Expert Commentary
What you need to know about DNA tests
Kylie Whalen, MS, LCGC CG(ASCP)CM, is a Senior Pediatric Genetic Counselor in Inova’s Genetics Department. Kylie received her bachelor’s in diagnostic genetic sciences with a concentration in cytogenetics at the University of Connecticut, and she maintains a current certification as a cytogenetic technologist. Kylie received her master’s in genetic counseling from Long Island University. DNA…
Read MoreCoordinated care from the Inova Amyloid Program helps patient return to solid ground
Leesburg resident Stanley Mills, 81, has never shied away from adventure. Born and raised in West Virginia, Stanley served in the United States Army as a paratrooper and parachute rigger after high school. When his military service was complete, he went to college, earned a business degree and spent his career in the federal government…
Read MoreInova introduces a groundbreaking procedure to control resistant high blood pressure
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50% of adults in America suffer from high blood pressure. Uncontrolled, this condition can lead to severe health complications such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and dementia. On April 25, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular unveiled a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure…
Read MoreGiving the gift of life: Demystifying the process of becoming a living kidney donor
Heather Perez Saiz, MA, LCSW, CCTSW, is the Independent Living Donor Advocate at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Kirsten Curtis is the Transplant Coordinator at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Currently there are almost 90,000 people on the kidney transplant list in the United States and the need is greater than ever. In 2023, there were approximately…
Read More7 ways to lower blood pressure naturally
Jason Bonomo, MD, PhD, is a cardiologist at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular. Dr. Bonomo is board-certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and internal medicine and has a PhD in molecular medicine and translational science. He practices at the Inova Cardiology – Fairfax and Ballston offices and cares for patients at Inova Fairfax and Inova Fair…
Read MoreInova plays a key role in trial of innovative treatment for tricuspid valve regurgitation that is now approved by the FDA
Update as of April 24, 2024: Inova’s structural heart team has now completed the first case in the Washington, DC region since the FDA approved a new device to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Inova Schar Heart and Vascular’s Structural Heart/Valve Disease Program was among the top enrollers in the TRILUMINATE™ Pivotal Trial demonstrating the safety…
Read MoreMindful, intuitive eating for health: ditching the diet and feeding the soul
Lauren Trahan, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian. She serves patients in Inova Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Losing weight can lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of developing diabetes – all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The easiest way to lose weight and keep…
Read More6 tips for a healthy gut
Ivan Harnden, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He serves as the System Chief of Gastroenterology at Inova. Dr. Harnden focuses on a collaborative approach and strategic vision aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and delivering outstanding GI care to the community served by Inova. Keep your gut healthy We’ve all dealt with gut issues at one…
Read MoreDebunking gynecology visit myths
Shawn Davis-Wilensky, MD is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. She practices at Inova Saville Screening and Prevention Center. There are many myths that exist about women’s health. In order to make informed decisions about your care, it is important to be educated with the facts. Here are some myths debunked. Myth #1: The pill can increase cancer…
Read MoreBESPOKE clinical trial supports value of blood test for colon cancer recurrence
The BESPOKE clinical trial evaluated molecular markers in blood samples as a guide that physicians can use to determine the benefit of chemotherapy for stage II and III colon cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 126,000 new cases of colon cancer (colorectal cancer) were diagnosed in 2020. Colon cancer…
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