Expert Commentary
How to Tell Your Child About Your Cancer Diagnosis
Practical Strategies for Tough Conversations By Amanda L. Thompson, PhD, and Shari Langer, PsyD Amanda Thompson, PhD, is the Chief of Pediatric Psychology and Director of Pediatric Programs for Life with Cancer, a program of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Shari Langer, PsyD, is a pediatric psychologist with Life with Cancer at the Inova L.J.…
Read MoreDealing with the Stress of a Cancer Diagnosis in a COVID-19 World with Exercise
Kirstie L. Pomaranski, CPT, CES, CETI- CES, PN1 is a certified fitness and exercise trainer. For more than a decade she has trained clients individually and in small group settings from the ages of 3 to 93. Kirstie oversees the exercise programming for cancer patients and survivors at Life with Cancer. Navigating a cancer diagnosis…
Read MoreDirect-to-Consumer Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk
Morgan Turner, MS, CGC, is a Virginia-licensed and nationally board-certified, cancer-specialized genetic counselor at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. She joined Inova in June 2018. Many patients are surprised to learn that the majority of people who are diagnosed with a cancer do not have a genetic (or inherited) cause for their cancer. Indeed, it is…
Read MoreStroke Is Treatable — But Every Second Counts: Learn why it’s so important to call 9-1-1
On average, someone has a stroke in the U.S. every 40 seconds. Each day, about 400 people die from stroke. Stroke is treatable. But every second counts. By learning to spot the signs — and calling 911 immediately — you can save a life. Stroke Signs: Timing Matters Nearly 9 in every 10 strokes is…
Read MoreAnswering Parents’ Questions About Childhood Vaccines
Emily R. Faltemier, MD, is board-certified in family medicine and specializes in pediatrics, women’s health and primary care for adults. Dr. Faltemier sees patients at Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville. The Internet is full of misleading or downright false information about vaccines. Parents want to do what’s best for their children, but they get conflicting messages.…
Read MoreHealthy Summer Nutrition Tips
Lauren Fay, RD, CSO, CNSC, is a registered dietitian at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and Life With Cancer. She is board-certified in oncology nutrition and nutrition support. Summer is well underway, and with the warmer temperatures (and the ability to spend time in larger groups of our vaccinated family and friends) many of us…
Read MoreInova’s Commitment to Using Blood Wisely
Alan M. Speir, MD, is Medical Director of ECMO and Cardiac Surgery in the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. He is board-certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery and received a 2020 Top Doc award from the Washingtonian. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation is facing an unprecedented shortage of blood. Here’s why…
Read MoreColorectal Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 45
Arthur Winer, MD, is a specialty care physician at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Dr. Winer is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is a practicing gastrointestinal medical oncologist and has clinical interests in colorectal, esophageal, gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic cancers. For decades, experts advised people to begin colorectal cancer screening at age…
Read MoreInova Heart and Vascular Institute Recruiting Patients for AFib Stroke Prevention Device Clinical Trial
Matthew W. Sherwood, MD, MHS, is an Inova interventional cardiologist, Director of Inova’s Left Atrial Appendage Closure/WATCHMAN Program and Co-Director of Inova’s Structural Heart Disease Program. Dr. Sherwood is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. Millions of Americans have atrial fibrillation (AFib) and take oral anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) every day. These…
Read MoreMissed Healthcare During the Pandemic? How to Get Back on Track
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people couldn’t — or wouldn’t — get routine healthcare. Their doctor’s office may have been closed, or they avoided medical visits due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. As a result, tens of thousands of Americans missed cancer screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive services. Though the worst of…
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