Health And Fitness

Arthritis increases chance of falls

Adults with arthritis are more likely to fall and suffer a fall injury than adults without arthritis. Falls are preventable; learn more about reducing your risk of falling. A new CDC study of adults 45 years and older shows that adults with arthritis were more likely to fall and have a fall injury compared with adults that did not have arthritis.

VGH Van Horne Clinic celebrates completion of expansion project

Mike Riege discusses the history of the clinic and the benefits of the renovation project. Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinic leaders gathered in Van Horne on Friday to celebrate the completion of the renovation/expansion project, which includes  adding another 1,100 square feet to the existing 2,200, and substantially enlarging the patient parking area. Funding for the $450,000 expansion and renovation was allocated for structural improvements, new patient examination rooms, new laboratory and nursing station, improved waiting rooms, and needed storage space.

Skin Cancer Awareness: Protect Your Skin

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning. Sun Safety Tips Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's UV Index before you spend time outdoors and plan your sun protection accordingly, using these tips— -Seek shade, especially during midday hours.

Healthy Pets and People

There are many positive benefits of owning a pet; however, it's important to know that some animals may carry germs that can be spread to people and cause illness. Pets can appear to be healthy even when they have germs. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy. Picking the Right Pet Before you purchase or adopt a pet, make sure that it is the right one for you and your family.

Grand Re-opening Open House at VGH Clinic in Van Horne June 6

Rita Taylor-Stewart, PA-C, and the staff of the The Virginia Gay Clinic in Van Horne will celebrate the grand re-opening of the clinic which includes a new lab, exam rooms, nurses station, waiting room, restrooms, storage, parking lot, total remodel of the current structure etc. The event begins this Friday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. VGH administrator will welcome the guests, followed by a tour and refreshments.

Preventing Norovirus Outbreaks: Food service has a key role

-About 20 million people get sick from norovirus each year, most from close contact with infected people or by eating contaminated food. -Norovirus is the leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food in the US. -Infected food workers cause about 70% of reported norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food. Norovirus often gets attention for outbreaks on cruise ships, but those account for only about 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks.

Blastball begins!

Children learned the basics of throwing and catching at the first session of VPRD Blastball. Blastball began on Tuesday, as the Vinton Parks and Rec Department's Brad Barker and helpers began teaching children the fundamentals of throwing, catching and hitting a ball, as well as basic warm-up exercises and stretches.  The program continues through the end of the month. See more details HERE. See more photos of the first day of Blastball HERE.

Measles: Make Sure Your Child Is Fully Immunized

Measles is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious for young children. Protect your child by making sure he or she is up to date on vaccinations, including before traveling abroad. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Measles starts with a fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out.

First-timers join area fitness regulars in completing Pigman Triathlon

Trainer Mark Erickson attended the Pigman Triathlon to support first-time competitor Kelly Allsup. Kelly Allsup’s fitness friends at Kettlebell Advantage may have something to say about the large bowl of fudge-topped ice cream she ate Sunday afternoon. But after swimming a half-kilometer, riding her bicycle 25K and then running another 5K, Allsup has earned the right to celebrate – and indulge – a bit, says trainer Mark Erickson.

Walk/Run for Free Women's Health Services

PIP You're Invited to the 2nd annual Party in Pink 5K Walk/Run (Friday, June 27th) in Vinton. All proceeds go to support the Gifts of Hope program, free women’s health services, at Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics. The 5k event welcomes runners who count on accurate timing, but also the PIP 5k is for friends and family members who want to help raise money for an important program, plus it’s a lot of fun! NEW in 2014 - CHIPPED TIMING! Accurate timing via Trekman Racing.