Thursday, March 26, 2009
New Blog about Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy
Jennie's latest entry is about women's issues.
Check it out at www.Therapy2BYourself.blogspot.com
Calendar of Events for April and May
Diabetes Self Management Training
Where: Fauquier Health LIFE Center, Holiday Court, Warrenton
When: Classes are forming
Details: Covers diet, exercise, medication
Cost: Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
Register: 540-316-2652; diabetes@fauquierhealth.org
Wednesday, April 1
The State of the State of Autism
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore room
When: 7:00 p.m.
Details: Speaker John A. Toscano, M.S.W., M.B.A., president and CEO of Commonwealth Autism Service, will speak on “The State of the State of Autism” in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. Babysitting is available. Registration is required.
Register: 540-316-3588
Monday, April 6
Your Childbirth Experience
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: Four-session class – April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Discussion-oriented class goes over anatomy, labor and delivery, breathing
and relaxation techniques, medical interventions, cesarean delivery and postpartum concerns. Expectant parents should attend this class during the second trimester of
pregnancy.
Cost: $120 per couple.
Register: 540-316-3588
Saturday, April 11
First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR; and AED
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower, Sycamore room
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Includes adult, infant and child CPR; basic first aid; and automated
external defibrillator (AED) training. Registration is required.
Cost: $65.
Register: 540-316-3588
Tuesday, April 14
Support Group for New Moms
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm class time.)
Details: Discussion group for new mothers of infants between the ages of 2 days and 6 months old
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588
Thursday, April 16
Mini-Medical School
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower, Sycamore room
When: Six Thursdays, April 16 to May 21, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Details: The first night of the six-session Mini-Medical School. The theme is “Health and Wellness: Living Long and Living Well.” Specific presentation topics will include “A Healthy Heart,” “Healthy Back and Joints,” “Living Healthy with Cancer,” “A New Look at Radiology,” “Allergies and Asthma” and “The Skinny on Health and Nutrition.”
Cost: $40 for the six-session series
Register: 540-316-3588
Red Cross Blood Drive
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Sycamore room
When: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Details: Call 540-316-3588 or 800-322-7500
Baby Care Essentials
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower, Sycamore room
When: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Taught by childbirth educators. Topics include diapering, bathing, cord care, circumcision care, feeding methods and infant safety. Also hear from pediatrician Michael Amster, M.D.
Cost: $20 per person. Grandparents are also welcome to attend this class at $20 per person
Register: 540-316-3588
Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Counseling
Where: Chestnut room
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: Counselors will help explain Medicare for those older than 65; disabled beneficiaries younger than 65; Medicare parts A, B and D; and Medicaid savings.
Registration is required.
Register: 540-316-3588
Tuesday, April 21
Cancer Support Group
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Chestnut room
When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register: 540-878-2136
Breastfeeding Made Simple
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Obstetrical nurse lactation consultants will teach about breastfeeding benefits
and techniques. Dads are welcome.
Cost: $20
Register: 540-316-3588
Saturday, April 25
Your Childbirth Experience
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: Weekend class sessions – Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Details: Discussion-oriented class goes over anatomy, labor and delivery, breathing
and relaxation techniques, medical interventions, cesarean delivery and postpartum concerns. Expectant parents should attend this class during the second trimester of
pregnancy.
Cost: $120 per couple.
Register: 540-316-3588
Babysitters’ Training Course
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Sycamore room
When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: American Red Cross-certified babysitting course teaches leadership and
caregiving skills, how to prevent and manage emergencies, first aid, how to interview for babysitting jobs and more. The class is for kids ages 11 to 16. Bring a bagged lunch; drinks and cookies will be provided.
Cost: $40.
Register: 540-316-3588
Tuesday, April 28
Support Group for New Moms
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm class time.)
Details: Discussion group for new mothers of infants between the ages of 2 days and 6 months old
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588
Monday, May 4
Your Childbirth Experience
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: Four-session class – May 4, 11,18 and June 1, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Discussion-oriented class goes over anatomy, labor and delivery, breathing
and relaxation techniques, medical interventions, cesarean delivery and postpartum concerns. Expectant parents should attend this class during the second trimester of
pregnancy.
Cost: $120 per couple.
Register: 540-316-3588
Saturday, May 9
First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR; and AED
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower, Sycamore room
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Includes adult, infant and child CPR; basic first aid; and automated
external defibrillator (AED) training. Registration is required.
Cost: $65.
Register: 540-316-3588
Tuesday, May 12
Looking Good, Feeling Good
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Chestnut room
When: 6:00 p.m.
Details: Program helps women overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Participants must be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Cost: Free
Register: 540-878-2136.
Support Group for New Moms
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm class time.)
Details: Discussion group for new mothers of infants between the ages of 2 days and 6 months old
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588
Thursday, May 14
Diabetes Support Group
Where: Fauquier Health LIFE Center, Holiday Court, Warrenton
When: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Details: Topic will be “Getting the most out of your doctor’s visits,” by Dr. Joseph David
Cost: Free
Details: Call 540-316-2652 or e-mail diabetes@fauquierhealth.org for more information
Saturday, May 16
Your Childbirth Experience
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: Weekend class sessions – Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Details: Discussion-oriented class goes over anatomy, labor and delivery, breathing
and relaxation techniques, medical interventions, cesarean delivery and postpartum concerns. Expectant parents should attend this class during the second trimester of
pregnancy.
Cost: $120 per couple.
Register: 540-316-3588
Monday, May 18
Massage for Couples, Level I
Where: Fauquier Health LIFE Center, Holiday Court, Warrenton
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Details: Therapeutic massage, taught by Heidi Leavell, C.M.T. Level I focuses on the neck, shoulders and upper and lower back. Bring two pillows and a sheet and wear comfortable clothing. Ladies are requested to wear a halter or bathing suit top.
Cost: $45 per couple.
Register: 540-316-2640
Tuesday, May 19
Cancer Support Group
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Chestnut room
When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register: 540-878-2136
Breastfeeding Made Simple
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Obstetrical nurse lactation consultants will teach about breastfeeding benefits
and techniques. Dads are welcome. Class includes lunch.
Cost: $20.
Register: 540-316-3588
Thursday, May 21
Baby Care Essentials
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower, Sycamore room
When: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: Taught by childbirth educators. Topics include diapering, bathing, cord care, circumcision care, feeding methods and infant safety. Also hear from pediatrician Michael Amster, M.D.
Cost: $20 per person. Grandparents are also welcome to attend this class at $20 per person
Register: 540-316-3588
Saturday, May 23
Babysitters’ Training Course
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Chesnut room
When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: American Red Cross-certified babysitting course teaches leadership and
caregiving skills, how to prevent and manage emergencies, first aid, how to interview for babysitting jobs and more. The class is for kids ages 11 to 16. Bring a bagged lunch; drinks and cookies will be provided.
Cost: $40.
Register: 540-316-3588
Tuesday, May 26
Support Group for New Moms
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm class time.)
Details: Discussion group for new mothers of infants between the ages of 2 days and 6 months old
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588
Wednesday, May 27
Skin Cancer Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Sycamore room
When: 7:00 p.m.
Details: Dermatologist J.C. Caballero, M.D. will discuss the forms of skin cancer, who is at risk, how to protect your children and the latest treatments.
Register: 540-316-3588
Thursday, May 28
Joint Replacement Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Tower Sycamore room
When: 6:00 p.m.
Details: Those considering a knee or hip replacement will learn about the entire process
— from the initial doctor’s consultation through postsurgical rehabilitation — from speaker David Snyder, M.D. Dr. Snyder will also discuss nonsurgical alternatives and treatment options for arthritis.
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588
Saturday, May 30
Growing Healthy Babies
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Details: Taught by childbirth educators, this class is for those thinking of becoming
pregnant or in their first trimester. Topics include nutrition, exercise, physical and emotional challenges, stages of growth, warning signs and preterm labor. Also hear from obstetrician Thomas Myers, M.D.
Cost: $45 per couple
Register: 540-316-3588
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Fauquier Health Makes the Big Time
Click here to read.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301806.html?hpid=sec-health
Fauquier Hospital’s concierge program relies on caring volunteers


Last summer, Fauquier Hospital Concierge and Patient Advocate Lisa Spitzer recruited a cadre of ten volunteers for a special project. Their assignment? To visit patients in the hospital and to make their stay a bit more comfortable. The volunteer concierge program was born.
George Goletz said that once a week he spends a day talking with patients, listening to their stories and asking about their hospital visit. “Sometimes the patients or family members just want to talk,” he says. “That’s OK. I have the time. I can stay as long as they need me to stay. I ask them about the quality of care they are receiving or if they need anything. Sometimes they want a newspaper, sometimes they are really craving a candy bar. If they’re allowed to have one, I’ll go get their favorite kind.”
Peggy Blank says that some patients don’t want company when they are not feeling well. “I understand. I play it by ear. A patient may need something – an extra blanket or a drink. I can help with that. We hope that our patients are a little happier because of our visits.”
Autism Presentation Offered
Prior to working for Commonwealth Autism Service, John Toscano spent three years working internationally to improve autism services in Malaysia and in England. He started his experience in autism in 1981 and developed a large residential and day service for adults in New York.
Along with his work in autism, Mr. Toscano also was a full-time faculty member in social work for 18 years at Siena College and the University of New York at Albany. He has traveled extensively, observing and consulting with autism services both in the U.S. and across Europe, and has spoken at numerous local, state, national and international conferences.
His particular areas of interest include: paradigms of care and the rights of people with autism; bridging the gap between agency ethos and practice; program design and implementation; and bio-medical interventions in autism.
Mr. Toscano was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Virginia Olmstead Task Force and the Oversight Advisory Committee (2002-2005) and to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (2004 – current). He earned his MSW degree from Adelphi University in 1975, and his MBA degree from Sunderland University, England in 2000.
He is also grandfather to a child with autism.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
60 is the new 40
Fauquier Health recently sponsored a lecture by cardiologist Christopher Leet, M.D., Dr. Leet spoke on "60 is the New 40." Here's a sampling.
Top Doc
Sleep Apnea Surgery Gives Patient a Wake Up Call
Click on the video above for a quick introduction to Dr. Christopher Chang of Fauquier ENT.
A 48-year-old Rappahannock man who was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea three years ago is finally cured. He said, “The physical improvement is great. To sleep well, to know what it is to dream, to have energy throughout the day, and to know that when I wake up in the morning that my body hasn’t been struggling for breath all night. I thank God for this change in my life.”
As an unexpected bonus, his life insurance premiums have dropped significantly and his severe snoring has completely disappeared.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition where the throat and nasal tissues collapse when the patient is asleep, and air movement is obstructed. OSA not only prevents sufferers from having a good night's rest, but it also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension and even death. Symptoms include:
• Severe snoring
• Feeling tired during the daytime
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Waking up repeatedly throughout the night
• Loved ones reporting that the patient literally stops breathing repeatedly throughout the night
• Sore throat in the mornings
Respiratory therapy is the first line of defense in cases of diagnosed OSA, but it is not the only solution. Dr. Christopher Chang of Fauquier Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants said that there are several surgeries that can alleviate – and possibly cure – OSA and its symptoms.
He explained, “If someone is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea through a sleep study, insurance companies require the patient to try CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy first. If after trying it for several months, the patient can’t tolerate the therapy or it doesn’t work, surgery may be covered.
Dr. Chang estimates that in selected patients, his success rate with OSA surgeries is “more than 90 percent. These patients see significant improvement or are even cured completely.”
He explained, “The three clogs contributing to OSA include nasal factors, oral cavity factors and tongue collapse against the back of the throat. Individuals may have one or all three contributing to the OSA. The best analogy to use is a pipe through which water flows. Imagine this pipe has three clogs in it. Water flow will not improve until all three clogs are removed.”
One of Dr. Chang’s patients, the Rappahannock man mentioned above, was battling all three points of resistance to air flow. He said that after a sleep study at the Fauquier Health Sleep Center in Warrenton, he was diagnosed with OSA. He tried CPAP therapy for three years but it didn’t alleviate his symptoms.
In October of 2008, Dr. Chang performed an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) where the uvula is removed, soft palate is trimmed to clear the oral cavity, and tonsillectomy is performed in order to open up the oral cavity. Also performed was a base of tongue reduction to address the tongue collapse against the back of the throat. In January of 2009, the patient had a second surgery to correct a deviated septum, as well as turbinate reduction to reduce the size of his nasal turbinates (to clear the nasal blockage).
After another sleep study last month, the patient was declared “completely cured of OSA.”
“I feel great. And now my wife can get a good night’s sleep, too,” he added.
Dr. Chang said that there also are other procedures that can be performed to free the flow of air while sleeping. In the interest of educating his patients as much as possible, Dr. Chang has an extensive website at www.FauquierENT.net with descriptions – including videos -- of the different symptoms and possible solutions.
Fauquier Health on FOX 5 Morning News
Click here to see the FOX 5 footage.
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/holly_live/031009_holly_morris_kids_safety_day
There are two videos, one on top of the other.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Spine-tingling
