May is recognized as American Stroke Month to promote public awareness of stroke. Stroke is the number five cause of death in the United States, but it is the leading cause of disability in adults. Knowing the warning signs of stroke can alert you to seek emergent medical attention. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better the chances for recovery. Knowing one's risk factors for stroke allows for modification of them to help reduce your chances of having a stroke. Our goal is to have our community be stroke smart and to BE FAST* if stroke symptoms occur.
Stroke Smart- Know your Risks
Risk factors for stroke are divided into those an individual can control and those he cannot. Those that cannot be controlled are age (higher risk with advancing age), gender (male higher risk than female), race (African-American higher risk), and family history of stroke. You should be aware of these risk factors but these are not able to be changed.
Read more to learn about risk factors and how to BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms...
By Stacey Epps, MD
Executive Medical Director
Bon Secours Neurosciences Institute
Bon Secours Neurology Clinic
11601 Ironbridge Rd., Ste, 207, Chester, VA 23831
804-285-6880
601 Watkins Centre Parkway, Ste. 250, Midlothian, VA 23114
804-325-8750
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Understanding Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a general term that means inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis but osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type. This article focuses on osteoarthritis which comes with age and typically affects the hands, knees and hips. Other forms of arthritis that are not discussed include gout, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis.
Osteoarthritis can occur with no identifiable cause or can occur after joint injury. It can also occur related to other medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. There are several risk factors to developing osteoarthritis:
- Age - Advancing age is a strong risk factor
- Gender - More common in women
- Obesity - Weight loss may reduce this risk
- Occupation - Frequent squatting, kneeling, heavy lifting, prolonged standing or walking
- Sports - Certain sports and injuries
Read more to learn about symptoms and treatment options for osteoarthritis...
By Aarat M. Patel, MD, FAAP, FACP, FACR
Bon Secours Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Richmond
Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology
9600 Patterson Ave., Richmond, VA 23229
804-217-9601
A Summer Vacation- Just What the Doctor Ordered
If you spent all winter shivering and all spring working, a summer vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Taking some time away from work and other obligations can help you feel more refreshed and benefit your health. Whether you take off two weeks or two days, spending a little time relaxing can go a long way in helping you feel better.
Find some time to unwind this summer, and you may experience these health benefits:
- Reduced stress. Stress hormones like cortisol can have a range of negative effects on your health, from causing weight gain to weakening your immune system. Studies show that even a few days away from your daily responsibilities can help lower the level of these hormones.
- Lower blood pressure. As your stress levels lower, so might your blood pressure. Some studies suggest that women who take two vacations a year are eight times less likely to have heart disease.
- Better sleep. Stress also causes insomnia. By relaxing on your vacation and getting eight hours of sleep, you may be able to get back on a normal sleep cycle.
- Better mood. People who take regular vacations are less likely to suffer from depression, studies suggest. Even planning or dreaming of a fun vacation can boost your mood for days and weeks before you take it.
Even if your job will be stressful and busy when you get back from a vacation, that short time away can do wonders for your health. You deserve a vacation, so start planning now!
If you are looking for a new doctor, go to www.goodhelpdocs.com or call 804-359-WELL (9355) to find a provider close to your home or work.
Read more...
Source: 757 Good Health Blog
Exercise Video
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Judith McKenzie, MD
Memorial Medical Center
8200 Meadowbridge Road, MOB IV, Suite 306, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
804-764-1253
Education:
Dr. Judith McKenzie attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree. She received her medical degree from the University of Miami and completed her internal medicine residency with University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Board Certification:
Dr. McKenzie is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her medical interests include disease prevention and empowering patients to take control of their health.
What do you enjoy most about being an internist?
As a primary care physician, I am honored to be the first physician my patients turn to for guidance, whether it is regarding a simple issue or a life-changing one. We work together as a team striving for better health. Sometimes we share in the victories and sometimes we cope with the failures, but I am with them every step of the way.
Why did you choose Bon Secours Health System?
I have always seen my role as a physician as my calling. Having been in practice for 18 years, I have worked for other health care systems. It is easy for health care corporations to lose sight of our main objective as healers. Bon Secours is a health system that keeps its focus on our mission to care for those in need.
What do you enjoy outside of your work?
With how busy our lives can get, it is difficult to have much time to just relax. I try to make time every day for meditation and prayer. It is essential for my well-being. I enjoy listening to music, yoga and reading for relaxation. Spending precious time with my two beautiful daughters is my greatest joy.
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Recipe
 Farmer's Frittata
▪ 12 eggs
▪ 1/2 teaspoon salt
▪ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
▪ 6 ounces Greek yogurt
▪ 1/3 cup scallions, minced
▪ 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
▪ 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or other oil of choice
▪ 1 cup red bell pepper, medium dice
▪ 2 cups zucchini, diced
▪ 5 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
▪ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, black pepper, yogurt, minced scallions, and minced cilantro.
▪ Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
▪ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
▪ Pour egg mixture evenly over the vegetables. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until the egg starts to set and turn yellow around the edges of the skillet.
▪ Place the skillet on a middle oven rack. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until puffed and set in the middle. Check on the frittata mid-way through cooking, cooking time may vary depending on how large the skillet is.
▪ Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese across the top of the frittata. Broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, until the frittata is puffed and the cheese is melted.
Provided by our sponsor:
Relay Foods
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Stay Active:
Check out these fun upcoming events!
Successful Aging Forum
May 28th, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
West End Assembly of God
401 N. Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23229
Enjoy a fine lunch, exhibitors, our popular physicians' panel, door prizes, and the fabulous Mary Wilson at this year's Successful Aging Forum.
Register here
Connects Federal Credit Union Corporate 4-Miler
June 4th at 7:00 pm
Innsbrook Office Park
5000 Dominion Blvd.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Promote health in the workplace and build corporate pride with post-event festivities featuring food, drinks, live music, and fun. It's quickly grown into Richmond's biggest office party.
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Wellness Club Card
Sponsor Highlight
Bon Secours Workforce Wellness Club Card members save 10% on all retail massages and massage memberships. Visit us at escapemassage.com
Contact Carol Marin-Vargas at
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