Sentara RMH Medical Center

Happy Father's Day to all the dads of the Shenandoah Valley. Not many hospitals can say they have a father and daughter who are both neurologists, like Dr. Karoly Varga and his daughter, Dr. Zsofia Hole. We are blessed to have several dads at Sentara RMH Medical Center who have children working for Sentara as well!

Thankful Thursday 😊
We are thankful for the blanket and pillow donations from Bob Wade Subaru this week. They dropped off eight boxes of plush comfort items for Hahn Cancer Center patients. It's part of the annual program.

If you are heading out to the Juneteenth celebration in Harrisonburg on Sunday, stop by the Sentara table. We are planning to provide blood pressure and A1C screenings.

Thankful Thursday 😊

We're thankful for the Sentara RMH Medical Center team members who volunteered their time last week for the United Way Day of Action. Our volunteers helped at Valley Program for Aging Services and the Adagio House Community Center.

It was hard work, but they made a great impact. Thank you to all the local businesses giving their time to support United Way and all the local non-profits.

Join us this Saturday, June 8 for Walk with a Doc as we walk towards better health!

All ages and fitness levels are welcome to join us as we walk the paved trails around the Sentara RMH Medical Center campus. Please park in lot D and meet on the patio outside of the cafeteria. We hope to see you there!

When blood sugar is high in the blood vessels, it can destroy the blood vessels over time, which leads to fatty deposits on the vessel wall. This decreases the flow of blood to the brain, which can cause a stroke. In this Healthwise, Carlissa Lam, stroke program coordinator, and Holly Huffman, diabetes care and education specialist, explain some of the risk factors of diabetes and stroke and some of the steps you can take to help lower your risk of stroke.

Learn more:

Healthwise: Stroke Awareness On this Healthwise we discuss Stroke Awareness

Mental health struggles are more common than you might think—1 in 5 U.S. adults experience them each year. It's important to talk about mental health without shame. Here are some things you can do to help improve how you're feeling:

▪️ Take care of your physical health: Stay active and eat healthily.
▪️ Connect face-to-face: Real-life interactions beat social media.
▪️ Develop coping skills: Try deep breathing or guided imagery.
▪️ Explore relaxation techniques: Practice yoga, meditation, or journaling.
▪️ Practice gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and savor life's positives.
▪️ Improve your sleep: Prioritize a healthy sleep routine.
▪️ Get creative: Engage in art therapy or visit art museums.

Remember, struggling with mental health is part of being human. Learn more on ways to help improve your mental health: https://bit.ly/4bKgC7c

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org

Teaching children the warning signs of a stroke may help them save the life of a loved one, with many children today living with or being cared for by older adults. The most important component of stroke is time, so knowing the suspected signs of stroke is critical. Be sure children understand the importance of calling 911 instead of letting the adult suspected of having a stroke drive or care for themselves.

Learn more about the signs of stroke and the key steps to take when a stroke is suspected: https://bit.ly/3UNZ1V8

In honor of National Hospital Week, we are excited to share some stories of our incredible team members who make up Sentara RMH Medical Center!

Meet scheduler Odivina Peralta, who has been with Sentara RMH for almost five years. Odivina was born in Idaho but raised right here in Rockingham County. She chose the medical field as a career path because she knew she always wanted to find a way to help people. While she isn't providing direct patient care, answering the call and helping provide quality care by ensuring our patient's needs are met brings her the most joy.

In honor of National Hospital Week, we are excited to share some stories of our incredible team members who make up Sentara RMH Medical Center!

Meet volunteer Leonard (Lenny) McDoman Jr. and his dogs, Lacey and Maggie. Lenny has volunteered at Sentara RMH Medical Center for the last eight years. He started volunteering because his dog Denver loved people, so he was able to train and register him as a registered therapy dog, and he has been volunteering with his dogs ever since. Seeing people smile and light up when he walks in with the dogs is the most rewarding part of volunteering for him.

Lenny describes Lacey as the most relaxed dog he has ever met. When they visit the hospital and stop to meet with people, she is on the floor, ready to be pet, and loves being around kids. Maggie, who also loves kids and getting all the pets, knows every location in the hospital, including the cabinets and drawers where the dog treats are hidden.

In honor of National Hospital Week, we are excited to share some stories of our incredible team members who make up Sentara RMH Medical Center!

Meet AnneMarie Galati, a personal trainer at the Sentara RMH Wellness Center. A Virginia native, AnneMarie has worked in the fitness industry since 2018 and has worked at the Wellness Center since 2022. Since coming to Sentara, she says:
"I look forward to coming to work every day. Making a positive impact on lives daily is what keeps me coming back for more. From the staff down to every member I have come in contact with, everyone is kind, caring, and welcoming. It's special to have a family in a gym environment."

In honor of National Hospital Week, we are excited to share some stories of our incredible team members who make up Sentara RMH Medical Center!

Meet Katie Johnson, RN, a registered nurse with the Cardiac Device Clinic.
Originally from Macon, Georgia, Katie has worked at Sentara RMH since 2006. Throughout her career, she has worked in the neurosurgical/trauma unit, cardiovascular ICU, process care unit, and now the Cardiac Device Clinic, where she manages the follow-up of patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. Katie chose to become a nurse because she wanted a career in which she could feel she was making a difference every day.

When asked what part of her job brings the most joy, she shares, “My job is very rewarding in that I can make a difference in the quality of life for patients that have required pacemaker or defibrillator implants... I enjoy the critical thinking, troubleshooting, and use of advanced technology combined with using my nursing skills and experience to provide specialized care for this patient population.“

This week is National Hospital Week, a time to highlight and celebrate everyone who makes up Sentara RMH Medical Center! We are excited to share some stories of our incredible team members to celebrate.

Meet Amanuel Seyoum, MLS(ASCP)CM, a medical laboratory scientist I.

Originally from Ethiopia, Amanual has worked at Sentara RMH for the past four months but also completed his student rotations here, so he has been here for almost a year. Amanuel chose this career path because he wanted to find a way to give back to his community through the exciting knowledge and practical skills he has learned. Feeling that he has done his best to better each patient’s day, week, year, and life brings him the most joy.

Happy Mother's Day!❤️

Today, we celebrate the incredible mothers throughout our community and within our Sentara RMH Medical Center family. We're deeply honored to have these fantastic mother-child duos on our team. They exemplify dedication, compassion, and strength in their professional and personal lives.

As we honor these inspiring moms, we recognize that Mother's Day can be a mix of emotions for many. Whether you're celebrating the joys of motherhood or cherishing precious memories, know that we're here to support you.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures, thank you for the endless love and sacrifices you make every day.

This past week, the 2024 Sentara RMH Medical Center and Sentara Medical Group Nursing Excellence Awards were announced in honor of National Nurses Week. Join us in recognizing and congratulating our receipts! Thank you for your continued dedication to providing care to the members of our community.

Beginning Practioner of the Year - Haley Crosby
Preceptor of the Year - Chris Tolar
Nurse of Distinction - Roseanna Rhodes
Nurse Excellence in Patient-Centered Care - Hilary Breeden and Kelly Zirkle
Support Staff Excellence in Patient-Centered Care - Natasha Knight
Exemplary Clinical Practice - Brittany DeVore
Transformational Leader - Sarah Eyre
Excellence in New Knowledge and Evidence-Based Practice - Margaret Furr
Nurse Excellence in Patient-Centered Care - Ashley Emswiler
Exemplary Clinical Practice - Jessica Clem
Support Staff Excellence in Patient-Centered Care - Shameka Shelton

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has changed its breast cancer screening guidelines. It is now recommended that women with an average risk of developing breast cancer begin receiving mammograms every other year starting at age 40; previously, it was recommended to begin this at age 50.

Emily Ritchie, M.D. of the Funkhouser Women's Center, shares the importance of this new recommendation, including the fact that breast cancer is becoming more common in younger women.

Learn more:

Sentara RMH says new recommendations on breast cancer screenings can help save lives The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has changed its breast cancer screening guidelines. It is now recommended that women with an average risk of developing breast cancer begin receiving mammograms every other year starting at age 40.

Join us this Saturday, May 11 for Walk with a Doc as we walk towards better health!

All ages and fitness levels are welcome to join us as we walk the paved trails around the Sentara RMH Medical Center campus. Please park in lot D and meet on the patio outside of the cafeteria. We hope to see you there!

Happy National Nurses Week!

Join us in recognizing and celebrating the fantastic nurses of Sentara RMH Medical Center and their dedication to providing compassionate care to the members of our community. Comment a note of thanks to a nurse who has impacted your life, a friend, or a family member's life to show our nurses some love!

"Sentara athletic trainers are a gateway to all athletic healthcare, from head to toe."

Head athletic trainer Scott Powers, MS, LAT, ATC with Sentara RMH Sports Medicine, shares that athletic trainers don't just help on the sidelines at sporting events. They assist athletes in pre and post-season care and can help athletes with the next steps of meeting with orthopedic specialists.

Learn more in this Healthwise: https://bit.ly/4bdlXnk

Healthwise: Athletic Trainers On this Healthwise we discuss Athletic Trainers.

Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy and anticipation, but sometimes, it comes with risks that require careful monitoring. Many minor complications can occur, such as back pain, heartburn, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), but complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and early labor are considered high risk.

Daniel Weinberg, M.D. with Sentara Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery Specialists, shares the importance of regular prenatal visits as the best way to discover and treat any complications that may arise.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3U9coyE

In this Healthwise, Della Cable, a family support specialist with Sentara RMH Community Health, shares information about their Healthy Families of the Blue Ridge program. This voluntary program helps first-time parents learn how children develop, how to keep children healthy, and how to prepare children to do well in school.

Learn more:

Healthwise: National Child Abuse Prevention Month On this Healthwise we discuss National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Are you age 50 or older? Do you have known risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking? Then, you may be eligible for our complete vascular screenings. These screenings can check for conditions such as Peripheral Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and Carotid Artery Disease and are available now for $99.

To learn more and register for your screening, please call 540-689-6000

A dangerously high fever, constant vomiting, or excruciating pain are all clear signs something is wrong and to seek medical care. However, some symptoms are easier to dismiss or ignore.

Join the Senior Advantage Program and presenter Pamela Bailey, PA-C, BS, BHS, MHS, for the Your Health Now: Symptoms Not to Ignore education session on Friday, April 26, at 1 p.m. We will discuss paying attention to medical symptoms you should have evaluated to avoid them turning into more serious problems.

This event will be held at Sentara RMH Medical Center. Please park in parking lot B and enter through the Medical Office entrance. The conference room will be in the lobby area when you enter. Registration is required, so please call 540-564-7001 to register.

Thank you to everyone who took a moment to change and save local lives by giving to the RMH Foundation and the 2024 !

Special thanks to our friends at Bank of the James for their generous match.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed compassion for others with their generous support.

You can still make a gift here: https://bit.ly/4cR8ZgJ

Check out this fantastic piece on Fouzia Siddiqui, MD, the Sentara Sleep Medicine Specialists director.

Dr. Siddiqui shares the story of her journey to the United States to pursue her passion for helping others and how her career in Neurology has continued to grow over her last 14 years in the Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more:

Dr. Siddiqui Crossed The World To Help Others Resiliency, determination and hard work are at the core of who Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui is. Siddiqui is the director of the sleep center at Sentara RMH and is a consultant,