Health - Page 4 of 12 - Potomac Local News

Sentara Lake Ridge Now Accepting Ambulance Patients

Published February 17, 2025 at 10:38AM | Updated February 17, 2025 at 11:01AM

Sentara Lake Ridge, a standalone emergency facility, is now accepting ambulance patients as of February 4, 2025, expanding emergency medical access in eastern Prince William County. Previously, emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were required to take patients to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center.

This expansion aims to address the region’s growing healthcare needs and alleviate pressure on SNVMC’s emergency department, which treated over 50,000 patients in 2024. SLR, which served more than 23,600 walk-in patients last year, has invested in staff training and medical equipment to support this transition.

Is Bird Flu a Threat to Humans? UVA Expert Explains

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 3:14PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas.

As bird flu cases continue to rise in the U.S., UVA Health infectious diseases expert Dr. Patrick Jackson provided insights into the latest developments and potential risks during a media briefing. With over 60 confirmed human cases nationwide and recent detections in birds across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, concerns about the virus’s spread have resurfaced.

Jackson reassured the public that while the presence of bird flu in Virginia is noteworthy, it does not significantly change the risk level for humans. “We’ve known for a long time that H5N1 influenza, in its current strain, is widely distributed in wild bird populations,” he said. “The fact that it’s been detected in poultry operations in Virginia was something we expected to happen sooner or later.”

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center: Then & Now

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 9, 2025 at 11:17AM

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.

Health Dept., Hospital Seek Community Input for Health Assessment

By Teresa Davidson

Published November 25, 2024 at 10:53AM | Updated January 18, 2025 at 1:13PM

Press release:

The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) invite community members aged 15 and older to take a quick, anonymous survey about important health issues. The survey is open to those who live in the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Orange, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Launches Comprehensive Cardiac Rehab Program

By Teresa Davidson

Published November 22, 2024 at 10:21AM

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has announced the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting patients in making full and lasting recoveries following cardiac events. The program is rooted in three essential components—exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy mindset—empowering patients to make informed choices that foster long-term health and well-being.

Designed to be both effective and sustainable, the Pritikin program incorporates a balanced diet that includes lean meats and fish as protein options, encouraging patients to explore flavorful, heart-healthy meals. Clinical dieticians guide participants in using spice blends and creative culinary techniques to make healthy eating enjoyable, ensuring adherence to the program’s principles.

Mary Washington Hospice’s Seventh Annual Light Up a Life Raises Over $30,000

By Teresa Davidson

Published November 21, 2024 at 9:57AM

Mary Washington Hospital

Press Release:

Mary Washington Hospice hosted its seventh annual Light Up a Life Illumination event on Thursday, November 14. This special event allowed community members to purchase luminaries in their loved ones’ memory. Over 320 individuals were honored, and their names were read aloud by the hospice team during an intimate program at Mary Washington Hospital.

Put Your Child’s Halloween’s Candy Under an X-Ray Here

By Aya Karouane

Published October 29, 2024 at 11:56AM

Halloween Cupcakes bought at Sam's Club Woodbridge, VA 10/31/2014

Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at its medical centers to enhance visibility during trick-or-treating. Additionally, from October 27 to November 1, it will provide free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy, allowing parents to check for foreign objects.

Potomac River Orthodontics to Hold Event to Help Children Get Braces

By Dalila Conde

Published October 25, 2024 at 10:17AM

(Potomac River Orthodontics)

Potomac River Orthodontics, just off Hoadly Road in Woodbridge, is partnering with the nonprofit Smiles Change Lives to offer affordable orthodontic care to local children.

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Mary Washington Hospital First in Region to Use Special Heart Pump

By Aya Karouane

Published October 17, 2024 at 10:32AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Mary Washington Hospital has successfully treated its first patient using the Impella RP Flex, a heart pump that temporarily supports patients in cardiogenic shock due to acute right heart failure. This technology allows blood to be drawn from the heart and propelled forward, facilitating recovery or further treatment options.

Press Release:

RACSB Partners with Altruix Pharmacy to Expand Access to Medication for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 10, 2024 at 3:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) has announced a new partnership with Altruix Pharmacy to improve access to medication for individuals with behavioral health concerns and developmental disabilities. The collaboration aims to overcome barriers that prevent individuals from taking their prescribed medications, such as transportation, time, and cost.

Joe Wickens, executive director of RACSB, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “The individuals we serve have unique needs. Altruix focuses on behavioral healthcare and developmental disability services, giving them valuable expertise. The pharmacy team will provide tailored care to the people we serve and offer a valuable resource to our employees.”