Health & Wellness

While a lot of kids her age were still figuring out how to ride a bike without training wheels, Alice Hoskins started racing mountain bikes. But racing, like most sports, doesn’t come without injuries. Alice has been able to lean on Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital sports medicine physician and surgeon Matthew Panzarella, MD, to help her get back on the road.

For Jenny Sisk, losing weight had always felt like a battle, one she fought for more than 25 years. After taking the life-changing step to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, she feels stronger and healthier than ever.

February marks the celebration of Black History Month and American Heart Month. The intersection of these two observances provides an opportunity to address the epidemic of high blood pressure in Black communities.

Talk therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can provide a much-needed solution. This type of therapy centers on talking through problems to frame them differently. One type of talk therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), has been proven to change destructive and unhealthy thought patterns, particularly for those more at risk for self-harm. People learn to cope with distressing thoughts more calmly and logically.

Newer research suggests that time-restricted eating -- fasting for 12-16 hours overnight -- can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. The American Diabetes Association recommends several meal patterns, including Mediterranean, vegetarian, low-fat and low-carb approaches to help manage blood sugar levels. Sentara offers diabetes prevention, diabetes and prediabetes nutrition support and fitness programs to aid individuals in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Forensic nurses provide critical care to survivors of violence, bridging medical and legal support with compassion and expertise. At Sentara, their program addresses cases such as sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence and elder abuse by offering confidential treatment, evidence collection, injury documentation and advocacy resources. Their role emphasizes trauma-informed care, empowering survivors to heal, seek justice and rebuild their lives.

Multiple measles outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. in 2025, primarily due to declining vaccination rates, making infants and unvaccinated individuals highly vulnerable. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, with two doses providing 97% protection. Early vaccination may be recommended in high-risk areas or for international travel. Besides vaccination, protecting babies from measles includes practicing good hygiene, limiting exposure to crowds and ensuring caregivers are immunized.

Recent measles outbreaks in Texas and other parts of the country have led to some conflicting information about measles. Let’s review the facts about measles and learn how to protect your family from this threat.

Understanding how what you eat impacts diabetes or prediabetes is important in managing these health conditions. A balanced diet with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight and reduce complications. Strategies like portion control, hydration, and meal planning support glucose control. Sentara registered dietitians offer diabetes nutrition support that can improve long-term health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

One of the recommended ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer (and other cancers), is eating a diet that supports colon health.

Colon cancer screenings may not be a favorite topic, but they’re a game-changer for health.

Once eliminated in 2000, measles is resurgent in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates. Measles symptoms include fever, coughing, and a distinctive rash, with transmission primarily airborne. The MMR vaccine provides up to 97 percent effectiveness. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult their health care team before vaccination. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe complications and hospitalizations, particularly in vulnerable populations.

The medical understanding of obesity is shifting, recognizing it as a complex disease rather than a lack of willpower. GLP-1 medications, initially developed for diabetes, are now being prescribed for weight loss due to their ability to regulate appetite and provide additional health benefits. They are most effective with proper nutrition, exercise, and medical supervision. Bariatric surgery remains a highly effective long-term option, especially for individuals with higher BMIs or those who do not tolerate medication. Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions offers surgical and medical weight loss approaches in a supportive, judgment-free environment to help patients achieve sustainable health improvements.

Your diet always impacts your health, but it’s even more important when you’re pregnant and eating for two (or more!).

Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age, with many young patients diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed detection. Screening guidelines have been updated to recommend colonoscopies starting at age 45. While the exact cause of rising early-onset cases is unclear, factors like diet, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption play a significant role. Early detection through colonoscopies remains the most effective way to diagnose colon cancer.