Expert Commentary
Taking Medication as Prescribed: Why It Matters
Emmanuel Kim, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacy specialist. Medication only works if you take it — and take it correctly. But about 50% of the time, prescription drugs aren’t effective because people don’t take them as prescribed. Experts agree that for medicine to work as expected, you need to stick (adhere) to the medication plan…
Read MoreIs It Time for a Colonoscopy?
Luna Asrar, MD is a board-certified primary care physician practicing family medicine at Inova Primary Care – Ashburn Filigree Court. She enjoys treating people of all ages, with a special interest in health promotion and disease prevention. Seeing the bigger picture is important — especially when it involves screening for colorectal cancer (also called colon…
Read MoreBreathing Easier with Interventional Pulmonology
Interventional pulmonology provides minimally invasive techniques to help diagnose and treat lung diseases. Your lungs bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide waste. Many different diseases impair lung function and diminish a person’s quality of life. The Interventional Pulmonology (IP) program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute provides minimally invasive procedures and therapies to…
Read MoreFindings of Major Clinical Trial Support Inova’s Approach to Treating Critical Limb Ischemia
A recent clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health concluded that vascular bypass surgery offers better outcomes than endovascular techniques for certain patients at risk for limb amputation caused by critical limb ischemia (CLI). Vascular surgeons at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI) helped to develop many of the CLI bypass techniques that…
Read MoreTry These Therapist-Approved Tips to Have a Stress-Free Holiday
Matt Englefield, MBA, MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. He serves as a Manager of a Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic for Inova Behavioral Health Services. The holidays can be a joyous time of celebration and togetherness. They can also be a minefield of different personalities and worldviews clashing, often in the context of past…
Read MoreDavid Is Back on His Bike After Spine Surgery at the Inova Spine Program
David Galiyas, 62, has lived an active and adventurous life. A college football athlete, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy before flying F-18 fighters in the U.S. Marine Corps. David built a career in the private sector after retiring from the Marines, but his most important role is as a husband, father and…
Read MoreHow to Find Your Joy
Sonja Flood, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker. She serves as a Senior Director for Inova Behavioral Health Services. There are many terms for the sense of chronic, overarching stress so many of us are feeling these days: Existing, not living Languishing instead of flourishing Overwhelmed Numb The combination of major life challenges and…
Read MoreInova Juniper Program Provides Comprehensive HIV Care and Support Services
Mara Carter is the senior director of the Inova Juniper Program. Each December, we recognize HIV/AIDS Awareness Month as an opportunity to move toward ending the HIV epidemic, speak out against HIV stigma and support those living with an HIV diagnosis. Inova Health System strives year-round to meet the needs of those living with HIV.…
Read MoreWorking Out in the Heat? Protect Yourself!
Many athletes out there are working hard and pushing themselves to be in the best condition for their upcoming seasons. While it’d be nice to work out in a cool, air-conditioned room or facility all year long, it’s not realistic. More importantly, it won’t fully prepare you to play sports outside in a warm/hot environment.…
Read MoreUnderstanding Risk: The First Step in Breast Cancer Prevention
Rebecca Kaltman, MD is a board-certified hematologist oncologist. She serves as the Medical Director of the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. If there was just one thing I could say to a woman who asked me what she should do to prevent breast cancer, it would be simple: Know your risk. Knowing your…
Read More