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In the News
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Growing Season
As we sizzled through one of the hottest summers on record, it was also a landmark time for us here at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Our exciting summer milestones included:
Successful Surveys. In July, the Joint Commission recertified our Stroke Program and redesignated IMVH as a primary stroke center. This Gold Seal of Approval™ recognizes facilities that make exceptional efforts to meet the unique needs of stroke patients and foster better outcomes for stroke care.
Surveyors also recertified our Inova Joint Replacement Center (IJRC) as a Center of Excellence for hip and knee procedures.
Both surveys were successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many staff, managers and physicians. It was truly a team effort with everyone focused on success.
Expansion Plans Approved. Also in July, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors gave us the green light to build a C Tower and two new operating rooms. These are the cornerstones of phase one of our $43 million expansion and renovation project, Building Today for Tomorrow's Healthcare.
The team here at the hospital continues to find ways to improve our services to you, our community members, and we will remain committed to making our hospital the best place to give and receive excellent care.
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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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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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 Diabetes Care
Know Your Risk
Diabetes is a serious and common condition 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.
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Healthy Decisions
Go here to learn more about the prevention and control of diabetes and find an Inova Diabetes Center close to you.
Also call 703-698-2500.
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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.
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Ask the Experts
To register for one of our free ask the expert lectures, go here.
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| Nitin Goyal, MD |
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Nitin Goyal, MD
Joint Replacement Surgeon
Osteoarthritis and Advances in Joint Replacement
Join Nitin Goyal, MD, for a FREE seminar, "Osteoarthritis and Advances in Joint Replacement." It will be offered at the following times and locations:
Westin Hotel, National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Va., Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Bethesda Marriott, Bethesda, Md., Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
These seminars are free, but to better serve you we ask that you register calling 1-855-My-Inova (694-6682) or go here.
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Rodeen Rahbar, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Signs of Vascular Disease:
Community Seminar and Free Screening
Join Rodeen Rahbar, MD, at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital for a FREE community seminar, "Symptoms of Vascular Disease," and a FREE screening for vascular disease on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The seminar and screening are free, but to better serve you we ask that you register by calling 1-855-My-Inova (694-6682) or go here.
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