In the News
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Diabetes Care
Know Your Risk
Diabetes is a serious and common disease that can sneak up slowly, sometimes without any symptoms.
But type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90 percent of cases, is highly manageable and can be delayed or even prevented with lifestyle changes and proper treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's why it's so important to know your diabetes risk and talk to your doctor about being tested.
Diabetes occurs when the body can no longer control the blood glucose (sugar) levels needed for healthy function. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include age (65 years or older), obesity, physical inactivity, family history, a history of gestational diabetes, and race and ethnicity. African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans are among those at particularly high risk.
Without treatment, diabetes can cause serious organ damage and nervous system disease and can lead to death. The good news is that a combination of exercise, good nutrition and/or medication can keep the disease at bay.
Disease Management
Learn more about the prevention and control of diabetes and find an Inova Diabetes Center close to you. Call 703-698-2500 for more.
A Beat Ahead
Inova Heart & Vascular Institute Website a New Resource
Inova Heart & Vascular Institute's new website will provide information and tools for people in the community who want to improve their heart health. "As a leader in providing cardiovascular services to the Washington, D.C., area, we've always strived to offer the latest in medical technology and expertise to those in need of heart care," says Harvey Sherber, MD, Medical Director, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, and a participant on the website development committee. "One of the keys to preventing heart problems is understanding your risk factors and taking appropriate actions, such as improving your diet or increasing exercise levels."
Among the helpful content on the site, which launched in September, is an online heart health profiler. This provides users with a report gauging their "heart age" based on information they provide. Information includes their age, blood pressure, activity level, family history and more.
"This online assessment, along with other content provided on the site, will help people have a clearer picture of their heart health and know whether or not they should seek further medical consultation to improve it," Dr. Sherber says. "And it uses the idea of 'heart age,' making it easy for users to quickly interpret the results." The site also features four navigation "pathways" — three based on consumer audiences and one for referring physicians.
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Heart Health |
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Stopping the Flu Starts with You
Take Precautions to Protect Yourself
Medical experts agree that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is with a flu shot. The more people who get the vaccine, the less the flu will spread and the better the chances of preventing as many as 40,000 deaths every year.
More than just a severe cold, the flu travels the world, affecting some 30 million people each year. An average of 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu annually in the U.S. alone. The virus is easily spread through contact, such as shaking hands, sharing drinks or kissing, as well as through coughing and sneezing.
The best proven method for stopping the flu is vaccination. That's why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. The vaccine can't give you the flu, but, by not getting the flu shot, you might pass the flu on to someone else.
Our highly trained nurses can help protect you from the flu with either a shot or the nasal spray vaccine FluMist®. And, unlike some other providers, we can vaccinate children as young as 6 months. FluMist and vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 4 years are offered at our hospital clinics only.
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See more information about immunizations and other flu-related services offered by Inova. Call 1-877-895-5BUG for more. skin from the sun. |
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Men's Health
You Can Seek Help if You Suffer from Erectile Dysfunction or Incontinence
Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable problem, as the pharmaceutical ads on TV indicate. That is good news for men staying healthier longer and wanting to remain sexually active.
Some 4 percent of men in their 50s, 16.7 percent of men in their 60s, 21.5 percent in men in their 70s and 47.5 percent of men 75 years of age and older are believed to have erectile dysfunction, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The major types are decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction and difficulty reaching orgasm.
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"In recent years, numerous
effective treatments have been
developed," says Ash Kshirsagar,
MD, urologist at Inova Alexandria
Hospital. "Men that suffer from
erectile dysfunction have many
options and we can work with you
so you understand the underlying
causes and get effective
treatment."
A less discussed male urologic
problem is male incontinence. The
three main types are urge, stress
and overflow. Nerve problems
stemming from stroke or
Parkinson's disease can affect
bladder control. Prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate (also known as BPH) or a prostatectomy, can also cause incontinence.
The Doctors Are In
New Primary Care Offices Now Open
Having problems getting in to see a doctor? Need to find one closer to you? Inova Internal Medicine – Mark Center, Inova Internal Medicine – Springfield and Inova Internal Medicine – Old Town are open and accepting new patients.
Appointments Welcome
Inova Internal Medicine – Mark Center
1800 N. Beauregard St., Suite 100, Alexandria
703-933-8111
Inova Family Medicine – Springfield
6355 Walker Lane, Suite 500, Alexandria
703-797-6970
Inova Internal Medicine – Old Town
325 S. Washington St., Alexandria
703-683-7220
| Info For more information about these practices or physicians, go here. |
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Matchmaker
Speed Dating-Style Event Helps Women Pick Their Doc
Hey, ladies, it's time to go speed interviewing! StorkExpress, a FREE event, will offer women thinking about getting pregnant, newly pregnant or looking for a doctor the chance to meet and privately interview several OB/GYN physicians and certified
nurse-midwives. StorkExpress offers a woman the following:
•The chance to find the provider with whom she feels most comfortable
•One-on-one face time to help her determine whether the provider shares her beliefs about birth control, delivery methods and other concerns (after all, it will be a lifelong healthcare partnership)
•A way to find a provider who suits her. While a certain OB may be great for her sister or friend, that OB may not be a good match for her
•An opportunity to "interview" outside of making an office appointment to make sure it is a good match
When: Thursday, Oct. 6
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Westin Arlington Gateway
Seating is limited. Registration is required. Call 571-423-5578 or register here.
You could win a FREE, two-night stay at the Westin Arlington Gateway to get the family planning started!
