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In the News
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It’s Hip to Be New
Among all the surgical innovations in medicine in recent years, some of the most exciting are in the area of knee and hip replacement. Our doctors at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital are using an innovative robotically assisted surgical technique called MAKOplasty®. We currently offer this procedure for the knee, and soon we will be among one of the first hospitals in our area to offer this same surgical approach for hip replacement.
You can learn more about the great strides in knee replacement surgery in our cover story. MAKOplasty partial knee replacement has helped active people, such as Fred and Mabel Hart, who suffer from early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis. Full knee replacement is also a successful option. Robert DiPalma is so pleased with his new knees that he now works with our patients having the same procedure to offer support.
In another story, you’ll also meet Nancy Bower, who shares her hip replacement surgery experience.
I hope you enjoy this issue of InHealth, and know that if there is an advancement or new technology out there, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital will work to bring it to you.
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Protect Your Prostate
Health Tips to Avoid Common Conditions
Prostate problems are common in men no matter what their age. Common afflictions include prostatitis, when the prostate becomes inflamed or irritated; erectile dysfunction; enlarged prostate, also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia); and prostate cancer. While men can’t always avoid these problems, there are ways they can change their lifestyle to keep their prostate healthy. Here are a few:
Exercise regularly. It helps increase oxygen and blood circulation throughout our bodies, including the prostate. Exercise helps to limit fat tissue that contains toxins that are excreted into our bodies. As we get older, exercise helps improve sexual performance.
Maintain a healthy diet. This includes zinc, which is found in chocolate, seeds, oysters and certain meats — low-fat roast beef, lamb and veal liver. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are also good for the prostate. Also, drink lots of water a day to eliminate toxins. Avoid overconsumption of alcohol and other prostate irritators: black tea, coffee and greasy foods.
Keep warm. Cold aggravates and worsens prostate conditions. Dress warmly on a cold day and take warm baths or showers.
Get your checkup. Make sure to keep up-to-date with yearly doctor appointments and get thorough exams. Ask your doctor about any concerns you have.
Have more sex. Seriously. Sex is good for your prostate. Have sex twice a week or more; your prostate will be pleased.
Prostate Health
Learn about treatments for prostate cancer here. |
  Give to Receive
Thinking about giving to a great cause this year? Try the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Foundation. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital, relies on philanthropic support from the community. Donations come back to givers in the form of more advanced services, better facilities and improved care. For more information about giving, contact Kate Sims at 703-391-4810 or email her here.
On-Call Expertise
 Dr. Rhee Answers Questions About the Ear, Nose and Throat
Thomas Rhee, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT — a physician who specializes in treating the ears, nose and throat. ENT care is available at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital 24/7. Here, he answers some common questions about ENT.
Q: What is new in the field of otolaryngology?
A: Balloon sinuplasty is a new technology that has allowed minimally invasive surgical treatment of the sinuses with minimal risk and downtime; it can often be performed in the office with local anesthesia.
Q: What kinds of injuries or conditions do you treat?
A: All disorders of the ears, nose and throat, as well as bony and soft tissue trauma to the neck and face.
Q: You treat children and adults?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the worst time for allergies in our area?
A: More people seem to have more symptoms in the spring with tree pollen allergies, but grass, weed, mold and dust-mite allergies may cause symptoms throughout the year.
Q: Is it true that you can develop allergies as an adult?
A: There is a perception that allergies start only in children and persist into adulthood, but allergies can develop for the first time in adults. Frequently, people who are not from this area move here and develop allergies to pollen allergens that did not exist in the previous environment.
Q: What are some things I can do to help keep my ears, nose and throat healthy?
A: Wash your hands!
 It’s in the Wrist
Overuse is Often the Cause of Hand, Wrist Pain
We all likely have experienced hand and wrist pain at one time
or another. Much of the time it is
due to everyday wear and tear
or overuse. Injuries, the natural
process of aging, and diseases
also may play a role. Here are
some typical culprits:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. This repetitive motion condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which starts in the shoulder area and continues down into the forearm to the base of the
hand. The region in the hand is called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness or pain of the fingers or hand.
- Tendon pain. This results from a series
of tiny tears in the tissue in or around the tendon. Besides pain and tenderness, symptoms include decreased strength and movement in the area.
- Writer’s cramp. This develops with repeated hand or finger motion, such as writing or typing.
Medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery help to relieve symptoms. Tips for preventing hand and wrist pain include: doing exercises that strengthen your hand and wrist muscles; stopping, changing or taking a break from the activities causing your symptoms;
and reducing the speed and force of repetitive motions in activities such as typing, hammering or sweeping.
Give Yourself a Hand
To find out more about hand pain, go here and look up “hand problems.” |
Need a Doc?
 Inova Medical Group is a team of physicians at Inova who provide healthcare for the Northern Virginia and greater Washington, D.C., metro area. More than 150 physicians — experts in primary care medicine and a variety of pediatric and adult specialties — are located throughout the region in coordination with Inova’s network of hospitals and outpatient
facilities. Find out more here.
Not Your Ordinary Ambulance
Vehicle Geared for Transport of Children, Babies
A new pediatric critical care transport ambulance at Inova will allow sick babies, children and parents in the region to receive intensive care in a mobile setting.
The only vehicle of its kind in the region, the four-door Pediatric/Neonatal Critical Care Transport Ambulance contains specialized care capabilities, including an on-board lab, large amounts of oxygen and medical air, and a generator. Its large size — 31 feet long, 8 feet wide and 11 feet tall — allows for the transport of two children or a mother and a child with complex conditions. The ambulance will be based at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.
The vehicle was purchased by Physicians Transport Service and the Auxiliary of Inova Fairfax Hospital, notes Heather Russell, RN, MS, FABC, Administrator, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.
The reason for the purchase was “to provide state-of-the-art transportation for the pediatric patient population across the region,” she says.
The vehicle began doing specialty pediatric transports in January. A nurse, paramedic and respiratory therapist accompany the EMT driver.
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