If you had seen John Reed earlier this year, you would have seen a man taking one painful step after another, leaning heavily on a cane.

Months later, it’s a different story for the 69-year-old from just across the Potomac River in Waldorf, Md.

“I didn’t take this lightly. I was in increasingly severe pain for almost the last 20 years, mainly my right knee, but in the last few years, my left knee has also bothered me,” explains Reed.

It’s that pain and the desire to have a Bilateral Knee Joint Replacement which led him to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

“When I was a teenager, I had been through knee surgery and rehab on one knee, so I knew I wanted to get both my knees done at once,” says Reed.

Replacing knees at once is an uncommon procedure, one in which Reed was uniquely qualified.

For most patients, over time, a condition known as severe osteoarthritis develops where the cartilage in the knee joint that creates a natural cushion between your bones breaks down.

“It’s bone on bone,” said Sentara Orthopedics Manager Julie Billingsley. “It’s excruciating.”

As part of the procedure, the old joints are replaced by new, durable synthetic materials. It can take up to six weeks of recovery time for the average patient.

It’s people like Julie and the Sentara Patient Care Services staff members and the time they dedicate to patients like Reed is what makes all the difference.

Julie says in most cases like this, people are not only blinded by their pain, but they have a lot of fears about proper recovery.

The Sentara OrthoJoint® Nurse Navigator, Ada Vega-Diamantis, RN, begins meeting with her patients two to three weeks before the operation to give them a bright outlook on what to expect before they’re admitted to surgery, and then what to know and prepare for during recovery.

While Reed mentally prepared himself for surgery, the experience at the Sentara OrthoJoint® Center was beyond his expectation.

“If it weren’t for the staff at Sentara, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am,” exclaims Reed. “From the moment I walked in to register, to the moment I left, each and every member of the team had a positive attitude and treated my family and me with respect and grace.”

It’s that dedication to caring which is the hallmark of the Sentara OrthoJoint® Center.

“Our focus is to provide extraordinary, individualized care and provide constant communication for patients and their families to ensure seamless coordination and excellent outcomes,” explains Vega-Diamantis.

In the seven months since his surgery, Reed’s range of motion has returned, he’s walking more than three miles a day, and he’s stronger than ever before. He says it’s all due to his care team, “They’re angels from God!”

To learn more about the Sentara OrthoJoint® Center and find a specialist, call 1-800-2ORTHOJT.

The City of Manassas has just completed and received the results of the third City Citizen Satisfaction Survey. This survey is performed every two years by ETC Institute to assess resident satisfaction with the delivery of City services, to help determine priorities for the future of the community and to measure trends from previous surveys and benchmark against other communities.

The 2018 City of Manassas Citizen Satisfaction Survey shows that 81 percent of residents rated the City as an excellent or good place to live. Overall, the survey results showed that satisfaction with City Services is much higher than in other cities. The City of Manassas rated above the U.S. average in 51 out of 64 areas and above the regional average in 49 of 64 areas that were compared.

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Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is partnering with Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVa) to help women overcome postpartum depression by providing a free peer support group for new mothers. 

The support group will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 10:00-11:30 at the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge, VA 22191.  The first meeting will be Tuesday, December 11.  For information about the group, email: [email protected]

Postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the MOST COMMON complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 new mothers.  According to Adrienne Griffen, MPP, Founder and Executive Director of PSVa, “Left untreated, PMADs can have long-term negative impact on mother, baby, and entire family.  Fortunately, these illnesses are relatively easy to diagnose and treat.”

Driving along Route 1, you may notice a new sign on your commute. It’s a topic not many women want to talk about.

Susan Bahorich, Communications Advisor for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, talked to Dr. Allyse Weltman of About Women OB-GYN to learn more.

What is your name and official title? Allyse Weltman, MD, MA

When someone hears the term “Uro/Gyn,” what exactly does that mean? It usually means a problem involving the pelvic floor, which would include the uterus and bladder. 

How big of an issue is this? It can be a huge issue for many women, many of whom their lives are compromised because of it. 

What are some symptoms of these problems? The symptoms can include pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, urinary leakage, overactive bladder.

Are these problems just for women 55 years or older? These problems can affect women of any age, especially after having children; but many women who are menopausal experience worsening of symptoms. 

Many women may be dealing with these issues and feel embarrassed. What would you say to those women? There is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is very common and there are many treatment options, so there is no reason they need to suffer.

What treatment is available for these issues? Treatments range from pelvic floor physical therapy, medication options, and a range of surgical options. 

If someone is dealing with these issues, what advice would you give? That there are many options depending on the issue they are having and if their symptoms are interfering with the quality of their lives, it is worth addressing.  

How should someone go about learning what treatment is right for them? Women can give our practice, About Women OB-GYN a call at 703-878-0740, or visit Sentara.com to learn more about pelvic floor disorders.

• The Un Trim A Tree Holiday Gift Program is in full swing and needs your help to provide toys and warm clothes to over 5,000 needy kids in our community. It’s simple and fun to share the joy by buying 2 gifts for each child from their wish list. Please visit http://www.volunteerprincewilliam.org  to learn more.
• Friends of SERVE are collecting turkeys on Wednesday November 14th, 4:30-7:30pm at the VA Gateway Promenade Fountain. Look for the waving turkey! Come help with their ambitious goal of 700 turkeys. If you can’t make it that day your donation is always welcome at the SERVE food pantry in Manassas
• The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteer’s age 55+ to deliver noon meals through the Meals on Wheels Program. Shifts are just 2-3 hours and available in throughout the greater area. RSVP members receive a mileage reimbursement and additional insurance coverage at no cost to the volunteer. Please call Jan at (571) 292-5307 to learn more.
• The Trillium Center is hosting their Annual Christmas Party at the Drop-In Center and is looking for gifts such as gift cards, hats, gloves, pet supplies, book bags or anything else fun you can think of to share. The Center provides stress-free, stigma-free atmosphere for people 18 and over who are mental health consumers. Please call Cynthia at (703) 763-3865 to learn more.
• Home Life VA is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless in the Manassas area on Sunday November 18th. Donations of food or prepared dishes are needed for this event. Please email Jamary at: [email protected] for all the latest news on this splendid event.
• Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for their monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and drift wood. The work days are December 1st, January 19th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 13th and May 18th. Please register by calling the visitor center at (703) 583-6904 so they have your name to waive the entry fee of the park.
• The Woodbridge District invites you to their Big Cleanup & Education on Plastic Pollution event on Saturday November 17th 9am-12pm at Veterans Memorial Park. Please register on line at http://www.pwtsc.org.
• Saved Hands Foundation is having a free resume writing workshop from 10am-12:30pm on November 16th at the Virginia Workforce center on Minnieville Road, Woodbridge.
• The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps needs both medical and non-medical volunteers to join their ranks. These volunteers are trained to respond to public health emergencies as well as day to day activities. They offer tons of training topics to build your skillset. Please call Amy at (703) 792-7341 to learn more.
• Youth for Tomorrow needs volunteer mentors to spend a couple of hours a week with young person. We’ve all had good people support us along the way- here’s your chance to do the same. You can apply online at: http://www.youthfortomorrow.org  or by calling Vernell at (703) 396-7203 to learn more.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension is having a First Time Buyers Seminar on Saturday November 17th in Manassas given in Spanish and in Woodbridge given in English. Please call Joanne at (703) 792-5891 to register.
• Wreaths Across America invite you and your family to the Annual Wreath Laying event on Saturday December 15th at both Arlington National Cemetery and our own Quantico National Cemetery. You can register to volunteer on their website http://wreathsacrossamerica.org . Come Remember, Honor and Teach our youngsters these values.
• The Center for the Arts needs volunteer docents Monday – Friday during the day. This volunteer opportunity includes greeting visitors and sharing the Center’s history and programs. Please call Jordan at (703) 330-2787 to learn more.
• House of Mercy also needs lots of help and food donations year-round to feed over 400 families a month. Hold a food drive, share this on all your outlets and give them a call at: (703) 659-1636 to learn more.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates- CASA needs volunteers to advocate for a child who has been abused or neglected. Come join one of their information sessions to learn more about this outstanding program. You’ll receive extensive training to match your special heart for a child. Sessions will be held on Wednesday 11/14 at the CASA office in Manassas and at the Mason Enterprise Center on December 12th please email Suzanne at [email protected] for more info.
• Keep Prince William Beautiful has lots of fun clean-up events this fall. Come get your hands dirty and have fun. November 17th they are at Veterans Park and lastly, December 5th is the quarterly litter survey. Please call Nicole at (571) 285-3772 to join in where you can.
• Catholic Charities Hogar Center is looking volunteers to assist students with job applications, resumes, and mock interviews to prepare them for the workforce. Please email Arielle at [email protected] to learn more.
• Virginia Service invites you to nominate your favorite volunteer for the 2019 Governor’s Award inVolunteering Excellence. The categories include Adult, youth, senior, family, faith-based organization, educational institution, community organization, small business and corporation. Nominations are due by December 15th. Please visit http://www.virginiaservice.virginia.gov  for all the specifics.

• Prince William Soil & Water needs volunteers on Saturday November 10th, 9am-noon at the waterway near Bull Run Shopping Center and Costco. Please wear boots and they will provide gloves, grabbers and bags. Please email the office at: [email protected] to learn more.
• Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for their monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and drift wood. The work days are November 10th, December 1st, January 19th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 13th and May 18th. Please register by calling the visitor center at (703) 583-6904 so they have your name to waive the entry fee of the park.
• The Lake Jackson Lions Club is having their Annual Shrimp Sale and Florida Citrus Sale. Please order the shrimp by November 11th with a pick-up date of November 17th. Please order the fruit by November 14th with a pick –up date of December 6-8th. Please call Joe at (703) 368-1096 for all the details. It’s very easy to support these great folks who do so much good in our community.
• Prince William SPCA is collecting pet food to support needy families this time of year. The Pet Food Drive runs through November 12th. Please visit their website at http://www.pwspca.org for all the drop off locations.
• The City of Manassas Parks, Culture & Recreation need volunteers to decorate the Manassas Museumon November 13th & 14th. Please call (703) 368-1873 for all the details.
• The Woodbridge District invites you to their Big Cleanup & Education on Plastic Pollution event on Saturday November 17th 9am-12pm at Veterans Memorial Park. Please register on line at: http://www.pwtsc.org.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension is having a First Time Buyers Seminar on Saturday November 17th in Manassas given in Spanish and in Woodbridge given in English. Please call Joanne at (703) 792-5891 to register.
• Wreaths Across America invite you and your family to the Annual Wreath Laying event on Saturday December 15th at both Arlington National Cemetery and our own Quantico National Cemetery. You can register to volunteer on their website: http://wreathsacrossamerica.org. Come Remember, Honor and Teach our youngsters these values.
• The Center for the Arts needs volunteer docents Monday – Friday during the day. This volunteer opportunity includes greeting visitors and sharing the Center’s history and programs. Please call Jordan at (703) 330-2787 to learn more.
• House of Mercy also needs lots of help and food donations year-round to feed over 400 families a month. Hold a food drive, share this on all your outlets and give them a call at: (703) 659-1636 to learn more.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates needs volunteers to advocate for a child who has been abused or neglected. Come join one of their information sessions to learn more about this outstanding program. You’ll receive extensive training to match your special heart for a child. Please email Suzanne at: [email protected] for the times and locations of the information sessions for November and December.
• Keep Prince William Beautiful has lots of fun clean-up events this fall. Come get your hands dirty and have fun. November 10th they are at the Woodbridge Senior Center, November 17th they are at Veterans Park and lastly, December 5th is the quarterly litter survey. Please call Nicole at (571) 285-3772 to join in where you can.
• Catholic Charities Hogar Center is looking volunteers to assist students with job applications, resumes, and mock interviews to prepare them for the workforce. Please email Arielle at: [email protected] to learn more.
• Virginia Service invites you to nominate your favorite volunteer for the 2019 Governor’s Award inVolunteering Excellence. The categories include Adult, youth, senior, family, faith-based organization, educational institution, community organization, small business and corporation. Nominations are due by December 15th. Please visit http://www.virginiaservice.virginia.gov for all the specifics.
• The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteer’s age 55+ to deliver noon meals through the Meals on Wheels Program. Shifts are just 2-3 hours and available in throughout the greater area. RSVP members receive a mileage reimbursement and additional insurance coverage at no cost to the volunteer. Please call Jan at (571) 292-5307 to learn more.

It’s a crime that is often under-reported, if at all.

That’s why Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is hosting a seminar Tuesday, November 6, 2018, called “Hidden in Plain Sight: Education for the Community on Human Trafficking.”

Susan Bahorich spoke to the organizer of this can’t miss event.

What is your name and official title?

Rhonda Boyett, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE-A

Forensic Nursing Program Coordinator for SNVMC

What does that role entail?

As the program coordinator, I am part of multidisciplinary teams within our community that collaborate for the health and safety of our individual patients and the community at large. I am a liaison for our program to multiple community partners.

As a Forensic Nurse, I consult with patients that present to the Emergency Department that has been a victim of a violent crime. This looks different for different types of patients and crime. We provide victim and patient-centered care for each of our patients.

For example Sexual Assault patients, I may document a head-to-toe forensic medical exam (this may include using specialized equipment such as colposcopy with special filters, alternate light sources, toluidine blue dye application), collect and preserve evidence, work  with the police department, directly connect the patient with a victim advocate, discuss community resources, and help them with safety planning. When needed, I go to court and testify as an expert witness.

IF the patient is a competent adult victim of Human trafficking, they may be too scared to report to law enforcement, in which case I would provide healthcare to include emotional support and give them information and resources on safety planning and what to do when they are ready to report the situation to officials.

How did this Human Trafficking Seminar come about?

Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises that our country is facing and there is a need to educate the general population on what it looks like within our community. This is Forensic Nurses Week (November 5-9^th) and I choose this topic to focus on because as a Forensic Nurse we are seeing more patients that are being trafficked.

In a survey of sex trafficked survivors, 88% of them said they had contact with a healthcare provider while they were being trafficked.

A lot of people may see this seminar and wonder if there’s really a problem. What would you say to those people?

Yes, this is happening within our community as we speak. Sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic servitude.

“Hidden in Plain Sight” is the title of our presentation. Many people think that Human Trafficking victims are only those that are “locked/chained up” and operating in illegal underground industries, when in reality, it may be a teenage neighbor that is being forced to perform sex acts for someone that is threatening and/or intimidating the victim. In many situations, victims do not identify as victims because of fear, shame, or guilt.

There are a lot of young girls/women out there who are often preyed upon- what tips/advice would you offer them to keep themselves safe?

If anyone finds themselves in a vulnerable position where they feel threaten or forced into something they are not comfortable with, please confide in a trusted adult or contact the police directly.

For members of the public, how can they identify/realize that someone is being trafficked? How should they help in those situations?

Education is key to identifying potential victims!

For help or to report a concern or tip.

National Human Trafficking Hotline    

Call 1-888-373-7888 or TEXT – BE FREE (233733)      

(Never put yourself in harm’s way)

If people can walk away with one message about human trafficking- what do you want that to be?

I would like our community to become more educated on what Human Trafficking looks like in real life, so we can identify victims quicker and help get them out of “the life” and to a safer and healthier situation.

“Hidden in Plain Sight” will be presented by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Forensic Nursing Program November 6 from 6-8:30 at the Hylton Education Center, 2300 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge, Virginia 22191.

It’s free, open to the public and no RSVP is required