Expert Commentary
Preparing for a safe and healthy school year
It is back-to-school season, and before we know it, it will be the first day of the new year – a milestone parents prepare their children for annually. We are here to help with practical tips parents can use to ensure their child has a successful and healthy start to the academic year. Now’s the…
Read MoreUnderstanding the facts and myths surrounding bariatric surgery
Rajev Nain, MD, is a specialist in minimally invasive robotic and endobariatric surgery with Inova. He practices at offices in Fairfax and Lorton and performs surgeries at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a viable solution for those dealing with obesity and its related medical and metabolic issues,…
Read MoreInova among first hospitals to introduce leading-edge treatment for blocked or narrowed coronary artery stents
Cardiac catheterization and placement of cardiac stents is a highly effective, common procedure to treat blockage of the coronary artery. It uses a tiny, metal frame tube to reopen the artery and restore blood flow to the heart. Even though it is performed fairly frequently, the procedure isn’t without risk. In roughly 10% of cases…
Read MoreWhat 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 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 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…
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