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In the News
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The Impact of Age
The idea of having a knee replacement surgery is, let's be honest, scary. The ironic part is, it's probably not frightening when you are actually damaging your knee — assuming the problem is not the result of an accident or some other direct trauma. When I see all the runners zipping up and down the road in a state that appears to be nothing short of bliss, I am reminded of the many years that I was blissfully running and, well, damaging my knee.
Now I am a candidate for knee replacement surgery. All those years of being healthy, and I end up here. Funny, isn't it? So this is when it gets tough.
This edition of InHealth features information about the great work of the doctors and staff at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in our Joint Replacement Center of Excellence. The lead article shares information about the many joint replacement advancements. Great care and cutting-edge technology can be expected should you need the services of our Center.
As for the scary part, I draw some comfort in the knowledge that quite a few of my golf buddies have availed themselves of our Center. All have returned to the course in a few months delighted with their new knees. Some have even claimed that the surgery dramatically improved their swings. So far, there is little evidence to support the swing improvement theory. But they all walk the course for 18 holes.
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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 no longer can 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
Go here to learn more about the prevention and control of diabetes and to find an Inova Diabetes Center close to you.
For more, call 703-698-2500.
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 Tighten Your Belts
Medical Weight Loss Program Can Help You Battle the Bulge
Looking to shed some unwanted pounds?
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital's new Medical Weight
Loss Program may be just the solution for you.
This medically supervised, 12-week program
offers access to expert physicians and
specially trained weight-loss clinicians who
help participants learn more healthful eating
and exercise habits and offer counseling. The
comprehensive program provides education,
support and consistent follow-up to help
people meet their weight-loss goals.
If you think you may be a candidate for
weight-loss surgery, Inova's physicians are
also available to evaluate your situation.
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Heart Health
Learn more about weight-loss options. Also call 703-391-3783. |
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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
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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.
 The Call of Comfort Food
Stock Up on Healthy Foods for the Winter
Fall is here, which means cold, dark days are just around the corner. Many people crave unhealthy "comfort" foods during the long, gray months. Here are some healthy alternatives to keep on hand this fall and winter.
• Canned beans. These are a great hunger-busting, high-fiber food for soups, salads and vegetable dips.
• Frozen vegetables. Broccoli, peas, corn, edamame and spinach are all nutritious mealtime additions.
• Canned low-sodium tomatoes. Try these for chili or to make your own sodium-controlled pasta sauce.
• Whole grains. Oats, quinoa, instant brown rice and whole-wheat pasta have complex carbohydrates that keep you full longer.
• Dried fruit. Apricots, dates and raisins are recommended.
• Frozen fruit. Add these to low-fat yogurt or oatmeal, or simmer to make a sauce to top light ice cream.
• Reduced-sodium broths. These make for a tasty base for winter soups.
• Canned fish. Chunk light tuna packed in water, or salmon are pure lean protein.
• Nuts and nut butters. Try unsalted walnuts, almonds and natural peanut butter for a protein boost.
• Whole-wheat English muffins/tortillas. These freeze well, and you can thaw small amounts as needed.
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Get Fit!
Sign up for FitFor50 for fall and winter health
and fitness tips and news.
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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 simply 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 chance 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, Sept. 22
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Reston
Seating is limited. Registration is required. For more information and to register today, go here or call 571-423-5578.
You could win a FREE, two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency
Reston to get the family planning started!
Get 'Fit' this Winter
Free Online Wellness Campaign Features Football Great Darrell Green
Join Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Washington Redskin Darrell Green and Inova Health System experts online for tips on healthy eating, exercise and wellness.
Inova Health System's "Fit for Fall" and "Fit for Winter" online wellness programs are free, and with more than 7,000 online members participating so far, we welcome you to join us!
Log on today to learn more and get started!
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system.
A Good Cause
At Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital, we rely on philanthropic support from the community. For more information about giving, please contact Foundation Director
Kate Sims. Feel free to call her at 703-391-4810.
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