Resetting Health Resolutions: If Your Resolutions Turned Out to be Unrealistic, Reset with Ones Right for You. It’s time to reset your health resolutions and focus on smaller, more achievable goals that will help you create the healthiest version of yourself in 2020. There are still plenty of months ahead to get it right.

Truth in HealthCare: Setting Fact Apart from Fiction

36 When Researching Online

Amid all the facts online, there is a lot of fiction. When it comes to your health, being misinformed can lead to a lot of trouble.

40 The Inaugural Truth in HealthCare Society Members: 40 - Commonwealth Endodontics 42 - JenCare Senior Medical Center 43 - SAFE 44 - Virginia Family Dentistry

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Yes, An Alternative to Open Heart Surgery Does Exist The thought of trying to pronounce the name of this procedure – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement – is intimidating enough. But once you learn how this medical advancement can replace the need for open heart surgery, you will likely want to give it a second look.

50 Funny Bone | Spot the Seven Differences

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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2020

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CONTRIBUTING RICHMOND MEDICAL EXPERTS Tracey Adler, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT Kevin Connelly, DO Nirav Patel, MD, FRCS Aaron Stecker, DO Phillip Valmores, DO Madge Zacharias, MD

CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL Steve McClintic Jr.

EXPERTS & WRITERS Dylan Roche

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COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

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The Pulse

INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS

New Services, Programs and Expansions Sheltering Arms Launches New Brand Sheltering Arms, a 130-year-old Richmond healthcare provider that operates two inpatient physical rehabilitation hospitals and 10 outpatient clinics across the greater Richmond area, announces the launch of its new brand.

Sheltering Arms is moving forward, growing and innovating to provide the best care for our patients, and we want our logo to reflect that.

Resetting

Your Health Resolutions: Don’t Let Those Goals Be Forgotten So Soon After You Started ON PAGE

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Mary Zweifel, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms’ new logo mirrors the highly innovative healthcare the nonprofit provides. “We are on the cutting edge of physical rehabilitation, combining advanced technology with a holistic approach to care. This recipe gives people the best possible chance for success following illness or injury,” Zweifel adds.

While there is a clear tie-in to its well-known logo—the iconic purple tree—the new logo modernizes the look while adding the patient-centric human element that is so central to the history and legacy of Sheltering Arms.

The rebrand starts an exciting year for Sheltering Arms. In June, the doors of Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, will open in east Goochland at the intersection of 288 and Broad Street. The brand new state-of-the-science, 114-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility will combine advanced research, training and innovative transdisciplinary rehabilitative care.

More information: To learn more about Sheltering Arms’ two hospitals (in Mechanicsville and Midlothian) and 10 outpatient clinics, visit www.ShelteringArms.com, call 877.56.REHAB or connect with Sheltering Arms on Facebook or Twitter.

New Technologies New Treatment Option for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain HCA Virginia’s Parham Doctors’ Hospital is the first in Virginia to offer a new approach that provides relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP).

The Intracept procedure, performed by Daniel Martin, MD, a spine interventionist who practices at Parham Doctors’ Hospital, is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure which targets a nerve located in the spine. It is indicated for patients who have experienced chronic low back pain for at least six months and have not responded to at least six months of conservative care.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a specialized probe into the vertebrae and uses radiofrequency energy or heat to disable the nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals. The procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes and does not involve an implant nor change the structure of the spine.

We are pleased to offer a new option for patients suffering from debilitating chronic low back pain that have failed conservative therapy.

Daniel Martin, MD

The Intracept procedure is supported by two randomized control trials with over 350 patients enrolling in the trials. One trial demonstrated a highly significant difference in pain reduction at three months for patients that received the Intracept procedure compared to patients that received standard care. In the other trial, patients who received the Intracept procedure reported a 53 percent decrease in pain at year two follow up appointments.

“I’m excited that the comprehensive spine program at Parham Doctors’ is the first in the Commonwealth to offer this new treatment for patients in our region,” says Ryan Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of Henrico Doctors’ Hospitals.

More information: Visit www.parhamdoctors.com.

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John “J.D.” Morris, CPO will see patients in the new Richmond location.

New Facilities and Relocations Virginia Prosthetics Expands to Richmond Market Virginia Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. has opened a new patient-treatment facility in Richmond—its 15th location in Virginia—and first in the Richmond metro area. The new office is located at 10710 Midlothian Turnpike in The Fairfax Building, Suite 116 in Richmond.

“Our service area stretches from far Southwest Virginia to Central Virginia, and has grown continuously since our founding in Roanoke in 1966,” explains J. Douglas Call, CP, President of Virginia Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. “Choosing Richmond as our newest location is a natural continuation of that growth, and driven in part by patient demand as well as Richmond’s positive business climate. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to help area patients live a life without limitations using the latest orthotic and prosthetic technology and advice of skilled practitioners.”

John “J.D.” Morris, CPO, is the certified prosthetist and orthotist serving patients in the new Richmond location. He joined the company in 2011 after practicing in the Shenandoah Valley for a number of years, and most recently treated patients at Virginia Prosthetics’ Harrisonburg and Charlottesville locations. Morris earned a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, completed his orthotic and prosthetic education in the Prosthetics and Orthotics program at California State University, and served in the U.S. Navy.

Founded in Roanoke in 1966, Virginia Prosthetics and Orthotics is Virginia’s oldest and largest orthotic and prosthetic provider.

More information: Visit www.virginiaprosthetics.com or call 804.823.7330. www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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The Pulse

• NEWS TO KNOW

Supporters of Virginia's proposed tobacco control legislation.

Community Health and Policy Virginia Lawmakers Propose Tobacco Control Legislation At the recent Tobacco Control Policy Press Conference, Virginia lawmakers and public health organizations introduced three tobacco control bills to protect the health of our community—specifically Virginia’s youth—from tobacco addiction and tobacco-related disease and death.

Delegate Patrick Hope provided an overview of the three proposed bills: tobacco tax (HB 1120), tobacco retail licensing (HB 1283) and flavored tobacco ban (HB 1119).

The Virginia cigarette tax is currently $0.30 per pack, the second lowest in the country and well-below the national average of $1.81.

Hope recommends increasing the cigarette tax in Virginia by $1.50 and adding a 39 percent wholesale tax on other tobacco products to save lives and provide revenue toward cessation initiatives. A significant increase has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent children from smoking and to encourage cessation among adults.

Currently, Virginia does not have a system to accurately identify tobacco retailers in Virginia. HB 1283 would create a comprehensive list of tobacco retailers in the Commonwealth allowing for better enforcement and merchant education to prevent tobacco sales to youth who are already victims of the tobacco industry.

Laws that penalize underage youth are difficult to enforce and raise the possibility of selective enforcement against people of color, LGBTQ youth, youth with disabilities and boys who are more likely to smoke, because they have been targeted via advertising and product placement by the tobacco industry.

Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director with the American Heart Association

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The third bill would ban flavored tobacco and exceeds President Trump’s plan which prohibits fruity and sweet flavors in electronic cigarettes by also exempting menthol and flavored liquids for open tank systems.

Pediatrician and Director for the Medical Society of Virginia, Harry Gewanter, MD, expressed his concerns about how the tobacco industry targets youth with flavored and menthol products.

The first tobacco product used by over 80 percent of youth will be a flavored one and if menthol cigarettes are left on the market, kids will likely shift to using those.

Harry Gewanter, MD

Delegate Cliff Hayes, Senator Jennifer Boysko, Senator Adam Ebbin and Richard Szucs, MD also gave remarks expressing their support of the bills to protect the health of all Virginians. The bills are also supported by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Medical Society of Virginia, Tobacco21.org and Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia.

More information: Visit www.virginiageneralassembly.gov to easily track proposed tobacco bills

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New Partnerships, Ventures and Acquisitions Care Advantage and Team Nurse Unite Through Acquisition Care Advantage, a leading provider of home healthcare services in the Mid-Atlantic and a BelHealth Investment Partners (“BelHealth”) portfolio company, announces the acquisition of Team Nurse Inc. and its affiliated entities (“Team Nurse”).

Headquartered in South Boston, Team Nurse was founded in 2000 and currently operates 17 locations throughout Virginia. The Company provides both in-home personal care and skilled home health services and maintains a staff of over 400 caregivers. The business was founded by Steve Mize, a Virginia-based entrepreneur who has a long-standing relationship with Care Advantage stemming from a purchase of two Care Advantage branches in 2000.

Team Nurse’s rural locations dove-tail neatly into Care Advantage’s existing footprint. The result of which means a more comprehensive offering in terms of service and geographic coverage to all Virginian’s. The acquisition brings Care Advantage’s total number of branches to over 40 and are located throughout Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington D.C. The Company services a mix of private-pay and Medicaid patients, as well as offers personal care services such as bathing, dressing, and companionship. In addition, Care Advantage also provides “skilled” services by licensed nurses and therapists through it’s All About Care and Paradise companies.

With our teams combined, we will further our position as one of the largest home health providers in the state of Virginia,” says Tim Hanold, CEO of Care Advantage. “We now have a service area of 90% of the state and provide a full continuum of care to our patients.”

High clinical integrity, quality home care services, and deep local relationships are without question attributes we share. We are excited to become part of the Care Advantage family to continually provide exceptional levels of care.

Steve Mize, founder of Team Nurse

More information: Visit www.careadvantageinc.com.

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The Pulse

• NEWS TO KNOW

New Facilities and Relocations

CORRECTION

New Pediatric Practice Now Accepting Patients in Richmond Bon Secours’ newest pediatric practice—Bon Secours Pediatrics of Richmond at Reynolds Crossing—located at 7001 Forest Avenue, Suite 103, Richmond, has opened. The new Bon Secours practice offers comprehensive pediatric care for patients from birth through college age. In addition to providing primary care, the practice is equipped to see patients dealing with behavioral issues as well as chronic medical issues including asthma, allergies, and obesity.

More information: Visit www.bonsecours.com/richmond, or call 804.285.6811.

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In the 2019 Best Bedside Manner Awards recognition, found in the November/December issue of OurHealth Magazine for Richmond, there was an error in the specialty Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology).

The provider placing third in Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology) is George S. Tarasidis, MD of Virginia Ear Nose and Throat. Dr. Tarasidis sees patients at both the Midlothian and Prince George locations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.virginiaent.com or call 804.484.3700.

Do you have health-related news to share for The Pulse?

Send to Stephen McClintic Jr. via email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com.

Don’t Miss THIS EDITION OF Kelsey Blazar, NP

Bon Secours Pediatrics of Mechanicsville Mechanicsville |804.730.4690 www.bonsecours.com/ richmond

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William B. Eggleston, MD Nicholas Schey, MD Blackstone Family Practice Center Blackstone|434.292.7261 www.bonsecours.com/ richmond

Bon Secours Pediatrics of Mechanicsville Mechanicsville |804.730.4690 www.bonsecours.com/ richmond

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Angela Thomas, PT, OCS

Women’s Health Physical Therapy and Men’s Pelvic Health Richmond | 804.282.3500 www.obgyn-physicaltherapy.com

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Health Scene HAPPENINGS • WHO’S WHO • TRENDING words | STEVE MCCLINTIC, JR. photos courtesy of | THE STEWARD SCHOOL

Student-Led Childhood Cancer Awareness Club Sponsors 4th Annual Head Shaving/Donation Event at The Steward School For the fourth year in a row, Middle and Upper School students and teachers from The Steward School in Richmond put their commitment to helping others in action and on full display this January by participating in the school’s annual head shaving/hair donation event and fundraiser. This year’s event, which is annually organized by the Upper School’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Club, benefited the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Central Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive provider of support services for children with cancer and their families.

Professional stylists from Sportz Clips at Gayton Crossing assisted with the on-stage activities during a student assembly that included 20 participants – 13 students and seven teachers. Twelve received a close, clean head shave and eight each donated enough hair to be used to make wigs to the organization Children with Hair Loss (www.childrenwithhairloss.us).

All total, $3025 was raised to support the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation.

For more information about The Steward School, visit www.stewardschool.org. To learn more about the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, visit www.askccf.org.

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Questions. Answers.

Knowledge.

Did you know?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends

60 MINUTES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN DAILY.

Can exercise and diet make “pre-diabetes” go away?

When does a bump on the head mean a visit to the ER?

Yes, this condition can go away.

Pre-diabetes is a term used to describe abnormally high blood glucose levels, but are still lower than the threshold for diabetes.

More specifically, it is an elevated hemoglobin A1c level between 5.7 and 6.4. An A1c level below 5.7 is considered normal. An A1c test shows the average level of glucose in your blood for the past three months.

Head injuries are common, especially in children. There are well established guidelines to help doctors evaluate the risk of a serious brain injury. Although every person is unique and no injury is risk-free, a person should be seen in the ER if they have a head injury and:

The biggest factor leading to an elevated A1c level is being overweight. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are major causes for being overweight. Weight loss through positive lifestyle changes can lower A1c levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes of physical activity for children daily. For older children and teenagers, this should include cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Diet changes should focus on limiting refined carbohydrates such as soda, cookies, and white bread while eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and minimally processed whole grains.

Red meat, poultry, and milk can be consumed in moderation.

Phillip Valmores, DO Bon Secours Pediatrics of Richmond Richmond | 804.285.6811 www.bonsecours.com

• are confused, disoriented, knocked unconscious, or cannot be wakened.

• cannot walk or talk normally, or do simple things when asked.

• are not acting normal (agitated, very sleepy, slow to respond, asking the same questions over and over).

• have repeated vomiting, a severe headache, endured a severe injury (fall more than five feet, major car accident, struck by a car, struck in the head by a high impact object like a bat).

If the answer is NO to all the above, the risk of having a brain injury is less than 0.05 percent. Seek emergency care if in doubt.

Kevin Connelly, DO, Medical Director Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Pediatric ER Richmond | 804.289.4500 www.henricodoctors.com

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Is Greek yogurt healthier than regular yogurt?

Yogurt can be an enjoyable part of a healthy diet. In its natural form, it is low in calories, contains natural probiotics, and is a great source of calcium. In addition, most people buy yogurt in portion-controlled containers making it a simple graband-go option for busy lifestyles.

Greek yogurt has risen in popularity from regular yogurt as a better health option because it is higher in protein and lower in sugar. This results from straining more of the curdled liquid portion (the whey) from the yogurt; it also accounts for its tart taste and slightly lesser calcium content, when compared to regular yogurt (though both types are still a good calcium source). The higher protein is often preferred when trying to cut calories and lose weight.

My own preference is to choose the yogurt closest to its natural form which includes the natural fat and very little added sugar. If you are looking for higher protein, then the Greek would be the best option.

Plain Greek yogurt with full fat is creamy, filling and tastes delicious when mixed with real fruit.

Madge Zacharias, MD, Founder Zacharias Ganey Health Institute, LLC North Chesterfield | 804.358.1000 www.ZGHealth.com

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Questions. Answers.

Knowledge.

Can dry needling help increase motion/mobility?

Dry needling is a technique that uses a solid filiform needle to decrease pain by targeting the trigger point(s) in the muscle. Nothing is injected.

Trigger points are areas in muscles that can cause pain, referred pain (pain distant from the trigger point) and limit motion/mobility.

Did you know?

DRY NEEDLING

is a technique that uses a solid filiform needle to decrease pain by targeting the trigger point(s) in the muscle.

There are two types of trigger points — active and latent. Active trigger points may cause local and referred pain, be tender to touch and elicit a “twitch” when a needle is inserted into the muscle. Latent trigger points do not typically cause referred pain, but may limit mobility and cause muscles to feel “weak”. For example, if there is a latent trigger point in a buttock muscle, standing on that leg may be difficult and the leg may “feel weak”. There may also be a feeling of limited motion or stiffness.

Exercise may irritate the area and not provide increased strength or range of motion. Until the latent trigger points are treated, the leg will continue to feel “weak” and “tight” and not respond well to intense exercise. Usually once relieved, “strength” and mobility return quickly.

Tracey Adler, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT

Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Richmond | 804.285.0148 www.orthopedicptinc.com

Does daily exercise prolong the need for knee replacement?

Do symptoms of depression look different in seniors?

Daily exercise has significant benefits for a painful knee affected by the ‘wear and tear’ (osteoarthritis). First, alternate day strengthening of the thigh (quadriceps, hamstrings) muscles offloads the joint and reduces pain, the main reason for a knee replacement. It can prevent giving way, which also causes pain and dysfunction. As such, strengthening may preserve the knee long-term.

Yes. Depression becomes more common and increasingly difficult to diagnose as we age. Lack of energy, cognitive decline of the general symptoms that society considers to be reflective of “old age” may be signs of depression in seniors. It is very important to discuss mental health with your loved ones and healthcare provider.

Second, daily stretching of the leg muscles can reduce stiffness and optimize joint and general function.

Stiffness and poor joint and general function are important reasons for considering a knee replacement.

Exercise should be initially guided by a physical therapist and be relatively pain free: low-impact (e.g. swimming, cycling), with gentle strength training added on. Squatting and lunging should be avoided. Regular stretching, strengthening and low-impact exercise can delay the need for a knee replacement. It can also serve as pre-habilitation to help postoperative recovery.

VCU Health Richmond | 804.828.7069 www.vcuhealth.org

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

JenCare Senior Medical Center Richmond | 804.674.3425 www.jencaremed.com

Finally, cardiovascular exercise three times a week can lead to weight loss.

Since, the knee joint bears three five times our body weight, losing weight can reduce pain, dysfunction, and preserve the knee.

Nirav Patel, MD, FRCS

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Aaron Stecker, DO

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2020 Calendar of Health Observances J O I N U S I N C E L E B R AT I N G H E A LT H AWA R E N E S S

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March MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Brain Injury Awareness Month Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

February MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month American Heart Month National Cancer Prevention Month National Children’s Dental Health Month National Senior Independences Month

January MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Cervical Health Awareness Month National Birth Defects Prevention Month National Glaucoma Awareness Month National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Thyroid Awareness Month

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCE 5–11 | Folic Acid Awareness Week 21–26 | Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

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WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES 3–9 | PeriAnesthesia Nurse Awareness Week 7–11 | Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month 9–15 | Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 9–15 | Cardiovascular Professionals Week 14–21 | NCCDP Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week 23–29 | National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

RECOGNITION DAYS 4 | World Cancer Day

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month National Endometriosis Awareness Month National Kidney Month National MS Education and Awareness Month National Nutrition Month® Save Your Vision Month

April

May

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

Alcohol Awareness Month

Better Hearing and Speech Month

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

Healthy Vision Month

National Autism Awareness Month

National Arthritis Awareness Month

National Cancer Control Month

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Occupational Therapy Month

National Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month

National Mental Health Month National Osteoporosis Month

Stress Awareness Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

National Stroke Awareness Month

1–8 | National Sleep Awareness Month

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES

8–14 | National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week

5–11 | Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week

6–12 | National Nurses Week

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES 1–7 | Dental Assistants Recognition Week

15–21 | Health Care HR Week 15–21 | National Poison Prevention Week

RECOGNITION DAYS

6–12 | National Public Health Week 19–25 | National Infertility Awareness Month 19–25 | Volunteer Week

3 | World Birth Defects Day

24–30 | World Immunization Week

11 | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

RECOGNITION DAYS

20 | World Oral Health Day 24 | World Tuberculosis Day

7 | National Alcohol Screening Day 7 | World Health Day

7 | National Wear Red Day

26 | Diabetes Association Alert Day

16 | Healthcare Decisions Day

14 | National Donor Day

30 | National Doctor’s Day

24 | World Meningitis Day

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

10–16 | National Hospital Week 10–16 | National Women’s Health Week 11–17 | National Stuttering Awareness Week

RECOGNITION DAYS 5 | Asthma Day 6 | National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 6 | School Nurse Day 27 | National Senior Health & Fitness Day®

June MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Cataract Awareness Month Men’s Health Month National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month National Safety Month PTSD Awareness Month

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES 15–19 | Healthcare Risk Management Week 15–21 | National Men’s Health Week 18–25 | National Nursing Assistants Week

RECOGNITION DAYS 7 | National Cancer Survivors Day® 14 | World Blood Donor Day 27 | National HIV Testing Day

September

October

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

American Pharmacists Month

Healthy Aging® Month

Eye Injury Prevention Month

Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Month

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

National Dental Hygiene Month

National Cholesterol Education Month

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

National Recovery Month

National Physical Therapy Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

National Family Caregivers Month

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Pain Awareness Month

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month National Breast Feeding Month

July

National Immunization Awareness Month

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

Neurosurgery Awareness Month

Cord Blood Awareness Month

Summer Sun Safety Month

World Alzheimer’s Month

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES 6–12 | National Youth Suicide Prevention Week 7–13 | National Neonatal Nurses Week 20–26 | International Clean Hands Week 20–26 | National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES

American Diabetes Month Bladder Health Month COPD Awareness Month

National Healthy Skin Month National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

4–10 | National Primary Care Week

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

5–9 | Malnutrition Awareness Week™

Stomach Cancer Month

6–12 | National Physicians Assistants Week

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES

18–24 | National Health Education Week

1–7 | Allied Health Professions Week

18–24 | National Healthcare Quality Week

1–7 | National Diabetes Education Week

23–31 | Red Ribbon Week

8–14 | National Nurse Practitioner Week

December MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES Safe Toys and Gifts Month

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES

RECOGNITION DAYS

10 | National Youth Suicide Prevention Day

8 | National Depression Screening Day

15 | Get Ready for Flu Day

RECOGNITION DAYS

22 | Falls Prevention Awareness Day

1 | World Lung Cancer Day

29 | World Heart Day 30 | National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

22 | International Stuttering Awareness Day

12 | World Pneumonia Day

20 | Opioid Misuse Prevention Day

14 | World Diabetes Day

RECOGNITION DAY

29 | World Psoriasis Day

18 | COPD Day

1 | World AIDS Day

WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCE

National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month

2–8 | National Health Center Week

UV Safety Month

28 | World Hepatitis Day

Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES

RECOGNITION DAYS

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

RECOGNITION DAY

November

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

August

Health Literacy Month

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

8–14 | National Radiologic Technology Week

12 | World Arthritis Day

8–14 | GERD Awareness Week

16 | National Mammography Day

6–12 | National Handwashing Awareness Week

RECOGNITION DAYS

6–12 | National Influenza Vaccination Week

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Health

Resolutions:

Don’t Let Those Goals Be Forgotten So Soon After You Started words | DYLAN ROCHE

If you woke up on January 1st with ambitious goals to live a healthier life in 2020, but you’re now finding yourself reverting back to the same bad habits you had last year — Falling short of keeping your New Year’s resolution, however, doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to unhealthy habits all over again.

well, you’re not alone.

Instead, take a hard look at the resolution you set for yourself.

Was it to lose weight? Take control of an addiction? Reclaim your mental health? Whatever it was, you can reassess your approach, break it down into more manageable steps, set a tangible goal and do it all at a time when you (and the rest of the world) aren’t facing social pressure to reinvent yourself completely.

Be S.M.A.R.T. When Setting Resolutions: When making

a health resolution, the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends setting a goal that is S.M.A.R.T. – standing for – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound. These are good characteristics for any goal, but they’re especially good in this case because New Year’s resolutions tend to be a little vague or overambitious.

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If you’re sticking steadily to your resolutions, then good for you! Keep it up! But if you’re starting to loose grip on your goals, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate and reset your health resolutions and focus on smaller, more achievable goals that will help you create the healthiest version of yourself in 2020. There are still plenty of months ahead to get it right.

www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

If your New Year’s Resolution was to

get more exercise...

1.

Plan to try out a new type of physical activity each week.

Variety will help you find exercises you enjoy and keep you from getting bored.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week.

If you power walk for a half-hour every weekday before work, you will have met that standard. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, just think in terms of the four varieties of exercises encouraged by the National Institutes of Health — Endurance Training (jogging, cycling, swimming), Strength Training

(lifting weights), Balance (tai chi) and Flexibility (yoga, stretching).

2.

3.

If you can find a race in your area, go ahead and register for it.

This is a great example of having a specific, timebound goal. And the good news is that most healthy people can train for a 5K (3.1-mile) race in just two months even if they aren’t avid runners, according to the Mayo Clinic. Start by switching between walking and jogging for 30 minutes twice a week, alternating it with 30-minute walks on the other days. Aim to steadily increase the amount you’re running versus the amount you’re walking.

If you need a more specific training plan, try downloading an app like Couch to 5K, which provides you with 30-minute workouts designed by personal trainers.

This not only keeps you accountable but also makes exercise a fun activity you look forward to. You can go for a walk or a hike together, play pickup basketball, join a recreational sports team, or find a drop-in exercise class. You could even see whether your coworkers want to skip the next happy hour and do a group workout together instead — this trend of “healthy hour” was noted by the American Council on Exercise back in 2013, and it has become even more prevalent in the years since then.

Aim to run a 5K (or set a similar goal).

Set a recurring date twice a week for physical activity with a friend or family member.

“Start by switching between walking and jogging for 30 minutes twice a week, alternating it with 30-minute walks on the other days. Aim to steadily increase the amount you’re running versus the amount you’re walking. ”

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If your New Year’s Resolution was to

1.

1O%

“The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 20152020 recommends no more than 10 percent of your calories come from added sugar.”

26

Aim to consume less added sugar.

Although foods like fruit and milk have naturally occurring sugars, many processed foods have added sugars that contribute calories to your diet without any extra nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommends no more than 10 percent of your calories come from added sugar. To reduce your sugar intake, opt for smaller servings of candy, use less sugar in your coffee or tea, snack on fruit for dessert, and enjoy flavored, unsweetened seltzer water instead of soda.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

Eat a Healthier Diet...

2.

3.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that fruits and vegetables are great sources of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function, and because they have fewer calories per volume than most foods, you can fill up on them and feel satiated without taking in too many calories. Next time you make a bowl of spaghetti, use half your typical amount of pasta and replace it with some steamed or sautéed broccoli, zucchini and mushrooms.

Because whole grains are great sources of fiber and other nutrients, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that half the grains you consume be whole grains. Opt for brown rice instead of white rice or use wholegrain bread instead of white bread. The complex carbohydrates will provide you with sustained energy, and the fiber will keep you full between meals so you’re less likely to overeat.

Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Switch to whole grains instead of refined ones.

If your New Year’s resolution was to

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SURFING IN THE RVA?

A Creative and Fun Twist on Traditional Fitness Classes Can Make Coming Back More Inviting.

What is it?

SURF – an hour-long fitness class offered by TURN Cardio Jam Studio in Richmond – puts a new spin on the traditional fitness class with all movement taking place atop – you guessed it – a surf board. And to simulate the motion of the ocean, the surf board is strapped to a set of balance balls. But don’t let being a land-only style of surfing make you second guess the fitness benefits and fun you’ll have while working out!

TURN offers three, hour-long SURF fitness class options, which include: •

The Outer Banks: considered more cardio and strength training, participants mimick surf moves like paddling out, pop-up and duck dives, as well as uses weighted equipment to round out the intense workout.

•

Soul Surfer: focuses more on improving agility, flexibility and balance through yoga and stretching techniques.

•

The Hurricane: a combination of The OBX and Soul Surfer to give you the best of agility and intensity in a workout.

If your New Year’s resolution was to

eat a healthier diet…

FROM DIRT TO DOORSTEP TO HEALTHIER, TASTIER MEALS

Meal delivery services are at an all-time high in popularity. But even the services with the greatest selection can get old at times. Mix it up by making your meal tonight using fresh produce, meats and more sourced locally, and best of all, delivered straight to your door.

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What is it?

Seasonal Roots, a business offering weekly home delivery of sustainable, local produce and other foods such as grass fed dairy and meats, pastured eggs, bread, coffee, tofu, preserves and more – all made by local artisans. Seasonal Roots currently offers delivery to the Greater Richmond market.

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www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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If your New Year’s Resolution was to

quit smoking...

1.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends your date should be within two weeks of your decision to quit, as this is soon enough that you’re not delaying it too long but far enough out that you have time to be mentally prepared.”

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Pick what’s known as a “quit date” — a date when you will start your “stopping” journey.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends your date should be within two weeks of your decision to quit, as this is soon enough that you’re not delaying it too long but far enough out that you have time to be mentally prepared.

Figure out a day when you know you won’t be busy or stressed, and mark it on your calendar. In the days leading up to your quit date, purge your home of all reminders of smoking, including cigarettes, lighters and ash trays.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

2.

Have a plan for what you’ll do when a craving strikes.

You could fold laundry, do a crossword puzzle, play Candy Crush or go for a walk.

The American Lung Association explains that cravings last for only three to five minutes, so you don’t have to distract yourself long before the feeling passes.

3.

Set milestones and decide how you’re going to reward yourself for not smoking.

According to the American Lung Association, the first seven to 10 days will be the hardest. Celebrate when you make it 24 hours, three days, one week, two weeks and a whole month. Your reward could be an outing with a friend, a special dessert or a gift for yourself.

“The first seven to 10 days will be the hardest. Celebrate when you make it 24 hours, three days, one week, two weeks and a whole month. Your reward could be an outing with a friend, a special dessert or a gift for yourself.”

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If your New Year’s resolution was to

quit smoking…

QUIT NOW VIRGINIA OFFERS FREE, ROUND-THECLOCK SUPPORT TO HELP YOU STOP SMOKING Richmond City Health Department offers tools and resources that are available 24/7 to help you quit smoking.

How’s it Work?

Quit Now Virginia is a personalized support program that partners you with a Quit Coach® to create a custom action plan to help you manage cravings. You choose to connect with your Quit Coach® over the phone or digitally with a Web Coach®. Your welcome kit comes complete with a guide to help design your quitting plan.

Then track your progress and connect with others who are trying to quit through the program website. Plus, you’ll receive daily texts and emails encouraging you to stay on track.

How Much Does It Cost? Free More Info:

Visit www.quitnow.net or call 800.QUIT.NOW (800.784.8669).

HUNTER HOLMES MCGUIRE VA MEDICAL CENTER HELPS VETERANS KICK THE HABIT When trying to quit smoking, support can make all the difference.

The providers at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center understand that challenge, and offer individualized treatment and assistance including group therapy, individual therapy and medication.

How Do I Begin to Quit:

Primary care at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center offers group support and medication treatment every Wednesday, from 9 – 10 am in room 1B-326 at the Medical Center, located at 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249. Call 804.675.500 or discuss with your primary care provider.

Scan the QR code above to visit www.quitnow.net to create a custom action plan to help you manage cravings.

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If your New Year’s Resolution was to

1.

Define what type of drinker you are:

“The National Institutes of Health defines moderate drinking as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.

In this case, a drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits or liquor.”

30

The American Addiction Centers defines an alcoholic as someone who is physically dependent on alcohol and cannot stop themselves after one drink. A problem drinker might be irresponsible or unhealthy in their alcohol consumption, but their brain chemistry isn’t such that they are dependent on it. This distinction is important because problem drinkers can learn to drink moderately, whereas alcoholics do not have that option — they must abstain from alcohol completely. If there’s a chance you’re an alcoholic, seek the diagnosis and guidance of a medical professional.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

2.

drink less alcohol...

Moderation is key: If you’re a problem drinker who is trying to cut back, you can help yourself consume alcohol in moderation by determining what you’re going to drink and when.

The National Institutes of Health defines moderate drinking as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. In this case, a drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits or liquor. Maybe you decide you will have a glass of wine with dinner on weeknights, a cocktail at a party on Friday night and a beer at the sports game on Saturday afternoon. Make a plan and stick to it.

3.

Know your triggers: Whether you’re abstaining completely or cutting back, avoid situations where you know people will be drinking heavily or you’ll face peer pressure.

“A problem drinker might be irresponsible or unhealthy in their alcohol consumption, but their brain chemistry isn’t such that they are dependent on it.”

If your New Year’s resolution was to

drink less alcohol…

LIVING HANG-OVER FREE NEVER TASTED SO GOOD: TRADING BOOZE FOR FRUIT VINEGARS AND TEA

While breweries and wine bars still seem to be popping up on every corner, there is a new movement that’s gaining traction not only in Richmond, but across the nation. “Sober-curious”, as named in Ruby Warrington’s 2018 book, Sober Curious, refers to those who “question the expectation to drink versus going along with the dominant drinking culture.”

What's it About?

For those committed to staying alcohol-free, you can still enjoy a nonalcoholic drink out with friends thanks to Richmond-based Mother Shrub Drinking Vinegars. Trendy, local mixologists create tasty mocktails using these small batch vinegars, syrups, infusions and bitters. Have no fear, they are no Shirly Temple indeed. If fruit vinegars aren’t your thing, check out the locally brewed kombucha*, a fermented sweetened black or green tea. *IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are in recovery, carefully consider your choice to drink kombucha as it does contain trace amounts of alcohol.

Where Can I Get It?

You can find Mother Shrub fruit vinegars at local grocers like Union Market in Church Hill and Stella’s Market in Downtown, Scott’s Addition and Near West End, among others. For a complete list of locations to purchase, visit www.mothershrub.com.

What About the Kombucha?

Richmond’s Ninja Kombucha Brewing Company is located at 126 West Brookland Park Boulevard, Richmond. Stop by the taproom for tastings, pours and growler fills. If you’re out and about, get your growler filled at Strawberry Street Market in the Fan located at 415 Strawberry Street, Richmond, (www.strawberry-market.com) or at Outpost Richmond in Forest Hill located at 4813 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, (www.outpostrichmond.com), among other places. For a complete list, visit www.ninjakombucha.com. *IMPORTANT NOTE: Kombucha does contain trace amounts of alcohol, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor.

SMART IOP OUTPATIENT ADDICTION PROGRAM OFFERS INTENSIVE HELP WITH YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE IN MIND Alcoholism is a complex condition. For some, more intensive care through an addiction center may be necessary to help overcome it. Traditional levels of addiction treatment include inpatient rehab (patient stays fulltime in a facility) and outpatient rehab (patient attends treatment during the day and returns home at night). But when you can’t push pause on life and still need help, Smart IOP might be for you.

What’s That?

Smart IOP is an intensive 6-12 week online drug and alcohol addiction outpatient program that is covered as an in-network service by many insurance policies. Smart IOP allows access to treatment from home through an online platform, allowing you to maintain your daily commitments to education, employment and other family obligations.

More Info:

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If your New Year’s Resolution was to

1.

Schedule short breaks regularly throughout your workday and make them as much a priority as any other appointment.

This will prevent you from overcommitting yourself or overscheduling yourself.

32

Slow down and schedule breaks: Allow yourself three after-work commitments a week, and make sure you have at least one day on the weekend to unwind and relax.

Schedule short breaks regularly throughout your workday and make them as much a priority as any other appointment. This will prevent you from overcommitting yourself or overscheduling yourself, which can cause stress and exacerbate any mental health struggles you’re having.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

manage your stress and/or anxiety...

2.

3.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends avoiding stress by recognizing what you can’t change and finding a way to make the most of those situations. For example, if traffic jams during your morning commute are stressing you out, find a podcast or an audiobook that you can listen to during your time in gridlock.

Take up a hobby that promotes relaxation and mindfulness, such as yoga or tai chi. By engaging in these exercises, you can take your mind off stressful triggers and focus on calming yourself with controlled breathing.

Recognize what you can – and cannot control:

Find a relaxation regime that works for you:

READ THIS EDITION OF

OurHealth Richmond ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET

If your New Year’s resolution was to

manage your stress or anxiety...

WHEN YOU’VE GOT TO GET AWAY, GO UP… IN A TREEHOUSE Even if it’s just for a night, a quiet mountain or river retreat where you can decompress can make all the difference. You can find relaxing and unique places where you refresh your mind through services like www.airbnb.com and www.vrbo.com, but for a truly special experience, look into Trailside Treehouse in Richmond, located at 5005 Riverside Drive, Richmond, VA 23225. Check out the Riverside Drive treehouse as an option you and your family can enjoy and help escape from the stress of life for an evening or more. This treehouse, which sleeps up to six people and is dog friendly, offers relaxing hammocks, a built-in slide you can use for getting down and a firepit perfect for roasting marshmallows among the stars. Owners Josh and Carrie Rogers call Trailside Treehouse “A place for guests to renew their senses of curiosity, vigor and wholeness… a place to wonder, get rejuvenated, and just be.”

More Info:

To book a treehouse adventure with Trailside Treehouse, visit www.trailsidetreehouse.com or send an email to fun@trailsidetreehouse.com.

WHEN ANXIETY GETS A HOLD OF YOU AND WON’T LET GO Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress, that everyone contends with at one time or another. But when anxiety starts interfering with your daily life, it may be the sign of something more serious, like an anxiety disorder. If you’re struggling with anxiety and related stress that feels like it is out of control, don’t assume it’s just normal. Help is available through places like VCU’s Anxiety Clinic, which offers services backed by scientific research that can provide you with the care you need.

How Do I Learn More?

To learn more about the services offered at VCU’s Anxiety Clinic, visit www.anxietyclinic.vcu.edu or call 804.828.8069.

Scan the QR code above to visit www.trailsidetreehouse.com to learn more about Trailside Treehouse in Richmond.

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If your New Year’s Resolution was to Engage in

more mentally stimulating activities...

Find a mentally stimulating hobby that requires thought or concentration, and set aside 30 minutes every morning or evening (or both) to participate in it. It could be a crossword puzzle, logic problem, concentration game or foreign language lesson.

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1.

2.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

Aim to read something unrelated to work or school every day.

To encourage yourself, make a list of books you want to read in the upcoming year.

Harvard Medical School recommends mentally stimulating activities like reading because they can help your mind get stronger, improve your memory and even ward off dementia.

Find something you love to stimulate your mind: Mental exercise doesn’t have to be limited to reading. Find a mentally stimulating hobby that requires thought or concentration, and set aside 30 minutes every morning or evening (or both) to participate in it. It could be a crossword puzzle, logic problem, concentration game or foreign language lesson. According to Harvard Medical School, good mental activity requires active engagement — you need to pay attention and think — unlike the passive engagement required by hobbies like watching television.

If your New Year’s resolution was to engage in

more mentally stimulating activities...

ACTIVATE YOUR MIND THROUGH THE POWER OF ART An Adult Intensive Art Class offered through the Visual Arts Center of Richmond may be just what you need to quench your creative side and help put your mind into motion. These compact, intense classes are specifically designed for a busy calendar, typically taking place on a Saturday or over an entire weekend, allowing you to learn everything you can in a shorter amount of time.

More Info: Visit www.visarts.org to sign up and for more information.

THE KING OF MENTAL GAMING? CHECK IT OUT, MATE! Looking for a way to stimulate your mind that doesn’t require the use of digital technology? Consider unplugging and enjoying an evening playing one of the best strategy games ever created – chess. But if chess isn’t your thing, don’t worry – a variety of board games are also available to choose from!

More Info: Keep up with upcoming events by following @RVApieces on Facebook or visit www.galleryfive.org for additional information.

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Set, Start and Reset More Than a Second Time if You Need To: Just Try Not to Stop Setting a goal that involves making a significant change in the way you’ve become accustomed to living your life is never easy. Any habit you want to break or condition you need to overcome didn’t happen overnight, nor will it magically reverse itself at the strike of midnight on the last day of the year. Resetting resolutions or goals so they are more manageable and on a timeline that’s up to and right for you – instead of on a commercially endorsed date like New Year’s – may be your first step in realizing success. But if you find yourself falling short or wanting to give up in your second attempt, don’t give completely in. Too many people opt for the safety net of knowing another January 1st will be there to start their resolutions all over. But if we’re honest with ourselves, this strategy does nothing but feed another bad habit we’re often trying to break: procrastination. So, if you find yourself feeling this way, try taking a page from the book of life’s lessons we trusted in the past. Like Does it make sense to set a practice makes perfect. And deadline for when we stop trying? Remembering this just when you fall down, get might make the difference right back up and try again.

No one sets a deadline for failing. in your achieving success in anything you resolve to do.

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthrichmond.com *U.S. News & World Report, https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eatrun/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

Setting Fact Apart from Fiction When Researching Online words | DYLAN ROCHE

Who hasn’t been told by a cautionary parent or teacher, “Don’t believe everything you read”? This prudent bit of advice proves especially true in the era of the internet, when a simple Google search can yield thousands of results. But amid all the facts is a lot of fiction — and when it comes to your health, being misinformed could lead to lots of trouble.

Which Websites Are Reliable?

Ultimately, your doctor is your best resource for health guidance, as they know all the aspects of your specific history and present circumstances. In situations where your doctor is unavailable, however, you can do research on your own as long as you are careful about what sources you consult. Not all health-related information available on the internet comes from a trustworthy source, and some of it might be out of date.

So how’s a person supposed to figure out whether a resource is reliable or not?

First, you should consider what individual or organization is running the website, which will help you understand their level of expertise and what their priorities are.

One of the more trusted ways to do that is to look at what’s called the top-level domain, the formal term for those three letters following the dot at the end of the website’s domain name:

IF THE WEBSITE ENDS IN .GOV:

IF THE WEBSITE ENDS IN .EDU:

IF THE WEBSITE ENDS IN .ORG:

IF THE WEBSITE ENDS IN .COM:

it indicates a government agency. Relevant examples of these are the Food & Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).

it indicates that the website belongs to an educational institute, medical school or university. A relevant example is Harvard Medical School (www.health.harvard.edu).

it indicates that the website belongs to a nonprofit organization, such as a research society or an advocacy group. Relevant examples of these might be the American Academy of Family Physicians (www.familydoctor.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

it indicates the website is a commercial website. When consulting a .com source, it’s especially important to make sure that sources are cited and that there are no conflicts of interest (for example, a company might stand to gain a profit by promoting certain information).

JOIN OURHEALTH ON

SOCIAL MEDIA

www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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FACT CHECK WITH THESE

RELIABLE RESOURCES If you’re ever in doubt, don’t be afraid to fact-check what you’re reading against another source. The following websites are good go-to places for reliable information, whether you’re looking for weight loss tips, cancer advice, disease prevention or just general health wisdom:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

www.eatright.org

The world’s largest organization of credentialed food and nutrition professionals offers guidance on incorporating more nutritious foods into your diet and what functions certain foods support.

American Academy of Family Physicians

www.familydoctor.org

This organization comprising 129,000 physicians and medical students, which has been in operation since 1947, offers expert guidance on everything from nutrition to disease recovery.

American Council on Exercise

www.acefitness.org

The nation’s leading nonprofit exercise professional and health coach certification organization has information on workout advice and safety with step-by-step instructions on how to perform exercises.

American Heart Association

www.heart.org

The nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to cardiovascular health offers all kinds of heart-healthy advice and vital information on heart disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.cdc.gov

A public health institute under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC provides guidance on important health and safety topics like infectious disease, occupational safety, injury prevention, environmental health and foodborne illness.

Food and Drug Administration

www.fda.gov

The FDA regulates food, medicine, dietary supplements and cosmetics, determining which ones are safe for public use and consumption. Its website provides relevant consumer updates such as “What to Know About Products Containing Cannabis and CBD” and “Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix.”

Harvard Medical School

www.health.harvard.edu Harvard Medical School provides insight and advice on all topics relating to health and wellness, from weight loss to cancer prevention. The information on the site is contributed by the more than 10,000 faculty physicians at the school.

Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org This nonprofit academic medical center, which focuses not only on practice but also on education and research, provides guidance on healthy lifestyles, explanations of specific diseases, in-depth looks at drugs and supplements, and much more.

National Cancer Institute

www.cancer.gov

The federal government’s agency for cancer research offers information on different types of cancer, prevention advice and treatment options, as well as the latest news about cancer.

USDA Nutrition

www.nutrition.gov The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website for healthy eating and food safety provides insight into nutritional needs, how nutrition affects your health, and the nutritional panel of everyday foods.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

It’s also important to check the date on the article or page that you’re consulting. If it’s older than five years, you should try to find more recent information.

Sometimes medical advice is disputed or proven wrong by more recent research.

“I Found a Site that Says…”

Let’s say you find a website with a lot of information on the topic you need to research. It’s not the website of a government agency, nonprofit organization or medical school, so does that mean you have to rule it out?

Not necessarily.

First, check who is providing the information.

If there’s a byline with the name of an author or contributor, that person should have the proper background and training. Check for credentials like MD (medical doctor), RN (registered nurse), RD (registered dietitian) or something similar. In some cases, an article might be compiled or written by a someone without credentials but reviewed by an expert in the field.

You might find a website run by somebody who has experience with your condition, but it’s important to remember that health is different for each individual.

One person’s cancer battle or fitness journey won’t be the same as yours — and even though that person means well by offering tips and advice, it doesn’t mean that their method is scientifically supported. It’s entirely possible — and even likely — that a writer is not trying to mislead you. However, that writer could be misinformed or could misunderstand what they’ve been told.

Secondly, check where the author or organization is getting their information. Are statistics and facts attributed to another reputable source? It’s not enough to say, “Many studies have shown that…” A reliable resource will specifically mention which studies it is citing, ideally providing links to them. Check for studies that have been published by reputable medical journals within the last five years, and always read through the study yourself. In some cases, studies may report certain outcomes but conclude that more research is ultimately needed.

Finally, ask why the author or organization is providing this information. If you read an article that supports the use of an alternative medical treatment, you might start thinking it’s a good option for you. But if the article is written by the owner of the company trying to sell that treatment option, you should be wary. The information might be more reliable if it is coming from a medical doctor not associated with the company. Be sure to distinguish between fact and opinion.

ON THE WEB

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OurHealth Richmond | TRUTH IN HEALTHCARE SOCIETY MEMBERS

There’s no shortage of online health information. BUT HOW MUCH OF IT IS ACCURATE? Here are some reliable sources you can trust to learn more about endodontic care and treatment.

RELIABLE ONLINE RESOURCES

1

American Association of Endodontics

2

American Board of Endodontics

3

Journal of Endodontics

www.aae.org

www.amboardendo.org www.jendodon.com

Truths and a Lie...

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT ENDODONTIC CARE

Root canal treatment is no longer painful like it used to be.

Decades ago, pain associated with a root canal was considered a more painful procedure, but with modern technology and anesthetics you won’t experience any more pain than if you went to have a cavity filled. The pain from a severe toothache, often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth, can be easily remedied when an endodontist removes the damaged tissue through root canal treatment.

In addition, endodontists are experts in pain management, and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably.

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Root canal treatment does not cause other illnesses.

Information you may find on the Internet or elsewhere, claiming that if you receive a root canal treatment you’re more likely to become ill or contract a disease in the future simply isn’t true. This false claim was based on long-debunked and poorly designed research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the causes of many diseases. There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to disease elsewhere in the body.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

A root canal treatment to save a tooth is better than pulling the tooth.

Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth so it’s important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canaltreated teeth last a lifetime. Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to neighboring teeth and supporting tissue.

If the tooth doesn’t hurt, there’s no need for a root canal.

While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.

Your Local Resource: Commonwealth Endodontics Commonwealth Endodontics is a specialty dental practice with seven endodontic providers and four office locations in the greater Richmond area. At CWE, you will find a team of expert doctors and support staff that are dedicated to providing patients the highest standard of endodontic care in a professional, friendly, and comfortable environment.

PROVIDERS: (pictured from left to right) Timothy Finkler, DDS | Harold Martinez, DDS | Steve Barbieri, DDS Ronald Vranas, DDS | Madelyn Morris, DDS | Michael Morris, DDS | Stephen N. Schroeder, DDS PROCEDURES: Root Canal Therapy, Endodontic Retreatment, Endodontic Microsurgery, Management of Cracked Teeth and Dental Trauma, CBCT Imaging, Nitrous Oxide, Oral Anxiolysis, Conscious Sedation, General Anesthesia COMMONWEALTH ENDODONTICS OFFICE LOCATIONS: WEST END OFFICE: 3107 Hungary Spring Road, Richmond, VA 23228 SOUTHSIDE OFFICE: 2312 Robious Station Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 MECHANICSVILLE OFFICE: 7347 Bell Creek Road, Suite 300, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 SHORT PUMP OFFICE: 12320 West Broad Street, Suite 209, Richmond, VA 23233

w www.cwendo.com | c 804.501.0501

Commonwealth Endodontics WE SAVE TEETH.

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OurHealth Richmond | TRUTH IN HEALTHCARE SOCIETY MEMBERS RELIABLE ONLINE RESOURCES

There’s no shortage of online health information. BUT HOW MUCH OF IT IS ACCURATE? Here are some reliable sources you can trust to learn more about geriatric care.

1

American Geriatrics Society

2

Healthy in Aging Foundation

3

American Medical Association

www.americangeriatrics.org www.healthinaging.org

www.ama-assn.org/specialty/geriatric-medicine

Truths and a Lie...

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT GERIATRIC CARE

Forgetfulness doesn’t always indicate the onset of dementia.

Memory loss can be caused by medications, medical conditions, or by depression related to life events.

Forgetfulness may be an early sign of dementia, but it does not necessarily mean a person will be diagnosed with dementia. It’s also important to recognize that only six to eight percent of people over the age of 65 will have dementia, and one third of those over age 85 will have some dementia symptoms.

Growing older doesn’t mean you will become frail.

About one-third of people older than 65 fall every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s due in part to a natural decrease in blood flow to the cerebellum – the brain’s balancing center – as well as inner ear and vision changes that make it more difficult to orient yourself. This decline is often exacerbated by conditions like arthritis and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to nerve damage in the feet.

It’s important for older people to be aware of their limitations related to their balance and strength. Even at age 75, a person should be able to get up from a chair without using their arms, walk across the room, turn quickly and sit down without any unsteadiness. If a person is unable to perform this test, he or she should consider seeing a doctor to check for underlying conditions that can affect balance, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, a slow heart rate, or cataracts, for example.

Seniors can continue to have normal sleep patterns as they age.

Sleep patterns do change as people age. Some of these changes can include taking longer to fall asleep and waking up more during the night than when they were younger. Senior-aged people also get less delta – or slowwave – sleep. This deeper sleep stage helps consolidate memory, which without, can lead to feeling more tired, irritable and forgetful during the day. But many sleep problems common among older people stem from other causes, notably medication used to treat unrelated health conditions. For example, diuretics taken to lower high blood pressure or treat heart failure can cause a person to wake up frequently during the night to go to the bathroom. An effective way to determine if a problem with sleep patterns exists in older people is for the person to ask him or herself if any changes experienced are affecting quality of life. If the change is making the person unhappy, it may be time to speak with a doctor to find out if any medication taken or underlying health problem could be affecting the ability to sleep soundly.

Your Local Resource: JenCare Senior Medical Center

At JenCare Senior Medical Centers, you will benefit from top-notch physicians who specialize in senior healthcare. Our physicians spend more with you during every visit. Because when we know you better, we can help you feel your best.

c 804.504.7980 c 804.674.3425 Mechanicsville Office: 3806 Mechanicsville Turnpike | Richmond | c 804.228.1143 Shockoe Bottom Office: 1712 E. Broad Street | Richmond | c 804.344.9848 Colonial Heights Office: 524 Southpark Boulevard | Colonial Heights | Hull Street Office: 6530 Hull Street Road | Richmond |

w www.jencaremed.com 42

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

There’s no need to see a geriatrician if you already have a primary care provider.

Geriatricians are medical providers (often family practice doctors or internists) with special training in the health needs of older adults.

Geriatricians specialize in the care of people with multiple chronic medical conditions that cause challenges with their day-to-day physical and mental functioning.

Adults who see a geriatrician are less likely to end up in the hospital, possibly because these physicians are more likely to be on the lookout for warning signs such as frailty and appetite loss, and also are more likely to avoid prescribing potentially risky medications. Research conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association – Surgery (JAMA) shows that older adults who receive care from a geriatrician or related medical provider while in the hospital do better once discharged. The same study showed that the median hospital stay for older patients is two days shorter and readmission rates are sharply lower when a geriatrician specialist is involved.

OurHealth Richmond | TRUTH IN HEALTHCARE SOCIETY MEMBERS

There’s no shortage of online information about addiction.

RELIABLE ONLINE RESOURCES

BUT HOW MUCH OF IT IS ACCURATE? Here are some reliable sources you can trust to learn more about substance use, substance use disorders and related issues.

1

Recovery Research Institute

2

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

3

World Health Organization (WHO) on Substance Abuse

www.RecoveryAnswers.org www.ASAM.org www.WHO.int

Truths and a Lie...

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT ADDICTION

In the United States, the daily number of fatal opioid overdoses is equivalent to a commercial airline plane crashing every day – 192 deaths.

When taking an opioid medication, the body can develop a dependency on the drug within 5 days.

• Opioid addiction is an equal opportunist.

• Since 2013, fatal drug overdose has been the leading method of unnatural death in Virginia, surpassing all other forms of unnatural death including homicide, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, and undetermined deaths.

• Like heroin; Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin are opiates and can cause an overdose.

• The only effective way to reverse an overdose is to use Naloxone.

• Between 8-12% of people prescribed opioid medications develop an opioid use disorder.

• This can lead to polysubstance use as well.

• About 80% of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.

• In response to this research, all states in the United States have created safe prescribing laws and policies (VACEP). For example, emergency departments in Virginia are recommended to prescribe opioid medications for only 3 days.

66% of teens (12-18 yearolds) who report misusing prescription pain relievers get them from friends and family members.

• Every day 2,500 teens in the United States take prescription medication for non-medical use.

• When a medication is prescribed to you by your doctor, it is not safe for your family members to use even if they display the same symptoms.

• More than 70,000 children under the age of 18, go to the ER due to unintentional medication overdoses in the United States each year.

• It is important to keep your medications stored in a safe and secure location. Contact your local Community Service Board or Health Department to learn methods for safe storage of your medications.

It is safe to dispose of your unused/ expired medications by flushing them down the sewer system.

• “Most medicines are not removed by wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. Medicines that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting your waters, impacting aquatic species, and contaminating your food and water supplies.”

• The safest methods to dispose of unused or unwanted prescription medication are to bring it to the local DEA Medication Take Back Day or leave it in a medication dropbox.

• The October 2019 DEA Medication Take-Back Day brought in 23,958 pounds of prescription medication and vape devices across Virginia.

• Find your local Take-Back day: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

Your Local Resource: Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc. (SAFE)

has been serving Chesterfield County’s 348,000 residents since 1999. SAFE utilizes awareness and education, community partnerships, youth leadership and advocacy to address substance misuse issues. The coalition works to create community-level change in behaviors and attitudes relating to substance misuse.

P.O. Box 35413 | North Chesterfield, VA 23235 |

c 804.694.7794

w www.chesterfieldsafe.org | m safe@chesterfieldsafe.org f ChesterfieldSAFE | f ChesterfldSAFE | f chesterfieldSAFE | f SAFEChesterfield SOURCES: DEA, 2019 | REVIVE, 2019 | NIDA, 2017 | Takebackyourmeds.org | VACEP | VDH, 2018

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OurHealth Richmond | TRUTH IN HEALTHCARE SOCIETY MEMBERS RELIABLE ONLINE RESOURCES

There’s no shortage of online information about dentistry.

BUT HOW MUCH OF IT IS ACCURATE? Here are some reliable sources you can trust to learn more about dental care and treatment.

1

American Dental Association

2

Mouth Healthy

3

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Oral Health

www.ada.org

www.mouthhealthy.org www.cdc.gov/oralhealth

Truths and a Lie...

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT DENTISTRY More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay.

Tooth decay, more commonly referred to as cavities, is permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of the teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. You may not notice symptoms of decay until a filling or crown is required to repair. Initial stages of tooth decay may be undetectable without the examination of a dentist. This is why having a cleaning and checkup every 6 months is so important for maintaining a healthy mouth.

If you skip flossing, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surface.

Flossing ensures that plaque on the teeth is removed before it can harden into tartar. Tartar causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis, a form of gum disease, is linked to other serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s diabetes and more.

Flossing 101:

Start with about 18” of floss. Wrap around middle finger and pinch middle leaving about 1-2” between fingers. Guide floss between teeth using a back-and-forth and an up-and-down motion around each tooth and under the gumline. Use a new section of floss with each tooth. Do not snap floss down hard on your gum.

Today, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients is an adult.

Teeth straightening is not just for kids. In fact, more and more adults are turning to orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results. For adults, aesthetics is often the main consideration. Adults considering braces today have more options to choose from.

• Conventional Braces – Metal or ceramic brackets affixed to the surface of the teeth connected with archwires to move the teeth into the desired position.

• Aligners (Invisalign®) – Custom made transparent tray aligners to help shift teeth.

• Lingual Braces – Similar to conventional braces but worn on the back of the teeth. A great cosmetic alternative for those who want their teeth straightened, without the braces showing.

Your Local Resource: Virginia Family Dentistry Services: General Dentistry | Orthodontics | Pediatric Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry | Dental Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry | Periodontics | Endodontics | Wisdom Teeth Removal Locations: Atlee | Brandermill – Woodlake | Chester | Huguenot – Bon Air | Huguenot Pediatric & Orthodontic Specialty Center | Iron Bridge – Courthouse | Mechanicsville | Midlothian | New Kent – Quinton | Patterson – Parham | Powhatan | Short Pump | Staples Mill Road | Tri-Cities | West End Orthodontic & Pediatric Specialty Center

w www.vadentist.com 44

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

Bad Breath Is a Sign of Gum Disease.

Although bad breath (halitosis) indicates you might have gum disease, it’s also a sign of other potential health issues. The only way to know is by making an appointment with your dentist.

If you are given a clean bill of health from your dental provider, consult your primary care physician. Bad breath could be a sign of acid reflux, a mouth, nose or throat condition like tonsil stones or sinus inflammation, a bowel obstruction or some other digestive issue.

Did you Know?

In the US, nearly 60 million people suffer from chronic halitosis.

Local health. Anywhere you go.

OurHealth magazine is Richmond’s only resource entirely dedicated to delivering information about local healthcare services and healthy living topics. Pick up our print edition at more than 900 locations throughout the area or get the digital edition by visiting

ourhealthrichmond.com .

www.OurHealthRichmond.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond

Yes, an

A LT E R N AT I V E TO

Open Heart Surgery DOES EXIST

The thought of trying to pronounce the name of this procedure – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement – is intimidating enough. But once you learn how this medical advancement can replace the need for open heart surgery, you will likely want to give it a second look. words | DYLAN ROCHE

One of the lessons we’re taught at an early age is recognizing when something is too good to be true. This advice is especially important to heed when it comes to embracing a change to a process or technique that we traditionally know as very complex. Like open heart surgery, for example. From a lay person’s perspective, we know this procedure as one that’s reserved for treating highly complex heart-related issues.

The very words to describe it – open heart surgery – refers to a technique that multiple generations have come to recognize as an essential way of treating heart disease.

So, when we hear there’s an alternative way for treating heart conditions traditionally addressed through open heart surgery that eliminate the need for hours long surgery, deep incisions and months of often painful physical rehabilitation, naturally our red flags are going to raise.

While the words Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) don’t evoke the feelings among the general public that perhaps announcing a cure to disease might, they do represent something that’s groundbreaking – something that is both good and true. In fact, TAVR, which is also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implementation (TAVI), has been used instead of open-heart surgery in high risk patients for years. And as the procedure has advanced, it has become a more safe and acceptable option used by cardiologists – like those at James River Cardiology in Richmond – to treat patients in all risk categories.

TAVR has become so common in recent years that a February 2020 article set to publish in the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia describes how the procedure has gone from once being considered a last resort for people with a high risk for mortality and, over the past 15 years, has become a viable option for more and more people. It’s not just in medical circles that awareness of the procedure is growing, but also in general culture — Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones underwent TAVR back in spring 2019.

WHAT IS TAVR, ALSO KNOWN AS TAVI? TAVR, or TAVI, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to repair a heart valve without the need for removing the old, damaged aortic valve. Instead, it wedges a replacement valve into the aortic valve’s place. Somewhat similar to a stent placed in an artery, the TAVR approach delivers a fully collapsible replacement valve to the valve site through a catheter. Once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the old valve leaflets out of the way and the tissue in the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A TAVR PROCEDURE? Usually valve replacement requires an openheart procedure with a “sternotomy”, in which the chest is surgically separated (opened) for the procedure.

The TAVR or TAVI procedure can be done through very small openings that leave all the chest bones in place.

A TAVR procedure is not without risks, but it provides beneficial treatment options to people who may not have been candidates for them a few years ago while also providing the added bonus of a faster recovery in most cases. A patient’s experience with a TAVR procedure may be comparable to a balloon treatment or even an angiogram in terms of down time and recovery, and will likely require a shorter hospital stay (average of three-five days).

The TAVR procedure is performed using one of two different approaches, allowing the cardiologist or surgeon to choose which one provides the best and safest way to access the valve:

A Entering through the

femoral artery (large artery in the groin), called the transfemoral approach, which does not require a surgical incision in the chest, or

B Using a minimally invasive surgical approach with a small incision in the chest and entering through a large artery in the chest or through the tip of the left ventricle (the apex), which is known as the transapical approach.

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MITESH AMIN, MD FREDERICK SCHNATZ, DO MANUELA SCHUKSZ, MD JASPREET SINGH, MD

TAVR IS FDA APPROVED FOR PEOPLE WITH AORTIC STENOSIS

The Food and Drug Administration has approved TAVR for people with aortic stenosis, a condition described by the American Heart Association as a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. This narrowing restricts blood flow from the heart to the aorta. The restricted blood flow causes chest pains, fainting, breathlessness, palpitations, and even fatigue or a limited ability to do physical activities. In the long term, it can lead to heart failure or even sudden cardiac death.

“In the past, getting a valve replacement required a sternotomy, a procedure where the chest is opened up,” explains Jaspreet Singh, MD, an interventional cardiologist with James River Cardiology. “However, with TAVR, we can insert the replacement valve through either the femoral artery in the groin or through a small incision in the chest that leaves the chest bones in place.”

Dr. Singh details how he inserts a catheter to place a collapsible replacement valve at the valve site. “Once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the old valve leaflets out of the way and the tissue in the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow,” he explains.

Although TAVR can improve quality of life for patients who need a replacement aortic valve, those who are considering the procedure should consult medical and surgical heart specialists to decide what their best treatment option is.

“A TAVR procedure is not without risks,” notes Dr. Singh. “But it provides beneficial treatment options to people who may not have been candidates for them a few years ago while also providing the added bonus of a faster recovery in most cases.”

Risks associated with TAVR, according to Dr. Singh, are bleeding, blood vessel 48

complications, problems with the replacement valve (such as the valve slipping out of place or leaking), stroke, heart rhythm abnormalities, kidney disease, heart attack, infection and even death.

But compared with open heart surgery, TAVR has distinct advantages. In addition to a shorter recovery time, Dr. Singh lists such positives as lower risk of infection and less trauma to the chest and heart muscle tissues.

TAVR CAN OFFER IMPROVED QUALITY OF AND LONGER LIFE

WEEKS AND DAYS BEFORE TAVR SURGERY • Undergo Recommended Testing: Patients can expect to have several tests performed to determine the best treatment plan and to evaluate if they are a candidate for TAVR. Some of these tests may include: » Angiogram: a medical imaging test that uses x-rays and dyes to see how blood flows through the arteries and veins.

Overall, those who undergo TAVR can expect to not only realize an improved quality of life, but a longer one, as well. Of particular note, breathing becomes easier, which allows for the intake of more oxygen. And because the heart is functioning properly, it can more effectively transport oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, resulting in improved energy levels and the ability to perform tasks that were previously considered to tasking to take on.

» Echocardiogram: a test that uses sound wave technology, or ultrasound, to show threedimensional images of the heart to better assess its function.

Dr. Singh notes that factors like age, health history, and the type and severity of the valve problem, as well as the overall health of the patient, can help a doctor determine whether TAVR or a more traditional heart procedure is the right way to go.

• Determine How Much Exercise is Appropriate: Depending on how severe a patient’s aortic stenosis is will determine how much exercise is advisable. Patients should make note of any new symptoms that arise when exercising, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or feeling faint and report it to their doctor.

IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE FOR TAVR, WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

As with most surgeries, patients need to prepare for TAVR during the weeks and days before having the procedure. The following timetable provides a high-level overview of what patients can expect leading up to surgery. Keep in mind that not every patient’s journey is the same, with some requiring more preparation than others depending on their current health and other factors. Patients are encouraged to ask questions of their doctor to become more informed and to help reduce the stress and anxiety that can come from having surgery.

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» Other Diagnostic Tests: other tests that may be performed to confirm the patient has aortic stenosis include cardiac catherization, chest x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG).

• Discuss Current Medications with the Doctor: Some medications may need to be stopped well in advance of the procedure, which will be determined by the doctor.

• Eat a Healthy Diet: The cardiologist will discuss which foods are recommended and which should be avoided and when leading up to the day of the procedure.

• Get a Dental Check-Up: Because oral bacteria can cause infection of the valve, it is important to visit the dentist prior to having the TAVR procedure to ensure patients are in good dental health.

• Make a Recovery Plan: While some patients are released from the hospital within a few days of the procedure, others may take longer to go home. The doctor will be able to tell when it’s safe for patients to return home. It’s important to work out details such as who will take the patient home as well as to make sure someone is able to stay with the patient to help out when needed.

THE DAY BEFORE AND DAY OF SURGERY • Fasting Before Surgery: Patients will be advised to avoid drinking fluids and eating foods for a number of hours prior to having the procedure, which will be determined by when it is performed.

• What Not to Wear: Patients should remove all jewelry and nail polish and take out contact lenses, dentures or other removable dental appliances.

• Hospital Stay: The TAVR procedure will be performed in the hospital.

The type of anesthesia used will depend on the patient’s health. The patient may be fully asleep or may remain awake but given medication to help him or her relax and block pain. Patients will likely receive an intravenous medication to prevent blood clots.

• Length of Surgery: The procedure itself lasts about one and a half hours, but patients will spend the night in the intensive care unit for monitoring afterward.

CAREGIVER’S TIP: Before your

loved one leaves the hospital, make sure to ask his or her doctor specific questions about eating, sleeping, activity level, medications, and follow-up appointments.

AFTER SURGERY: THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

After surgery is complete, the medical team will offer recommendations on healthy lifestyle habits to adopt to help maintain cardiovascular well-being. Such lifestyle changes will likely include following a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise. Smokers will be encouraged to quit, and those who are overweight or obese will be encouraged to lose weight. After being discharged from the hospital, patient will be given follow-up appointments so the doctor can evaluate his or her progress.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about the TAVR procedure offered by the cardiology specialists at James River Cardiology, visit www.jamesrivercardiology.com or call 804.520.1764. James River Cardiology has locations in Colonial Heights, Chesterfield, Emporia, Franklin, Richmond and South Hill.

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Funny BONE HUMOR • SEARCH • CHECK

OURHEALTH ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 24 ABC Health Care 4

American Heart Association

24 Auburn Hill 7

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40-41 Commonwealth Endodontics 7

Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center

35 Hanover Adult Center 46-49 James River Cardiology

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Can you spot the SEVEN differences between the two cartoons?

Be the first reader to email us describing what the seven differences are and you will earn the satisfaction (and bragging rights) of having your name in print in the next edition. OK, START YOUR SEARCH! Email info@ourhealthvirginia.com with the subject line Funny Bone Richmond.

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Orthopedic Physical Therapy

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Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center

39 The Float Zone 39 Virginia Arrhythmia Consultants

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of Chesterfield

Rachel Morris-Upland of Chesterfield was the first person to email the correct seven differences in last issue’s Funny Bone.

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3

Virginia Cancer Institute

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44 Virginia Family Dentistry 13

Virginia Prosthetics & Orthotics

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