Family Wellness Fair Dispenses Health Information

Fauquier Health's 2011 Family Wellness Fair was a hit. Well over a hundred folks visited Fauquier Hospital for free screenings, fitness demonstrations and loads of health information.

Fauquier Hospitals Culinary and Healing Garden Will Provide Organic Food for Patients and Bistro Customers

The first phase of Fauquier Hospital’s Culinary and Healing Garden is up and growing. Adjacent to the Bistro patio, it is designed to be a working kitchen garden. It will provide a source of organic, locally grown food for the Bistro. It will also be a teaching tool for learning about healthy food and where it comes from, and a place where patients, staff and visitors can sit and relax among the greenery.

The idea for the garden grew out of the “Green and Growing” program, a collaboration of Fauquier Health Nutrition and Food Services, Unidine Food Services, the Fauquier Health Wellness Center, and Fauquier Health Foundation in consultation with area youth groups, schools, local businesses, physicians and community organizations.

Support for the garden comes from Fauquier Health and community donors and volunteers. The garden will be overseen and maintained primarily by volunteers, most notably Warrenton resident Judy Roper, who stepped forward to be the garden coordinator. She will create the planting plan; direct planting and harvesting; and lead volunteers. Other contributors and donors include Gilliams Lumber, Rankins Hardware, Providence Landscaping, Stuart A. Stanley Company, Wegman’s, Wholesale Wood Products (Calverton), Boxwood Montessori, Anne Hall of Long and Foster, and others. Area gardeners and farmers have pledged to donate plants and seeds. Pediatrician Joshua Jakum, M.D., has been a great champion for the garden as well.

Kirsten Dueck, development officer for the Foundation, said, “One of great aspects of the new garden has been the way people in the community got excited about it and came together to make it happen.”

A ribbon cutting for the Culinary and Healing Garden will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, during the Fauquier Health Family Wellness Fair.

Fauquier Health Focuses on Diabetes This Fall

Here are just a few statistics from the American Diabetes Association:

• 25.8 million children and adults in the United States -- 8.3% of the population -- have diabetes.


• About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has diabetes.


• Diabetes can contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations.

There is good news too. Type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease and can often be prevented. Healthy habits can also help manage symptoms and delay complications.

Fauquier Health is holding several events this fall that address the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes Mini-Medical School
All sessions will be held at Fauquier Hospital's Sycamore Room, from 7 to 9 p.m.
October 13
Diabetes Basics
With Lida Tabatabaeian, M.D., endocrinologist
Kidneys and Diabetes
With Nivedita Chander, M.D., nephrologist

November 3
Your Heart and Diabetes
With R. Preston Perrin, M.D., cardiologist
Keeping Up with Diabetes
With Esther Bahk, M.D., internist

November 10
Holistic Approaches to Managing Diabetes
With Joseph David, M.D., internist

Diabetes Expo
October 1
• Screenings
• Meet with diabetes vendors
• Q & A with opthalmologist, pharmacist, sleep apnea specialist and wound care specialist

Healthy Cooking Demo
October 26
6:30 p.m. at The Bistro

National Diabetes Day
November 14
Free blood screenings – 7 to 10 a.m. in the hospital’s main lobby; 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wellness Center

Call 540-316-3588 to register for Mini Medical School or the Healthy Cooking Demonstration. Call 540-316-2652 for more information about the Diabetes Expo or National Diabetes Day.

Physicians Will Address Spine and Neck Injuries During Panel Discussion

Almost everyone has felt some back or neck pain at some point in their life – an over-enthusiastic workout, heavy lifting on moving day, or just roughhousing with the grandkids can cause a twinge or two.

But when the pain is consistent or severe, it may be time to visit a spine specialist; a presentation on October 12 may help you decide when to make that call. Orthopedic experts in spine surgery and pain management from Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center will present a panel discussion called “Spine and Pain” at 7 p.m. in the Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room. The presentation will address common back and neck problems and answer questions about specific concerns.

On the panel will be orthopedists Charles Seal, M.D., and Jeffrey Wise, M.D., as well as pain management specialists Daniel Heller, M.D., and David Kim, M.D. Bruce Edwards, physical therapist for Fauquier Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will also be on the panel.

Dr. Heller said, “Some people think that surgery is the only answer to severe back pain, but only about 10 percent of our patients ever need spine surgery. Depending on the individual situation, we can use a host of other non-surgical and minimally invasive methods to free our patients from nagging back or neck pain.”

Dr. Heller added, “Spine issues can be really confusing. A patient might have pain in their legs or arms. They might be having trouble with their hands, and find themselves dropping things. Any of these might indicate a spine or neck injury or condition.”

Dr. Seal, a spine surgeon, explained for instance that sciatica – pain shooting down the legs – could be caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, depending on the patient’s age. Pain in the shoulder or arm may stem from a neck problem. Muscle cramping in the arms and legs or balance issues may also be caused by a problem with the spine or neck. “Our job is to help sort out the root cause and provide treatment options. Sometimes it requires surgery, but most of the time, it doesn’t.”

“There are so many treatment options,” said Dr. Heller. “We even have a psychologist who can help patients with behavioral therapies including biofeedback, and a registered dietitian who can counsel patients whose weight is contributing to their back problems. And of course, as pain management specialists, we have many, many tools available to address patients’ discomfort.”

The panel discussion will take a multi-disciplinary approach to neck and back disorders, and will cover:
• Testing and diagnosis
• Non-operative treatment options
• Minimally invasive treatment options
• Common surgeries

To register for the discussion, call 540-316-3588 or go to http://www.fauquierhealth.org/.

Calendar of Events for October

Saturday, October 1
Diabetes Expo 2011
Where: Fauquier Health Wellness Center
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Free

Monday, October 3
Your Childbirth Experience
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Details: 4 sessions; October 3, 10, 17, 24
Cost: $120
Register: 540-316-3588

Thursday, October 6
Stroke Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 7 p.m.
Details: “Stroke/TIA” with Kristin Williams, M.D., neurologist
Register: 540-316-3588

Saturday, October 8
First Aid/Adult/Infant & Child CPR/AED
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $65
Register: 540-316-3588

Wednesday, October 12
Blood Pressure Screening
Where: Fauquier Hospital main lobby
When: 12 to 2 p.m.
Details: Free

New Mom’s Support Group
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: Free

Breastfeeding Made Simple
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25
Register: 540-316-3588

Spine Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 7 p.m.
Details: Spine and Pain: A Panel Discussion, with David Kim, M. D., and Daniel Heller, M.D., pain management specialists, and Charles Seal, M. D., and Jeffrey Wise, M.D., orthopedists
Register: 540-316-3588

Thursday, October 13
Look Good…Feel Better
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Register: 540-667-2315

Baby Care Essentials
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25
Register: 540-316-3588

Diabetes Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 7 p.m.
Details: Diabetes Basics, with Lida Tabatabaeian, M.D., endocrinologist; Kidneys and Diabetes, with Nivedita Chander, M.D., nephroligist
Register: 540-316-3588

Tuesday, October 18
Cancer Support Group
Where: Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room
When: 7 to 8 p.m.
Register: 540-878-2136

Wednesday, October 19
Community Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Details: Conversation in Ethics: Social Media in the Hospital Setting
Register: 540-316-3588

Thursday, October 20
Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Counseling
Where: Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Details: Free
Register: 540-316-3588

Saturday, October 22
Babysitter Training
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $40
Register: 540-316-3588

Wednesday, October 26
New Mom’s Support Group
Where: Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: Free

Diabetes Healthy Eating Demonstration
Where: Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register: 540-316-3588

Friday, October 28
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, November 2
Joint Replacement Lecture
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 7 p.m.
Details: Joint Replacement, with Robert Smith, M.D., orthopedist
Register: 540-316-3588

Thursday, November 3
Diabetes Lectures
Where: Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room
When: 7 p.m.
Details: Your Heart and Diabetes, with R. Preston Perrin, M.D. cardiologist; Keeping Up with Diabetes, with Esther Bahk, M.D., internist
Register: 540-316-3588

Fauquier Hospital’s Infusion Center Nurses Focus on Patient Care

It's a good idea now and then to look beyond amazing technology and high-profile treatments to the folks who care for patients. Among the dozens of caring, compassionate, knowledgeable nurses at Fauquier Hospital are the very special nurses who care for patients in our Infusion Center.

Some patients in Fauquier Hospital’s Infusion Center have treatments that last for several hours at a time. That’s one reason they find it so comforting to be cared for by such compassionate and experienced nurses. (And Fauquier Health Hematology/Oncology, with Salman Syed Ali, M.D. is located adjacent to the Infusion Center, for seamless cancer care.)

Together, the Infusion Center’s eight nurses boast more than 200 years of nursing experience. Carol Casavecchia is an RN IV on the clinical ladder, which is the highest level. It requires professional development through participation in continuing education, community and committee involvement, and being a clinical leader. She has 41 years of nursing experience, including 27 years of oncology experience, and has earned her Oncology Certified Nursing certification.

Lorie Harris has 14 years nursing experience. She is chemotherapy biotherapy certified.
Jane Weatherford is also an RN IV on the clinical ladder. She has 25 years of nursing experience and is OCN certified. Mary Armstrong has 24 years experience as a nurse.
Chrissy Patterson has eight years experience as a nurse, all of them in oncology nursing, and is OCN certified.

Lois Sutphin is RN IV on the clinical ladder as well and is OCN certified. She has spent her entire 38 years as a nurse at Fauquier Hospital and has nine years of oncology experience. Trenna Larson has 26 years nursing experience. She is chemotherapy biotherapy certified. Fran Cecere is a parttime Infusion Center nurse. She holds a master’s degree in nursing and has earned her Advanced Oncology Certified Nursing certification.

In the photo: Nurses of the Fauquier Hospital Infusion Center: Carol Casavecchia, RN; Lorie Harris, RN; Jane Weatherford, RN; Mary Armstrong, RN; Chrissy Patterson, RN; Lois Sutphin, RN; and Trenna Larson, RN.

Fauquier Health Hosts Healthy Eating Initiative at Warrenton Farmers Market

Ever wonder how to pick out a ripe cantaloupe? Do you know the difference between English peas and snow peas? What’s the best kind of onion to use in a stir fry? Are you just a little afraid to try okra?

You can find answers to dozens of food-related questions at the September 21 Warrenton Farmers Market. Josh Gegoski, Chef of the Bistro on the Hill, will be at the market from 10 to 11:30 a.m., chatting with visitors and vendors, and choosing delicious, affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables for a signature dish he will prepare at 11:30. The cooking demonstration, held outside at the Farmers Market, will feature all locally grown produce.

Fauquier Health’s Wellness Center will also be providing blood pressure checks from 10 a.m. to noon. Aren Dodge, dietitian at the Wellness Center, will be present during that time to answer questions about healthy eating.

Fauquier Hospital hosts the Farmers Market every Wednesday through October, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bistro entrance to the hospital on Hospital Hill in Warrenton.

Participation in the Farmers Market is part of Fauquier Hospital’s commitment to improving community health; promoting access to fresh, healthy and sustainable agriculture; and supporting the local economy. The Farmers Market Initiative complements and builds upon established hospital programs such as the diabetes workshops, community education, family health initiatives and the VIPeds summer Medical Camps.

What Are The Benefits of a Farmers’ Market?
Reasons for “going local” vary, but specific positives include:
• Freshness and Nutrition. The nutritional value of produce falls as time passes after harvest; locally grown fruit and vegetables are often picked within 24 hours of purchase.
• Taste and price. Eating local produce helps ensure that your food is at its peak taste, in good supply
and well priced.
• Regional economic health. Supporting local farmers keeps money in our community.
• Environmental protection. Flying, trucking and shipping food negatively affect the environment.

Fauquier Hospital Builds Culinary and Healing Garden

Construction started Wednesday on Fauquier Hospital’s Culinary and Healing Garden. It will be installed adjacent to the Bistro patio and is designed to be a working kitchen garden. It will provide a source of organic, locally grown food for the Bistro. It will also be a teaching tool for learning about healthy food and where it comes from, and a place where patients, staff and visitors can sit and contemplate or putter to relieve stress. Installation should be completed by Friday.

The idea for the garden grew out of the “Green and Growing” program, a collaboration of Nutrition and Food Services, the FH Wellness Center, and FH Foundation in consultation with area youth groups, schools, local businesses, physicians and community organizations. The garden concept was unanimously approved by the Architecture and Interior Design Committee. Construction is being overseen by Facilities.

Support for the garden comes from Fauquier Health and community donors and volunteers. Once in, the garden will be overseen and maintained primarily by volunteers, most notably Warrenton resident Judy Roper, who stepped forward to be the garden coordinator. She will create the planting plan; direct planting and harvesting, and lead volunteers.

Other contributors and donors include Gilliams Lumber, Rankins Hardware, Providence Landscaping, Stuart A. Stanley Company, Wholesale Wood Products (Calverton), Boxwood Montessori, Anne Hall of Long and Foster, and others. Area gardeners and farmers have pledged to donate plants and seeds.

Kirsten Dueck, development officer for the Fauquier Health Foundation, said, “one of the most exciting parts has been the way people who had not previously been actively involved with the hospital got excited about it and came together to make it happen.”

Dr. Joshua Jakum, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Dart, and Doug Larson have been great champions for the garden, as have Foundation board members Anne Hall and Karen Wachtmeister, Town Councilman Yak Lubowsky and Fauquier County Supervisor Peter Schwartz. Staff who have helped out include Michael Kresse, Tracy Turman, Zach Erickson, Aren Dodge, Elizabeth Henrickson and Kirsten Dueck.