June is Men’s Health Month.

• It’s not uncommon for men to neglect their health and let annual appointments fall to the wayside.

As a Sentara Medical Group physician, Dr. Gurwinder Singh tells us some conditions worsened with time and often men will live with the pain before addressing it.

What is a primary care provider & why is it important to have one?

• A primary care physician (PCP) is a health care professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are the first stop for medical care.
• Primary Care Providers provide preventative care, diagnose, and treat majority of acute conditions and manage ongoing chronic conditions.
• Typically, a PCP serves as a “quarterback” for an individual’s medical care, referring the individual to more specialized physicians for specialist care if necessary.
• It is important to have a PCP because they can catch potential health problems early, before they become severe. A PCP can help an individual stay healthy for long term.

When should you see a primary care provider?

• If you are healthy and have no chronic conditions, you should see a PCP once a year for routine annual physical/preventative care visit and routine labs.
• If you have ongoing chronic conditions, you might need to see your PCP more often, it may range from every month to every 6 months, depending on the severity of the condition.

What can men do to stay healthy and prevent disease?

• Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly will definitely help to stay healthy and prevent many diseases.
• Men should visit their primary care physician regularly, at least once a year, even if they feel completely healthy

What type of yearly health screenings should men get?

• Annual physicals/preventative care visits, screening for high cholesterol and diabetes, once a year prostate cancer screening and discussion with their primary care provider.
• When does a pain go from “oh, I over-extended that…” to “I better get to the doctor’s…”
• For any symptoms that is not subsiding in few days, men should seek medical attention. You never know if there might be a serious underlying medical condition that will remain undiagnosed and will get more severe if they don’t see their Primary Care Provider intime.

Should men be worried if they have a pain in their testes?

• Yes, always. If there is constant pain in the testes, it is often the result of medical issues that will require treatment.
• Various cause of testicular pain are epididymitis, or inflammation of the testicles, a hydrocele which is characterized by swelling of the scrotum, kidney stones, orchitis, or inflammation of the testicle, a spermatocele, or fluid in the testicle, a varicocele, or a group of enlarged veins in the testicle.
• In some instances, pain in the testicle can be caused by a severe medical condition known as testicular torsion.
• In this condition, the testicle becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply to the testicle.
• This can cause damage to the tissue.
• Pain in the testicle is rarely caused by testicular cancer.
• Testicular cancer typically causes a lump on the testicles that’s often painless.

Should men take testosterone supplements as they age? What about their vitamins or supplements?

• No, it is not advised to take testosterone supplements as men age.
• There is no conclusive studies to date to support use of testosterone supplements as men age, unless there are underlying medical conditions which are causing decrease in testosterone levels.
• As long as healthy diet with adequate nutrients is being followed regularly, there is also no need for any vitamin or any other supplements.

Need a Primary Care Physician? Visit iwantsentaramedicalgroup.com or call 703-523-1720 to find a provider that is right for you and schedule your appointment today.

May is Women’s Health Month. Every year, May is recognized to help raise awareness for health-related issues and important topics for women of all ages – especially individuals preparing to expand their families. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center wants to make virtual childbirth and newborn parent education available for the community.

From now until January 10, 2022, Sentara is offering these classes for free. Prenatal education classes are not just for first-time moms, even seasoned parents and grandparents can learn something new. Childbirth classes and other parenting online classes can instill confidence and help manage expectations.

Currently, for the health and safe of our babies and families, the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is not offering in-person maternity tours. Instead, we are offering an online tour and a variety of virtual childbirth classes.

“The safety of our moms, babies and team members is a priority here at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center,” explains Beverly Wainman, MSN, RNC-EFM, Director Women’s Health Center Patient Services/Nursing. “The Women’s Health Center is offering these self-paced classes for our new parents, because we realize, soon, parents won’t have the flexibility to adjust their schedules. We want to not only empower, but prepare families.”

Here is a list of the FREE classes, along with the codes needed for access:

• Understanding Birth ENGLISH eClass:  snvmcubecen
• Understanding Birth SPANISH eClass:  snvmcubecsp
• Understanding Fatherhood eClass:  snvmcufecen
• Understanding Your Newborn ENGLISH eClass:  snvmcuynecen
• Understanding Your Newborn SPANISH eClass:  snvmcuynecsp

Please note: codes must be entered in all lower-case letters.

Below, are the login instructions for these particular classes:

1. Go to injoyonline.com
2. Click CREATE ACCOUNT button
3. Set up your account by entering your first name, last name and email address
4. Enter/Create a password
5. Enter password you created to confirm
6. Enter access redemption code: (this code is for one-time use only)
7. Click VALIDATE button
8. Check box next to “I Agree to the Terms & Conditions”
9. Click COMPLETE button

Be sure to bookmark this website for quicker access

Please create one account per family. This access code is a one-time use and will give you access to your selected eClass. For future use, go to www.injoyonline.com, and log in with your email address and password. You’ll have access to the eClass for 9 months after you first log in.

To tour Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and the Women’s Health Center, visit our online videos at:

Welcome to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Virtual maternity tour

Why our team loves working with you

Why choose the Women’s Health Center

Birth Navigator & Lactation Consultant services

Advice for new moms

If you have any questions regarding Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Maternity services, call our birth navigator at 703-523-0582 or visit sentara.com/maternity.

A Woodbridge woman is honoring her stillborn daughter’s life and the team who helped her through the experience.

Friday, March 26, 2021, should’ve marked Danielle Burmeister’s 10th birthday. Instead of a party with balloons and cake, her mom, Kelly, donated books on mourning and loss to the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

“This is important to me for a couple of reasons. I want to honor the nurses that took care of me and my family during this incredibly difficult time. I want to make sure others are aware of things they could do if they find themselves in this unfortunate situation. Having books to share with siblings that are facing this is important. Especially since having a clear mind and knowing what to say to your other children can be challenging,” explains Kelly Burmeister.

While most pregnancies are problem-free, Kelly’s not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stillbirth affects about one in 160 births. It’s estimated about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S.

“We’re honored Kelly thought of the Women’s Health Center for this special donation,” says Beverly Wainman, MSN, RN, Director Women’s Health Center Patient Services/Nursing. “Sentara is committed to our patients’ mental and physical well-being; I’m proud our team helped her through this tough time. It’s just one more way we improve health every day.”

At the time, Kelly had been pregnant with her second child. The pregnancy had been going well up until the 27th week, when doctors could no longer hear the heartbeat. She delivered the stillborn baby, who she and her husband named Danielle.

“The Sentara nurses were a blessing.  Each nurse I interacted with was incredibly empathetic, caring, and supportive.  They all had calm and patient demeanors and were there for me, no matter what.  Additionally, they placed a yellow rose on the door to my room so everyone knew that our baby had passed away.  I felt like they (the nurses) were family,” remembers Kelly.

Kelly remembered those acts of kindness when she was pregnant with her daughter, Allie, in 2013, “One of the nurses recognized my name and made adjustments to her schedule so she could be a part of the delivery. I was so touched it makes me tear up just thinking about it.”

More information is available for those who would like to honor a loved one at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, click here.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is taking the next step in advanced surgery with the launch of the Total Ankle Program. This state-of-the-art, revolutionary program from the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Foot & Ankle Center of Excellence assists patients and gets them on their feet and back to their lives sooner.

“Total Ankle Replacement is a procedure to replace a damaged ankle joint, particularly those in end-stage arthritis to help reduce pain, swelling and help return the patient to a more natural stride,” says Robert Toomey, III, DPM, Vice President of Potomac Podiatry Group.

Traditionally, a total ankle replacement is used for end-stage arthritis patients. Previously, this procedure was recommended for patients older than 65. Now, because of advances in the procedure and the materials used in a replacement, patients in their 30s are successfully having the procedure performed.

“Foot & Ankle specialists have increased their understanding of limb and ankle alignment, and motion, which contributes to more efficient and anatomical ankle replacements,” explains Dr. Toomey. “Almost every implant is now created specifically for the individual after having a CT scan to determine the patient’s limb alignment, length, and bony deformities.”

The Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center team is specialty trained to treat and care for patients before, during, and after this advanced procedure. Sentara is excited to bring this level of care and advanced ankle treatment to Prince William County and surrounding communities.

“We’re excited our patients and community won’t have to travel for care,” explains Kathie Johnson, President, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “Our specialty trained team – from physicians and nurses to surgical team technicians and therapists – are ready to help our patients through every facet of this procedure. From discharge and recovery to therapy and rehabilitation. We’re here for our patients every step of the way.”

Dr. Toomey agrees, “I want to educate patients regarding their options and provide them with exceptional care should an ankle replacement be required. Total Ankle Replacements are usually only used after all conservative treatments, like physical therapy and/or injections, have failed. If conservative treatment has failed, we are more than happy to help the patient come up with appropriate treatment options, offer second opinions, and ultimately provide surgical intervention, if required.”

To learn if the Sentara Total Ankle Program is right for you, call 1-855-704-FOOT (1-855-704-3668) or click here for more information.

The application deadline for restaurants to apply to the Stafford Cares: Supporting Restaurants and Families in Need project has been extended to March 19, 2021.

• Restaurants who wish to participate in the Stafford Cares program must complete an application online.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism manages the first Stafford Cares project which will purchase meal cards or certificates from local restaurants and provide them to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Stafford.

This program requires Stafford restaurants to apply online.

• The deadline for that application will now close on March 19, 2021. The extension of the application deadline will allow more time for restaurants to complete the application.
• “As a federally-funded program, a DUNS number is required and we are finding our local restaurants need more time to get that in place,” said John Holden, Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Depending on restaurant participation, Stafford County will purchase a minimum of 99 meal certificates valued at approximately $7,400 worth of meal certificates from each restaurant.

• The total number of participating restaurants will impact the number of meal cards or certificates purchased from an individual restaurant. Roughly 3,500 SNAP recipient families in Stafford County will be served by this program and receive meal cards to local restaurants.
• The minimum benefit to any SNAP recipient family is $150.

This program is funded through a $782,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

• The grant is made possible by the partnership with DHCD, Stafford County Social Services, and the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Stafford Social Services Director Michael Muse adds that the “Stafford County Social Services’ mission is to strengthen the family structure while promoting self-reliance, responsibility for family, and empowerment by building on family strengths.

• We appreciate community participation and this alliance to bring revenue and meals to our community.”

Stafford Cares is a county wide initiative that includes a number of new programs and projects fostering the well-being of Stafford citizens and businesses.

• These programs are designed to help many in need, as the Stafford community recovers from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
• For more information and to apply, visit GoStaffordVA.com/Stafford-Cares.

The hospitality industry has experienced extensive economic impacts during the Coronavirus pandemic.

• In an attempt to aid Stafford local restaurants, the Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism Department in partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has created the first Stafford Cares program aimed to support local restaurants and families in need.

Stafford Cares is a county-wide initiative that includes a number of new programs and projects fostering the well-being of Stafford citizens and businesses.

• The first program for Stafford Cares, “Helping Restaurants and Families in Need,” funded through a Community Development Block Grant, will purchase meal certificates from local restaurants and give them to Stafford families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Approximately 3,500 SNAP recipient families in Stafford County will be served by this program and receive meal cards to local restaurants. The minimum benefit to any SNAP recipient family is $150.

• The participation of 75 to 100 restaurants is needed for this program. Approximately $7,400 worth of meal cards or certificates will be purchased from each restaurant.
• The total number of participating restaurants will impact the number of meal cards or certificates purchased from an individual restaurant.

The direct benefit serves two audiences.

• First, Stafford restaurants will get a critical infusion of cash, attract more customers, and increase sales.
• Second, the program addresses food insecurity concerns for families in need who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Stafford.
• Additional indirect benefits include increased local restaurant sales, workforce retention, and increased County tax revenue. Additional meals tax revenue supports Stafford public schools.

To participate, restaurants must apply online by noon on March 8th, 2021. Click here for more information gostaffordva.com/stafford-cares-restaurant-application

The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) with a Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

• Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit provider bias.
• Compared to similarly developed countries such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasing since 2000.

According to the CDC, non-Hispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable or treatable pregnancy-related complications compared to white women.

• To help address these gaps in care and to help ensure the better health of mothers, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association enhanced its quality evaluation for the Maternity Care program to address key factors driving the United States’ maternal health crisis.
• They include preventable or treatable pregnancy-related conditions, high utilization of Caesarean sections, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal healthcare.

In 2018, facilities that received designations under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth across the country.

• The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Anthem for meeting the rigorous BDC quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“The Women’s Health Center is happy to receive this designation,” says Beverly Wainman, MSN, RN, Director/Patient Care Services/Nursing, “It highlights our commitment to a quality maternity experience, positive patient outcomes, and personalized care focused on our mothers and babies. Their health and safety is job #1.”

In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection, and dissemination, and internal protocols that better address clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care.

• New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race-ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events, and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage.
• In addition, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously.
• Specifically, the rate for low-risk first-time cesarean sections (NTSV c-section rate, PC-02) has been aligned with the revised Healthy People 2020 goals.
• Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity care show statistically significant differences in key clinical outcomes compared to their peers.

“The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center should be commended for meeting the standards necessary to achieve the status of a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care,” said Maureen Dempsey, M.D., Anthem’s chief clinical director. “Blue Distinction Centers represent the highest in their class for the specialty award designation. We are proud to work with such quality-focused provider partners to help improve the health and the lives of Virginia mothers and babies.”

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver.

• Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

Okras is my favorite restaurant to visit in Downtown Manassas.

When I was working at CenterFuse, before covid, I would walk across the street and order the Cajun Chicken BLT, with just the right amount of kick. And I’d always bring something home for my wife, who loves Okra’s Shrimp and Grits.

Well, now I can get that same great Okras taste delivered to my door. And you can, too.

Visit Okras.com to order hot food now, or get Meal Bundles and Special Event Kits delivered to your home.

Order Okras today and find out why, for over 22 years, thousands keep coming back for the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine!

Uriah Kiser
Founder and Publisher
Potomac Local News

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes’ health by detecting and preventing disease.

• Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss.
• Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

Children should have regular tests to ensure the proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements.

• Older adults are often at a higher risk for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
• Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have a regular eye exam to detect any problems as soon as possible and begin necessary treatment.

Making an eye exam appointment is easy.

• You can do it TODAY by calling our friendly staff in our Woodbridge and Manassas offices at 703-494-1766 or by visiting our website LateefEye.com.