It’s February and love is in the air! It’s also the perfect time to love your heart health, as it’s American Heart Month.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Its effects are something Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Cardiologist Shahryar Mafi MD, FACC sees all too often. Cardiovascular disease is his specialty.
“People don’t realize, but there are things they can do to prevent many of these episodes from occurring,” explains Dr. Mafi, “The primary prevention involves diet and exercise. If applicable- weight loss and smoking cessation.”
According to the American Heart Association, the estimated annual incidences of heart attacks in the U.S. is 605,000 new attacks and 200,000 recurrent attacks. That means every 40 seconds; someone will have a heart attack.
Staying on top of your screenings and testing are imperative for good health, “Screening for cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension are very important factors to reduce future cardiovascular events,” says Dr. Mafi.
Recent research has shown a direct relationship between the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future heart attack.
“Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted yearly testing or imaging for identifying cardiovascular disease. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring and Carotid Artery Ultrasound are recommended in certain populations,” explains Dr. Mafi.
Determine your heart attack risk; get your Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring exam (CAC). Contact your primary care provider or cardiologist for a referral, and then call 703-523-1560 to schedule your appointment.
Recent Stories
(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
