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.

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.

Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year – that’s more than all cancers combined.

• The American Heart Association says some small changes could pay big dividends when it comes to your heart health.

Diet and exercise are known to make a difference, that’s why Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is hosting Sentara Go Red Virtual Luncheon with FIT4MOM. Shannon Link, a certified instructor and owner of FIT4MOM Lorton, has been helping new moms get active for years.

• Now, Shannon is bringing that same knowledge and energy to this free community event.

“Traditionally, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has raised money for the American Heart Association with its Red Dress Luncheon,” explains Kathie Johnson, President, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “Since we were unable to host the popular event, we wanted to do something to raise awareness and get people moving – especially during the pandemic.”

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will donate $10 to the American Heart Association for every Prince William County resident who registers and joins us on Thursday, February 25 at noon.

• The FREE, 45-minute Virtual Fitness Class is designed for everyone and will have something for all skill levels.
• No need to be a ‘mom’ – everyone is welcome! We will cycle through intervals of cardio, strength, and core work, and will conclude with a peaceful stretch & meditation.*
• Click here to to register today.

*If you are new to exercise, please consult with a physician before engaging in physical activity.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is a 183-bed, not-for-profit community hospital serving Prince William County and its surrounding communities.

• Our medical center combines the resources of a major health system with the compassionate, personalized care of a community hospital.
• SNVMC offers quiet, private rooms and high quality care focused on safety and patient satisfaction.
• We offer a wide range of medical specialties, a highly qualified medical and clinical staff and state-of-the-art technology.
• Our clinical services include advanced imaging, cancer services, diabetes management, emergency care, heart and vascular care, lab services, neurosurgery, primary care, orthopedics, urology, weight loss surgery, women’s services and more.

The health and safety of our patients, families, and team members is a priority here at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

That’s why Sentara Healthcare has enacted policies and procedures regarding hospital visitation. COVID-19 confirmed patients (not at end-of-life) or patients awaiting COVID-19 test results are not allowed any visitors.

No visitors are allowed in our Emergency Rooms EXCEPT:
• Patients with altered mental status, developmental delays or behavioral health concerns may have 1 visitor.
• Minors under the age of 18 may have 1 visitor, either a parent or a guardian.

Patients are allowed NO visitors in our Hospital EXCEPT:
• Surgical Services lobby may have 1 visitor.
• Procedural area lobby may have 1 visitor.
• Women’s Health Center may have 1 support person.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients may have 2 visitors.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have 2 visitors.
• Patients with altered mental status, developmental delays or behavioral health concerns
may have 1 visitor.

Visitor Safety Guidelines:
• Visitors 12 and under are prohibited from our hospitals.
• Visitors will have their temperatures taken and be screened before entering the facility.
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. If they do not have a mask, a community mask will be given to them.
• Visitors will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
• Visitors must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the patient room.

Exceptions may be made for end-of-life patients. Please discuss options with the patient manager on duty.

These guidelines are subject to change. Please call 703-523-1000 or click here to view Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s visitation guidelines.

When it comes to home improvement, Janiela Montalvo-Linares and her husband are do-it-yourselfers.

On July 4, 2017, the Woodbridge couple was demolishing the flooring, taking it all the way down to the joints in their son’s second-floor bedroom. While it looked a mess, they were making progress, until Janiela made a horrible misstep.

“I was moving around the room and instead of stepping on flooring supported by a beam, I stepped on drywall and went right through the floor,” said Janiela.

Janiela fell from the second floor to the first. Initially, she couldn’t walk. She was rushed to the hospital where she stayed for three days with a fractured tailbone, severely bruised ribs, joint damage, and a host of other cuts and bruises.

While her injuries healed, she was left with chronic pain.

“The pain was always there. I couldn’t stand or sit for more than 30 minutes without being in agony. Bending, exercising, walking for long periods of time hurt. This went on for years,” she says.

Janiela had gone to other doctors, but their solutions never seemed to work. That’s when her Sentara Primary Care Physician, Dr. Benedict Sales, recommended she visit board-certified Chiropractor Dr. Kenneth May, at the Sentara Therapy Center.

In Spring 2020, Janiela made an appointment, but she worried too much time had passed to fix her chronic condition.

Dr. May was undeterred.

“When dealing with any injury or condition that has been present for a long time, six months or more, it just means the recovery, or response, to care is going to be slower, not impossible,” he said.

From the start, Janiela noticed a change.

“From the beginning Dr. May was different,” says Janiela. “He started adjusting my back and pelvic area. After the first appointment, I felt a lot better.”

Dr. May showed Janiela exercises she could do on her own, outside of her appointments, which would help her muscles get stronger and help decrease her pain.

In no time, Janiela’s life started to change.

“By the fourth week of treatment, I was 100%. I’m able to walk and run for long periods of time now. The pain is gone!” she exclaimed.

In addition to helping her physically, Dr. May also supported her emotionally.

“Dr. May not only helped me with my pain, but he also helped me gain my confidence back. He encouraged me to set goals, and together we achieved them. I will be forever grateful and thankful for the help he gave me,” she says.

For his part, Dr. May is proud to have made such a profound effect on Janiela’s life.

“That’s exactly what I want to hear. It’s not only my duty to help people heal, it’s also my responsibility to help them feel like it’s possible to heal and make it a positive experience,” explains Dr. May.

If you’re like Janiela and have been living in pain, Dr. May says it doesn’t have to be this way.

“The best way to describe my role is “Primary Spine Practitioner” this means you should make me your first choice when seeking care or direction on what to do with your spinal health unless it’s an emergency situation,” explains Dr. May. “But, in my opinion, it’s never too late to say never.”

Janiela agrees.

“Don’t give up. A person shouldn’t live in pain. There are resources and treatments that work, you just have to find the right one.”

To learn if Dr. May can help you, call 703-523-1680 or visit sentara.com/therapy to schedule your appointment today.

Greater Prince William County leaders and healthcare officials have banded together in an effort to stress the importance of community health as Virginians head into flu season.

According to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, it’s estimated at least 39 million Americans became ill during last year’s flu season leading to 18 million medical visits, 410,000 hospitalizations and at least 24,000 deaths.

In an effort to spread this message to our communities and stakeholders, leaders from each organization recorded messages about the importance of flu shots and getting medical attention during COVID-19. These messages, recorded in both English and Spanish, are being distributed and shared through social media and health agencies to reach every segment of the community and keep them safe and informed.

Doctors say it’s critical people get their flu shot this year during the pandemic. The CDC warns with more than 200,000 COVID-19 related deaths already in the United States, another respiratory illness could increase the chances of residents catching both diseases at once.

In addition, flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19. Both viruses are more severe for the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Getting a flu shot to prevent the flu will allow healthcare professionals to better manage the COVID-19 pandemic, save thousands of lives and preserve health care resources.

Get your flu shot today by visiting your primary care provider’s office. Area drugstores and pharmacies are also offering flu shots, generally covered by insurance. For more information, please visit vaccinefinder.org, sentara.com/getcarenow, and novanthealthuva.org. To view the videos, click here.

On October 7, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center unveiled a space in the Buckhall Community Cemetery for those who have lost children to miscarriages.

This project was a collaborative effort with Grace United Methodist Church.

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Sentara Healthcare has always been committed to improving health every day, for all people.

Flu season is fast approaching. Sentara hospitals usually see an increase in flu cases around mid-September and early October.

This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors say it’s critical to get your flu shot.

As part of Sentara’s commitment to keeping our communities safe, on Saturday, October 17, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will host a free drive-thru flu shot event while supplies last. This first-come, first-served event is at Christ Chapel, 13909 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

This free event is available for adults, 18 years of age, and older. Patients will receive a flu shot without ever leaving the comfort of their vehicle. The public must wear a mask and all COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at all times.

Health experts warn with nearly 200,000 COVID-19 related deaths in the United States already, another respiratory illness could increase the chances of residents catching both diseases at once. In addition, flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19. Both viruses are more severe for the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Getting a flu shot to prevent the flu will allow healthcare professionals to better manage the COVID-19 pandemic, save thousands of lives, and preserve health care resources.

As part of Sentara’s commitment to keeping our communities safe, all Sentara employees, volunteers, and non-employed partners are required to receive a flu shot each year to help protect the communities we serve.

Drugstores and pharmacies are also offering flu shots, generally covered by insurance. Sentara patients can schedule an appointment online and
visit their primary care office for a flu shot. For more information, please visit sentara.com/flushots or to schedule an appointment with a Sentara Medical Group provider, visit sentara.com/getcarenow.