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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M A D E P E R S O N A L WINTER Just forOPENINGJAN. 26,2016!KIDSInnovative technology, comforting caresupport new Inova Children’s HospitalPAGE 6INSIDE:32GET SHEALTH55
HEALTH BEATTHEFOLLOWLEADERNew BeginningsHappy New Year! We findourselves welcoming 2016with great pride in all thatInova Fairfax MedicalCampus has become. We aregreeting two newly expandedhospitals here at Fairfax, thenew Inova Women’s Hospitaland Inova Children’s Hospital,which will open their doorson Jan. 26, 2016.In our fall issue of InHealth,we shared the story of thenew Inova Women’s Hospital.This winter issue is dedicatedto the new Inova Children’sHospital, Northern Virginia’schildren’s hospital and oneof the top children’s hospitalsin the nation.With 226 all-privatepediatric beds and top-notchcare, including complex cardiac and oncology servicesand a 108-bassinet NeonatalIntensive Care Unit (NICU)— the largest Level IV NICUin the mid-Atlantic region —we offer the highest level ofdedicated pediatric care inthe region on a beautiful newkid-friendly campus.New genomic testingand research is currently indevelopment through ourInova Translational MedicineInstitute, which will offerparents new, personalizedinsights that will help theirchildren live healthier livesfor many years to come —making their futures, andours, brighter.PATRICKCHRISTIANSEN,PhDCEO, Inova FairfaxMedical CampusExecutive VicePresident, Inova2 PHILANTHROPYNurturingTHE FUTUREGift reinforces Inova’s award-winningNICU services and researchInova recently received a 1 million gift from FairfaxNeonatal Associates, whichdelivers care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units(NICU) at Inova Children’sHospital, Inova LoudounHospital and Inova FairOaks Hospital. The gift willhelp fund many ongoingNICU needs, with the threelargest allocations designated for the newly namedFairfax Neonatal Associates’ Neonatal IntensiveCare Unit (formerly theInova Children’s HospitalNICU), the expansion ofInova Loudoun’s NICU, andgroundbreaking neonatalgenomic research —conducted in collaborationwith Inova TranslationalMedicine Institute.“This donation reflectsour commitment to standwith Inova in providingNorthern Virginia andsurrounding areas withW I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Inova Fairfax Medical C ampussuperior neonatal care,”the highest level of careemphasizes Robin Baker,for premature babies.MD, neonatologist atThe tight coordinationInova Children’s Hospitalbetween maternal fetaland president of Fairfaxmedicine, obstetrics andNeonatal Associates. “WeNICU specialists also setshope that by unanimouslythe Fairfax Neonatalvoting to donate our ownAssociate Neonatal Intenresources, our group willsive Care Unit apart fromsend a positive messageother children’s hospitals,to potential donors.Dr. Baker says. “This isThrough this donation, wewhere world-class carewant to stimulate otherscomes together under onein the community to joinroof. Parents don’t needour ‘team’ as we strive toto transfer their baby forimprove the outcomesspecial care because thefor every sick andright specialists are here.premature newborn.”So we have this wonderIt’s this sort of dedicaful Children’s Hospital,tion that led to the Inovawhich surrounds the NICU,Children’s Hospital Levelwhich surrounds the baby,IV NICU receiving Thea seamless circle thatJoint Commission’sconsistently results in theGold Seal ofbest possible outcome.”Approval forPrematurity —To give to Inova Healtha prestigiousFoundation, call 703.289.2072certificationor visit foundation.inova.org.representingSUPPORT SYSTEM
WELLNESSBEWARE the Winter SunUse skin protection all year longIt’s easy tobelieve thatyou only need toprotect your skin inthe summer, butthe sun’s rays arejust as strongin the winter.Therefore, youneed to take precautionsagainst skin cancer now, as well.Clouds do very little to protect usfrom the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the most common causeof skin cancer. UV light is also reflectedoff of snow, so you can be hit by thesame rays twice. People who participate in winter sports, such asskiing and snowboarding, areespecially at risk, becausethe intensity of UV radiation increases as altitudeincreases due to thethinning atmosphere.Sun protection methods arethe same in the summer as in thewinter. People should use a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of atleast 30 if they are spending a lot oftime outdoors. Snow and strong windscan wear away sunscreen and reduceits effectiveness, so it’s important toapply a layer every two hours. Theharsh conditions in winter also call fora sunscreen with built-in moisturizerto prevent dryness, and a more lightweight sunscreen can be used on theface if people have sensitive skin. Anddon’t forget the lips! Apply lip balmwith an SPF 15 or higher often.Just like in summer, the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dressin layers when you go outside, whichwill protect you from the sun and alsokeep you warm.SMART SKIN CARELearn more at inova.org/cancer.WELLNESSFENDING OFF the FluFlu shots help to make symptoms milderWhile flu season can be unpredictable, it normally peaks betweenDecember and February. Which meansit’s still a good time to get a flu shot, ifyou haven’t received one already.The flu virus is constantly evolving,and vaccines are designed to fight thestrains that health experts predict willbe most common each season. Anyone6 months and older can be vaccinated.Young children, pregnant women,people with chronic health conditionsand people 65 and older are especially encouraged to get vaccinated,because they have a higher risk ofdeveloping flu-related complications,PREVENTIONBesides receiving a flushot, here are otherpreventive measures toreduce the likelihood ofdeveloping the flu. Theseare generally the samesteps you would take toavoid a cold:which can be very serious — or evendeadly. Children ages 6 monthsthrough 8 years may need two dosesof the vaccine, which should be givenat least four weeks apart. A nasal sprayvaccine is also available for peopleages 2 through 49.If you develop the flu, the flu vaccination can help make your symptomsmilder and decrease the chance that youwill need to be hospitalized. On average,around 200,000 people are hospitalizedeach year because of the flu. If you thinkyou have the flu, contact your healthcareprovider, especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms. ash your hands oftenWwith soap and water, oruse an alcohol-basedsanitizer. Don’t touch yourmouth, eyes or nosewith unwashed hands,as those are placeswhere germs easilycan enter the body. Eat well, exercise,drink plenty of waterand get enough sleep. Avoid being in closeproximity to sickpeople.IS IT A COLD OR THE FLU?COLDFLURunny noseMuscle painSore throatHigh llsFLU SHOT CLINICSInova offers convenient flu shot clinicsat many locations. Find one near youat inova.org/flu.inova.org/ifh 3
PERSONALIZED HEALTHOH, BABY!Prescription medication genetic testing for newbornsdelivers peace of mind for parentsInova TranslationalMedicine Institute (ITMI)has a due date forpharmacogenomicstesting: 2016. The test, calledMediMap, will be integratedinto the standard of care forevery baby born at the newlyexpanded Inova’s Women’sHospital.MediMap will help determine a child’s response tocertain medications whileproviding personalizedhealth information that willbenefit a child for a lifetime.Pharmacogenomics is arelatively new field that isbased on the combinedstudy of pharmacology (thescience of drugs) and genomics (the study of genesand their functions). TheMediMap test will identifyhow a child may respond tocertain medications later inlife and offer such informationas a treatment’s effectiveness and a baby’s potentialadverse reactions.“Studies tell us that apatient’s unique geneticmakeup affects how well heor she will metabolize certainmedications,” notes BenSolomon, MD, Chief, Divisionof Medical Genomics, ITMI,who oversees the MediMaptest development. “Thismay help doctors know thata person should avoid aspecific medication, or canhelp determine the best medication dosages. So having anunderstanding of someone’sgenetic makeup givesphysicians a tool that helpstailor treatments to an individual. It’s an approach thatreduces — and potentiallyeliminates — trial and errorif multiple medical therapiesexist for one disease.”When MediMap testing isfinalized, Inova will be theregion’s first and only healthsystem to offer genetic testing as part of its standard ofpractice for all newborns. Thenewborns’ genetic test resultswill remain in Inova’s electronicmedical record system.THAT’S A FACTCurrently, MediMap looksat seven actionable genesassociated with more than 21drugs. New genetic markersare always being discovered,which will allow Inova to predict an individual’s responseto more drugs and drugdoses. Currently, MediMap isused to improve the selectionand dosage of drugs to treatcardiovascular disease, lungdisease, cancer, arthritis,high cholesterol, pain anddepression.COMMUNITY INVESTMENT“As we learn more aboutpharmacogenomics,” saysFranziska Moeckel, AVP,Inova Personalized Health,“we’ll increase our ability toprovide the right patient withthe right drug in the rightdosage at the right time —and drive the genomicrevolution that will eventuallyenable people to live longer,healthier lives.”“We see this as an investmentin our community’s future,”adds Dr. Solomon, “It’s anintegral part of Inova’s promiseto bring the best possible careto our region — and in time,we believe the country.”ALWAYS PERSONALLearn more about the Inova Center forPersonalized Health at inova.org/icph.4 W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Inova Fairfax Medical C ampus
CARDIACA CHANGE OFHEARTConnecting the facts aboutwomen and heart diseaseThanks to research from theearly 2000s, we know thatheart disease is not a “man’sdisease.” It’s gender-blind —a fact that is masked in part becausewomen often experience differentwarning signs than a man.Despite this game-changing confirmation, heart disease remains the No. 1killer of women. “We know more thanever about heart disease, but patientsand physicians need to close thegap between knowledge and action,”explains Margie Akbari, MD, interventional cardiologist, Inova MedicalGroup Cardiology. “We haven’t quiteconnected the dots yet.”BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATEWhile gender differences betweenheart disease symptoms are widelyknown, Dr. Akbari still sees manywomen downplaying the symptoms,which are sometimes atypical, whentalking to a physician. It’s particularlyimportant to speak up because manywomen in the United States receivemuch of their medical care from anobstetrician or gynecologist, whichnaturally puts the emphasis onreproductive and breast health.Learn the Signs by HeartFor women, symptoms associated with heart disease are often less compellingthan a man’s classic crushing chest pain. These subtler and often misdiagnosedsymptoms include:Uncomfortable pressure or pain in the center of the chest that lasts morethan a few minutes or goes away and comes backDiscomfort in one or both arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back or abdomenUnexplained sweating, especially with exertionLightheadedness or dizzinessUnusual fatigueShortness of breathRecommended checkups with anOB-GYN are vital, but so are thoseregarding heart health. As Dr. Akbaripoints out, 1 in 31 American women diesfrom breast cancer each year while heartdisease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.“This means that patient and physicians —regardless of specialty — need to moveheart health to the top of the list. Nosymptom is too insignificant to discussand investigate.”POWER UPAnother gap between knowledge andaction concerns risk factors for heart disease. “Even though we know that heartdisease strikes at any age, young adultwomen in particular aren’t doing enoughto reduce their risks,” Dr. Akbari says.For example, young adult females represent the fastest-growing demographicfor cigarette smoking, which is the No. 1risk factor for heart disease. And this isalarming since the birth control pill is theleading contraceptive method amongthis same demographic. Birth control pillsincrease the risk of clotting, and smokingincreases risk of atherosclerosis (cloggedheart arteries). “It’s a toxic combination,”Dr. Akbari points out.As February is American Heart Month,Dr. Akbari suggests celebrating the occasion with healthy, lifesaving choices. “Myadvice to any woman at any age is don’tsmoke, try to exercise for 30 minutesthree to five times a week, stick with theMediterranean diet, and if you’re havingsymptoms associated with heart disease,see a physician,” he says.LIFESAVING CARELearn more about heart health atinovaheart.org.inova.org/ifh 5
KIPEDIATRICSJUSTFORInnovative technology,comforting care supportnew Inova Children’s HospitalAs a national leaderin the evolvingfuture of health,Inova recognizesthat great medical carebegins at life’s earliest stages.This means delivering thehighest level of dedicatedpediatric care, from state-ofthe-art technical innovationto comforting and supportivesettings where children andtheir families can focus onthe healing process.It’s a holistic approach tohealing that forms the coreof the newly expanded InovaChildren’s Hospital, whichopens this month. The hospital, alongside the updatedInova Women’s Hospital, ishoused within a brand-new,12-story tower on the InovaFairfax Medical Campus.“We care as deeply aboutthe Hospital’s advanced facilityas the children and familiesreceiving care inside thefacility,” explains ErinHodson, Vice President ofInova Children’s Hospital.“When given equal weight,the result is a powerfully6therapeutic environment thatexpedites the healing process.”HIGH-TECH SERVICESThe new 226-bed Children’sHospital will offer increasedcapacity and capabilities inall areas of care, includingthe neonatal, pediatric andcardiac intensive care units;and the hematology/oncology, cardiac step-down andgeneral pediatric units. Inaddition to having expandedcapacity, these units willalso be adding services. Inparticular, the medical/surgical unit will have hard-wiredEEG monitoring rooms fordiagnosing certain seizuredisorders; and the dedicatedhematology/oncology unit willfeature a positive-pressureventilated, protective careenvironment to accommodatepatients with compromisedimmune systems.The new 108-bassinetNeonatal Intensive CareUnit (NICU) — which will bethe largest Level IV NICU inthe mid-Atlantic region andthe second largest on theEast Coast — will transitionfrom an open bay model ofcare to a much more familyfriendly model that is basedon private and twin rooms.Gently enveloping allthis medically advancedtechnology will be specialamenities, unique kid- andfamily-friendly spaces, andvolunteers and staff to helpsoothe parents’ anxieties.“We took special care tocreate a friendly and beautifulenvironment where parentsalways feel welcome to staywith their child,” explainsDavid Ascher, MD, Chairman,Inova Children’s Hospital.“This keeps parents involved,Continuing a Reputation for ExcellenceWhile the Inova Children’sHospital may look new, withstate-of-the-art technological advancements andexpanded child and familycentered care, one thing willnever change: the hospital’sdedication to excellence.In 2015, U.S. News &World Report ranked InovaChildren’s Hospital 29thbest in the nation in neonatology — up from 42nd in W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Inova Fairfax Medical C ampus2014 — and 47th in pediatriccardiology and heart surgery.“We are extremely proudat Inova Children’s Hospital,not only to be once againranked among the best inthe nation for neonatology,but to add our world-classcardiology and heartsurgery specialty to the top50 rankings,” says DavidAscher, MD, Chairman, InovaChildren’s Hospital. “Thesignificant jump from 42ndto 29th in ranking is a reflection of the extraordinary careour physicians, nurses andstaff provide in our NeonatalIntensive Care Unit. I wouldalso like to congratulateInova Children’s Heart program for being recognizedas one of the top 50 bestprograms in the nation. Everyyear, our pediatric heart specialists perform hundreds of
DSwhich helps everyone copemuch better in what can bescary situations.”All-private pediatric roomsoffering sleeping chairs andsofa sleepers allow familiesto remain by their children’sbedsides day and night.There are also three welcoming indoor playroomsand one outdoor park, solittle ones and their familiescardiac surgerieson young children,including fragile newborns facing complexhealth challenges.“As we prepareto open our newChildren’s Hospital,this dedication topediatric excellencewill strengthen ourposition as a leader inthe future of health.”can let off steam in a childsafe space packed withfun diversions. Meanwhile,parents have access to threefamily lounges, equippedwith computer workstations, where they can videochat with family membersback home, keep friendsup-to-date, connect with theoffice and charge up mobiledevices. And the hospitalincludes a Ronald McDonaldFamily Room, which complements the on-campus“ We took special care to create afriendly and beautiful environmentwhere parents always feel welcometo stay with their child.”—David Ascher, MDRonald McDonald House.The Family Room includeslounge space and will bestaffed by specially trainedRonald McDonald volunteers.“As pediatric specialists,we know that bringing yourchild to the hospital canbe traumatic, so our newChildren’s Hospital goesthe extra mile to removeas much stress as possible,”says Lucas R. Collazo, MD,Medical Director, Pediatric and Congenital CardiacSurgery, Inova Children’sHospital. “This means a comfortable place to recover, ofcourse, but it also meansqualified emotional supportat every turn.”Dr. Collazo is referringto Inova’s skilled networkof experts ready to explainprocedures, translate medicaljargon and defuse confusingsituations. In addition tophysicians and nurses, theseexperts include Child Lifespecialists, volunteers andstaff at the Inova FairfaxMedical Campus RonaldMcDonald House, andspecially trained volunteersavailable to spend timewith a child when parentscan’t be in the hospital.CARING FOR BABIESHigh-risk infants will continue to receive unparalleledspecialized care in Inova’sexpanded level IV NICU,although the unit’s newdesign and location will introduce a significant benefit formoms and dads.“Our NICU is located in thesame building as the InovaWomen’s Hospital, so newborns moved to the NICU arenever far from their parents.That’s very important,”Dr. Ascher stresses. “And togive baby and parents undisturbed time to gently andlovingly bond in a homelikesetting, our new NICU roomsare either private or twinrooms. Each room has a comfortable sleep chair, too, somoms and dads are encouraged to stay with their babiesas long as they like. ”As Inova prepares to debutits new Children’s Hospital, Dr.Collazo brings up yet anothercomforting point: “We’vealways provided leading-edgepediatric care, but I think ournew home takes us to an evenhigher level. Whether we’retalking about a newborn or a21-year-old, our communitymembers can now receivesuperior care right here —in their own backyard.”HERE’SLOOKING ATYOU, KIDLearn more about InovaChildren’s Hospital atinova.org/children.inova.org/ifh 7
Inova is a not-for-profit healthcare system located inNorthern Virginia in the Washington, DC, metropolitanarea, serving over 2 million people with over 1,700licensed beds. It consists of five hospitals including thearea’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 NeonatalIntensive Care Unit. Inova encompasses many healthservices including the internationally recognized InovaHeart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), Inova TranslationalMedicine Institute (ITMI) on genomics, Inova Neuroscience Institute, Inova Dwight and Martha Schar CancerInstitute (ISCI) and Inova Children’s Hospital. Inova’smission is to improve the health of the diverse communityit serves through excellence in patient care, education andresearch. More information about Inova is at inova.org.If you do not wish to receive future mailingsfrom Inova, please contact us at 1.855.My.Inova(1.855.694.6682) or inova.org/unsubscribe.NON-PROFITUS POSTAGEPAIDINOVA HEALTHSYSTEM8110 Gatehouse RoadFalls Church, VA 22042inova.orgIHS-062-IFHWELCOME, NEW PROVIDERS!Here are new healthcare professionals who have joined theInova Fairfax Medical Campus staff in recent months:NAMEDEPARTMENTNAMEDEPARTMENTEric Ahn, MDSurgery/OphthalmologySara Mazaheri, MDPsychiatryAman Aminzay, MDEmergency MedicineBrian McHugh, MDNeurosciences/NeurosurgeryNorman Armstrong, MDObstetrics/GynecologyHaley Merrill, MDOrthopedic SurgeryCompton Benjamin, MDSurgery/UrologyDeepthi Moola, MDObstetrics/GynecologyMarcelo Cardarelli, MDSurgery/CardiacShah Nadeem, MDPsychiatryEdward Chang, MDOrthopedic SurgeryRuta Nene, MDPsychiatryDaniel G. Chong, MDMedicine/Hematology/OncologyLoney Nodelman, DPMSurgery/PodiatryCarlos Ferreira-Lopez, MDMedicine/InternalPrakash Pandalai, MDSurgery/GeneralMajid Fotuhi, MDNeurosciencesMarena Patronas, MDSurgery/OphthalmologyIvan Garcia, MDMedicine/InternalElizabeth Phan, MDFamily PracticePaul Gurbel, MDMedicine/CardiovascularTimothy Plerhoples, MDSurgery/GeneralNatalie Hauser, MDPediatrics/GeneticsVikram Prasanna, MDMedicine/CardiovascularAmy Hennessy, MDObstetrics/GynecologyShinjni Razdan, DDSSurgery/OralAmy Henning, DOOrthopedic SurgeryDebra Regier, MDPediatrics/GeneticsPeterson Huang, DMDSurgery/OralMeg Ryan, MDObstetrics/GynecologyArwa Hussain, MDPediatricsCamilla Sahebi, MDMedicine/Hematology-OncologyAmita Jha, MDPsychiatryNejib Siraj, MDMedicine/InternalDipa Joshi, MDObstetrics/GynecologyRachel Slivka, MDEmergency MedicineSang Hoon Lee, MDMedicine/Hematology& OncologyKathleen Solomon, MDObstetrics/GynecologyTiffany Sotelo, MDSurgery/UrologyQuinton Lucas, MDFamily PracticeDivya Sridharan, MDObstetrics/GynecologyPatricia Lucey, MDMedicine/DermatologyTatiana Staver, DDSSurgery/OralNandan Malpani, MDPediatricsAddisalem Tedla, MDPediatrics/GeneralAmbar Matta, MDSurgery/GeneralAarthi P. Vemana, MDPediatrics/PulmonologyTiffani Maycock, MDFamily PracticeAmy Weis, MDPediatrics/GeneralFind a PhysicianLooking for a doctor?Visit inova.org/physiciansor call our 24/7, bilingualphysician-referral service at1.855.My.Inova (1.855.694.6682)to find one close to home or work.SubscribeNow!Ask theExpertBabyTimeSign up toreceive e-newslettersabout health topicsand programs atinova.org/subscribe.Find a FREEAsk the Expert lectureon a health topic thatinterests you at inova.org/AskTheExpert.Schedule a tour orcomplete onlineregistration for yourOB admission atinova.org/baby.
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has become. We are greeting two newly expanded hospitals here at Fairfax, the new Inova Women's Hospital and Inova Children's Hospital, which will open their doors on Jan. 26, 2016. In our fall issue of InHealth, we shared the story of the new Inova Women's Hospital. This winter issue is dedicated
