Rooted in Wellness: A Conversation About Financial Wellness
Northwestern Community Services Board Prevention & Wellness Services recently kicked off a yearlong campaign highlighting eight different dimensions of wellness. Their “Rooted in” campaign is in its third year with 2023’s message: Rooted in Wellness. Each month they will encourage and challenge community members to get involved by either participating in a monthly challenge or attending a Lunch and Learn session. Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today will have a conversation each month about that month’s featured dimension. You can listen to the Financial Wellness conversation by clicking here.
The goals of the campaign are to deliver the following messages of wellness:
• To raise awareness about how being mentally well impacts not only one part of who we are;
• To encourage community members to become mentally well;
• To foster connection and resilience in our communities by emphasizing wellness.
“Rooted in Wellness” is a collaborative project. Prevention and Wellness works closely with local coalitions to reach each community in their service area. These include Family Youth Initiative, Page Alliance for Community Action, Warren Coalition, and Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. In addition, the campaign hopes to bring awareness to 2 statewide initiatives: Activate Your Wellness and Lock and Talk Virginia.
Each month there will be a call to action with tips, activities, and education to build up a specific dimension of wellness. There are various ways to engage in the campaign including through social media. Stay up-to-date by following @NWCSBWellness on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for infographics, photos, resources, and quotes. As this campaign is yearlong, be sure to visit nwcsbwellness.com regularly for updates and schedule of monthly activities. Share posts and include the hashtag #NWRootedinWellness. Get involved. Be creative. Take photos that reflect what wellness means to you and tag @NWCSBWellness on social media with the hashtag #NWPhotoVoiceChallenge. Implement #NWRootedinWellness into your everyday life this year.
Yard signs with wellness messages are also available as part of this effort. Reach out if you are interested in displaying a FREE sign by emailing PreventionandWellness@nwcsb.com See signs? Take a picture and be sure to tag @NWCSBWellness and use the hashtag #NWRootedinWellness.
Today’s conversation included Karen Poff. Karen manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program through Virginia Cooperative Extension. Karen explained why Financial Wellness is an important first step and talked about the Lunch & Learn she is hosting on the topic. You can watch the recording of that by clicking here.
To follow all the conversations, follow The Valley Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also find each month’s conversation at thevalleytodaypodcast.com under Rooted in Wellness.
Community Health: A Conversation About Lung Cancer Awareness
On The Valley Today this afternoon, host Janet Michael had a conversation with Dr. Shalini Reddy, Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery at Valley Health’s Winchester Medical Center. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, the conversation this month focused on lung cancer screenings, the importance of having them BEFORE symptoms appear and the changes to who “qualifies.” Click here to listen to the conversation.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 236,740 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer, accounting for more cancer deaths than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. The ACS estimates that more than 4,600 people in Virginia and West Virginia combined will die of lung cancer in 2022.
Dr. Reddy explained that in February 2022, Medicare expanded coverage for lung cancer screening for qualifying beneficiaries. Plus the screening criteria was expanded. Screening is recommended for adults without symptoms who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. Screening eligibility criteria include:
- Adult smokers and ex-smokers age 50 and older (previously, eligibility began at age 55)
- Current smokers with a 20-pack year history (previously 30 pack years) of tobacco smoking
- Former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years
Low dose CT screenings are available at all six Valley Health hospitals. It is one of the easiest screening exams to have, and it takes less than 10 minutes to perform. If criteria for a low dose lung CT screening are met, Medicare and most insurance plans will pay for yearly screenings. Financial assistance may be available for individuals who meet screening criteria but do not have insurance to cover this screening. For more information about lung cancer awareness screenings: valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/imaging/low-dose-lung-ct/
The discussion included information about Valley Health’s Lung Cancer Program. In 2019, Winchester Medical Center was the first hospital in VA to be designated a Care Continuum Center of Excellence for lung cancer care by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. Valley Health has one of the most comprehensive pulmonary/thoracic programs in the region for the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of lung cancer. The program’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists in thoracic surgery, radiology, interventional radiology, pathology, pulmonology, interventional pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and thoracic patient navigation.
Lung Cancer Screening – Valley Health hopes to find lung cancer at its earliest, more treatable stage and work towards eliminating late-stage lung cancer. Low dose CT lung screening is available at all Valley Health hospitals for adults with a history of smoking who are at high risk of lung cancer. The screening program also includes patients who have an incidental lung nodule found during routine or emergency imaging.
Valley Health’s multidisciplinary Lung Nodule Clinic specializes in expediting care for patients with lung nodules or lesions and provides assessment and options for further testing and follow-up. The clinic’s team of pulmonary and thoracic specialists also includes specialists in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.
Advanced Diagnosis – WMC interventional pulmonary specialists use robot-assisted technology combined with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for diagnosis and staging in one procedure. This technology is also used to accurately mark lung lesions for more targeted radiation therapy as well as surgery. In 2019, WMC was the first facility in the broader region to acquire Intuitive Surgical’s ION™ Endoluminal System to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The ION system enables minimally invasive biopsy in difficult-to-reach peripheral areas of the lung. The Valley Health team has completed more than 250 ION cases.
Minimally Invasive Surgery – The hospital’s thoracic surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted techniques using the da Vinci® XI™ Surgical System. Coupled with remarkable improvements in post-operative pain management and enhanced recovery protocols, these techniques help patients feel better and return home sooner. Dr. Reddy and the Valley Health team have completed 685 robot-assisted thoracic procedures since the surgical robotics program started at WMC six years ago.
Cancer Treatment and Support – Patients who receive treatment for lung cancer at the Valley Health Cancer Center at WMC will have the personal support of a thoracic patient navigator and access to treatment options such as advanced chemotherapy, radiation therapy and interventional radiology if indicated.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking, and Valley Health provides resources to help. For information: www.valleyhealthlink.com/quitsmoking
Camping for Hunger: A Conversation About Community Health
Today’s conversation on The Valley Today with host, Janet Michael about Valley Health’s Community Health Needs Assessments was pretty eye-opening and insightful. It is part of a community health partnership with Valley Health where Janet talks each month with administrators, physicians, and other Valley Health staff about health topics, events, and the community. Click here to listen to the conversation.
Joining Janet today was Jason Craig, Director of Community Health for Valley Health. He highlighted his professional journey which includes direct experience in social service, education, behavioral health, and healthcare.
They discussed the value of Community Health Needs Assessments to identify and address all the needs surrounding community health. Every three years Valley Health conducts Community Health Needs Assessments for each of their hospitals, identifying priority health needs in the communities they serve. They work with health departments, United Way and other nonprofit agencies, local government officials and other key community stakeholders to learn where gaps in services exist and to identify priorities for action. Each hospital then develops implementation strategies for addressing the identified needs. The draft is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks at which time it will be made public. The results from previous CHNAs can be found by clicking here.
Jason gave examples of the many partnerships they’ve formed with nonprofits, Shenandoah University and other organizations across our communities. He talked of programs focused on workforce development, mental health, substance use, homelessness, and food insecurity. He highlighted a recent $1 million grant awarded to Page Memorial Hospital from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program to remediate the impact of COVID-19 and improve health and access to care in Page County.
The pair also spent some time discussing all the social determinants that play a major role in community health. He spoke of a University of Wisconsin study that highlighted social determinants such as access to healthcare, health behaviors (tobacco use, diet and exercise, alcohol use); physical environment (access to healthy foods, quality of housing, crime and violence); and socioeconomic (education, job status, social support, family support, income, community safety.) He explained that those social determinants can be broken down into five major areas: neighborhood and build environment, health and healthcare, social and community context, education and economic stability.
Spotted Lanternfly Update and Quarantine Details
The conversation for Extension Office Friday on The Valley Today with Janet Michael welcomed back Extension Agents Mark Sutphin & Joanne Royaltey from the Frederick County Extension Office. Mark & Joanne work out of the VCE-Frederick County office but also serve Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. Today was an update on the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) invasion and discussion about the expanded quarantine area. Mark & Joanne explained why the quarantine is in place and was expanded plus they said that reporting SLF on your property is no longer necessary. Joanne gave some do’s and don’ts for “disposing” of the pest and examples for getting kids involved. Click here to listen to the conversation.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced on July 8, 2022 that Virginia’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine has expanded to include the counties of Albemarle,Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Wythe and the cities of Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Staunton, and Waynesboro. Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties and the city of Winchester, which were previously included in Virginia’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine and will remain so until further notice.
To slow the spread of SLF, businesses in the quarantined area are required to obtain a permit from VDACS and inspect regulated articles to ensure that the articles do not contain any life stage of the insect. Regulated articles are those which are considered to be a risk for movement of SLF to un-infested areas and include, but are not limited to:
- Any life stage of the SLF;
- Live or dead trees; nursery stock; green lumber; firewood; logs; perennial plants; garden plants or produce; stumps; branches; mulch; or composted or un-composted chips, bark, or yard waste;
- Outdoor industrial or construction materials or equipment; concrete barriers or structures; stone, quarry material, ornamental stone, or concrete; or construction,landscaping, or remodeling waste;
- Shipping containers, such as wood crates or boxes;
- Outdoor household articles, including recreational vehicles; lawn tractors or mowers; grills; grill or furniture covers; tarps; mobile homes; tile; stone; deck boards; or
- Any equipment, trucks, or vehicles not stored indoors; any means of conveyance utilized for movement of an article; any vehicle; or any trailer, wagon.
The permit application is available for download at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml. Online training is required prior to submitting the permit application. There is a fee of $6 per person for the training, but no fee for the permit. Once training is completed, businesses must submit the completed permit application to VDACS at SpottedLanternfly@vdacs.virginia.gov.
The quarantine also requires residents and visitors in the area to inspect regulated articles for SLF and ensure those articles are free from the invasive insect prior to leaving the quarantined area. Residents and visitors are not required to obtain the SLF permit, but are strongly encouraged to learn how to identify SLF and kill the pest insect when found.
Joanne mentioned during the conversation that there were links in her email signature. You can email her here: royaltey@vt.edu but below are all of the links & more information.
Please do share this info with your neighbors. Combating SLF will truly ‘take a village’ and it is up to each resident to do their part! If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Joanne.
Biology
Detailed fact sheet on the life cycle and control of SLF
Identification
Possible SLF Egg Mass Look-alikes in Virginia
Possible SLF Immature Look-alikes in Virginia
Possible SLF Adult Look-alikes in Virginia
Control
Best Management Practices for Spotted Lanternfly in Yards and Landscapes
Residential Control for Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Virginia
Best Management Practices for Spotted Lanternfly on Christmas Tree Farms
Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Vineyards: Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Quarantine Information
Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine
Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Program Information
What Virginians Need to Know About the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Spotted Lanternfly Resources
Control and Utilization of the Tree-of-Heaven by the Virginia Department of Forestry.
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/infopubs/Control-and-Utilization-of-Tree-of-Heaven-2019-03_pub.pdf
Invasive Plant Species: Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima)
Penn State also has some helpful info that you may find useful as you combat SLF:
Comprehensive SLF Management Guide
Avoid Home Remedies to Control Spotted Lanternfly (psu.edu)
How To Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs (psu.edu)
Should you wish to take a pesticide free approach to managing SLF, I have included below 2 videos about banding and circle traps.
Community Leadership Program: A Leader’s Perspective
The conversation for The Valley Business Today with host Janet Michael featured Kory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications and Vanessa McAllister, Director of Programs and Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to talk about the chamber’s recent move to Winchester Regional Airport and the Community Leadership Program. Click here to listen to the conversation.
The Community Leadership Program – now entering it’s 26th year – is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. The program begins with an orientation, followed by monthly sessions studying specific topics including:
- Leadership/Teamwork
- Non-Profits
- Community Culture
- Agriculture
- Media
- Government/Economic Development
- Education
- Health Care
- Public Safety
- Simulated Society
- Community Problem Solving
The sessions are led by a combination of community leaders, professional facilitators, and specialists in the respective fields. This program is designed to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County, Virginia. Applications are being accepted through June 30 and can be found here: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/community-leadership-program/
Joining them for the conversation was Ben Savory, owner of Summit Events and a recent graduate of the Community Leadership Program who gave his perspective on the importance of programs like this. He told about the things that he learned about the community and explained what he plans to do with his newly obtained knowledge and insight.
Before they wrapped up the conversation, Kory gave details for the chamber’s move from Old Town Winchester to their new offices located in a hangar at Winchester Regional Airport. This move is temporary – 2 years – while a new business terminal is being constructed which will become the chamber’s new permanent home. He also talked about a few upcoming chamber events including: Business After Hours on June 29, 2022 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club from 5:30pm – 7pm; Business After Hours on July 13, 2022 at Market Street United Methodist Church from 5:30pm – 7pm; and a Lunch & Learn about leasing standards on July 26, 2022 from 12pm – 1pm via Zoom.
For more information about chamber membership, programs and events, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and follow them on Facebook.
Ask A Master Gardener
Are you gardening challenged? On The Valley Today this afternoon, host Janet Michael went to the Frederick County Extension Office to chat with several Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners to get answers to some popular questions. Joanne Royaltey, a Program Associate in the Consumer Horticulture & Invasive Species department of Virginia Cooperative Extension led the conversation. You can click here to listen to the conversation.
Joining them to chat about gardening issues and the Master Gardener class itself were:
- Lucy Carlson, Master Gardener
- Linda Bartlett, MG Class of 2022
- Evelyn Garland, MG Class of 2022
- Lisa Robertson, MG Class of 2022
The group talked about their experiences in the class, why they joined and what they’ve learned from their participation. They also shared answers to several questions that they are asked through their “Ask a Master Gardener” help line (aka GreenHelpLine.)
If you have any type of gardening question, volunteers at the Extension Master Gardener Help Desks will research your problem and provide unbiased, research-based solutions AT NO CHARGE. They can answer questions about trees, shrubs, house plants, perennials, annuals, and more!
You can simply e-mail a description (ideally with photos) of your gardening problems to the GreenHelpLine in your county, or stop by during office hours (see below) in Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. Page and Clarke Help Desks operate virtually, and do not hold in-person office hours. During the growing season visit their booths at area plant clinics and farmers markets as well.
Today they discussed the types of questions they get and how they find answers and solutions for them. Topics included mulching, tree-topping (DON’T DO IT!!), growing tomatoes, propagating African Violets, the importance of soil testing and learned about choosing the right space for the right plant.
Contact your local office below, visit their website: nsvmga.org and follow them on Facebook.
- Frederick County
- Location: VCE Office, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA
- Help Desk Hours: Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.–Noon
- E-mail: GreenHelpLine.FrederickCo@gmail.com
- Phone: 540-665-5699
- Southern States Farmers Market: Third Saturday of each month, April–October, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Clarke County
- Drop-off location and hours: VCE Office, 524 Westwood Rd., Berryville, VA; Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- E-mail: NSVMGA.info@gmail.com (include “Clarke County Gardening Question” in the subject line)
- Phone: 540-955-5164
- Clarke County Farmers Market: Second Saturday of each month, May–October, 8 a.m.–Noon,
- Page County
- Drop-off location and hours: VCE Office, 215 W. Main St., Suite C, Stanley, VA; Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- E-mail: NSVMGA.info@gmail.com (include “Page County Gardening Question” in the subject line)
- Phone: 540-778-5794
- Plant Clinic at Massanutten Country Corner: Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month, April–October, 9 a.m.–Noon
- Shenandoah County
- Location: VCE Office and Classroom, Shenandoah County Government Center, 600 N. Main St., Suite 100, Woodstock, VA
- Help Desk Hours: First and third Fridays of each month, April through October, 9 a.m. –Noon; First Fridays in November and December, 9 a.m.–Noon
- E-mail: greenhelpline@gmail.com
- Phone: 540-459-6140
- South Street Barn Farmers Market: Last Saturday of each month, May–September, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Strasburg Farmers Market: Alternating Saturdays, April–October, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Warren
- Location: VCE Office, Warren County Government Center, 220 N. Commerce Ave., Suite 500, Front Royal, VA
- Help Desk Hours: First Monday of the month, April through October, 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
- E-mail: GreenHelpLine.WarrenCo@gmail.com
- Phone: 540-635-4549
The Valley Business Today: Winchester Rescue Mission Expands
The “Valley Business Today” conversation with host Janet Michael and co-host Kory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber included Pastor Brandan Thomas from Winchester Rescue Mission to give details about his organization and their current expansion to Valley Avenue in Winchester. Click here to listen to the conversation.
Brandan talked about the services that Winchester Rescue Mission offers to members in need in our community.
Resident Shelter Programs meet the most basic and immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness. Each night, men, women, and families find a warm bed and safety from the streets at the Winchester Rescue Mission. The center for men can currently sleep up to 32 while their center for women can currently sleep 15.
Case Management provides a case worker to work one-on-one with each person to develop a personalized plan to address needs including healthcare, mental health, literacy, and employment with the goal of helping them change unhealthy patterns of behavior, heal, and become a contributing member of our community.
Food Distribution and Community Meals are provided through a partnershiup with the local food bank, as well as grocers, stores, and other businesses that donate baked goods, meats, fresh produce, and other food items. The food distribution is open to anyone in the community currently needing food for themselves and their families.
Community dinner is served 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 5pm. The dinner is not only open to those finding shelter at Winchester Rescue Mission, but is open to individuals and families of the Winchester community. Click here to view the calendar.
Hygiene Services such as restrooms, hot showers and personal hygiene supplies as well as laundry facilities are available to all guests. The Winchester Rescue Mission’s shower and laundry facilities are also open to the community. Men can use these services Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30am – 1:30pm. Women seeking to use these services should contact Winchester Rescue Mission to schedule a time for use.
Brandan also explained what the expansion to Valley Avenue will mean to the number of people they will be able to serve in our community – nearly double. They will also be able to expand their services to women and families, classroom space, and year-round emergency shelter. Get more details about the new building located at 2655 Valley Avenue by clicking here.
You can donate, volunteer, and get more information about Winchester Rescue Mission on their website: https://www.winrescue.org/ and by following them on Facebook.
Kory gave information about the “big move” the chamber is making to Winchester Regional Airport on June 16 and are looking forward to serving their members from the new location. He also gave us details for a few upcoming chamber events such as the Community Leadership Program graduation, Corporate Challenge, and Business After Hours.
Get more details about the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber on their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and by following them on Facebook.
Shenandoah 2045: A Conversation About Economic Development
Today’s conversation on The Valley Today with host, Janet Michael featured Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County’s Planner. This conversation is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 – Shenandoah County’s comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the next four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024. Click here to listen to the conversation.
Joining Janet & Tyler to talk about the economic development chapter was Jenna French, Shenandoah County’s Director of Economic Development/Tourism and Sarah Mauck from District Six (Strasburg) of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC.)
Jenna explained how economic development factors into the comprehensive plan and gave us some background on the economic development strategic plan which comes from information in the overall plan. She talked about how businesses choose localities to open/expand their footprint and talked about the importance of being specific when thinking about what residents might want/need for their communities. The group talked about how planning for schools, infrastructure, and “rooftops” impacts growth.
Tyler & Sarah shared their experience at MayFest and the great feedback they received from people who visited their booth during the event. Their setup included a “lego town” where adults and kids could place things like businesses, houses, schools and roads into the town where they felt they would be best suited. It was a big hit with visitors of all ages.
Each month, a topic of the conversation is the importance of feedback from residences throughout the county. Input is needed and wanted to make the comprehensive plan as comprehensive as possible. The team working on the plan wants to be sure that all generations are included and that every opinion is heard and discussed.
The CAC will be setting up at other events to promote Shenandoah 2045 throughout the summer in different localities across the county:
- June 25th, 2022 2pm – 5pm @ Woodstock’s ArtFest
- July 4th, 2022 10pm – 12pm @ Fort Valley Independence Day Parade
- August 12th/13th, 2022 8pm – 10pm @ Orkney Springs’ Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
If you can’t make one of the events, you can take the community survey (open until Labor Day) by clicking here.
You can also access their “map feature” and tell everyone what your favorite place is in the county; where you have an idea for how things could be different; and where problems exist on the interactive map. Zoom in to your community and let everyone know where you want to see more detailed improvements such as sidewalks, new stores, or public river or stream access. Click here to map your future.
For more information about Shenandoah 2045’s comprehensive planning process, visit their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future/ and follow them on Facebook.
Community Health: A Conversation about Robot-Assisted Knee/Hip Replacement
We recorded today’s conversation on location at Warren Memorial Hospital with Mesfin Shibeshi DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Grace Speicher, Program and Operations Manager, Valley Health Orthopaedic Clinics, Southern Region. Click here to have a listen to the conversation.
Dr. Shibeshi shared his knowledge and experience with respect to robot-assisted total knee replacement. Using this technology, Dr. Shibeshi is able to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee before surgery, allowing for precise planning of incisions and implant placement. The robotic surgical technology offers a level of personalization and precision that can limit soft tissue damage, preserve bone and reduce post-surgical pain for some patients.
Dr. Shibeshi is using this technology to aid in same-day total knee reconstruction procedures at Warren Memorial Hospital, the first Valley Health hospital to earn the Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission.
Grace explained why certification is important. Certification keeps everyone focused on providing high quality patient care by providing:
- Patient Education– patients are prepared for their total joint journey. This is accomplished by distributing a total joint book to each patient, along with teaching what to expect prior, during, and after surgery. This is a collaborative effort with the surgeon, nursing, therapy and case management involvement.
- Early Ambulation and Pain Control– Studies have shown the sooner a patient ambulates the better their recovery. In order to accomplish this, pain must be controlled. In an effort to keep narcotic use at a minimum, they have what is called a multimodal approach which includes a block placed by the anesthesia team during the surgical process, along with a periarticular injection placed by the surgeon. This approach allows for a longer pain control with less need for oral pain pills. This is easier on the patient’s stomach, as well as less of a threat for narcotic dependence.
Practice Office in Front Royal:
Valley Health’s Orthopedics practice in Front Royal is located in the multispecialty clinic on the campus of Warren Memorial Hospital. Dr. Shibeshi sees patients in clinic there, and performs procedures in the OR at Warren Memorial Hospital. Info about the clinic can be found here: Orthopedic Care in Front Royal | Valley Health (valleyhealthlink.com)
More information about the robotics and certifications can be found here:
Two Valley Health Hospitals Add Robotic Technology for Knee Replacement
Warren Memorial Hospital Earns Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Program
Community Health: Robot Assisted Joint Replacement
We recorded today’s conversation on location at Warren Memorial Hospital with Mesfin Shibeshi DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Grace Speicher, Program and Operations Manager, Valley Health Orthopaedic Clinics, Southern Region. Click here to have a listen to the conversation.
Dr. Shibeshi shared his knowledge and experience with respect to robot-assisted total knee replacement. Using this technology, Dr. Shibeshi is able to create a 3D model of a patient’s knee before surgery, allowing for precise planning of incisions and implant placement. The robotic surgical technology offers a level of personalization and precision that can limit soft tissue damage, preserve bone and reduce post-surgical pain for some patients.
Dr. Shibeshi is using this technology to aid in same-day total knee reconstruction procedures at Warren Memorial Hospital, the first Valley Health hospital to earn the Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission.
Grace explained why certification is important. Certification keeps everyone focused on providing high quality patient care by providing:
- Patient Education– patients are prepared for their total joint journey. This is accomplished by distributing a total joint book to each patient, along with teaching what to expect prior, during, and after surgery. This is a collaborative effort with the surgeon, nursing, therapy and case management involvement.
- Early Ambulation and Pain Control– Studies have shown the sooner a patient ambulates the better their recovery. In order to accomplish this, pain must be controlled. In an effort to keep narcotic use at a minimum, they have what is called a multimodal approach which includes a block placed by the anesthesia team during the surgical process, along with a periarticular injection placed by the surgeon. This approach allows for a longer pain control with less need for oral pain pills. This is easier on the patient’s stomach, as well as less of a threat for narcotic dependence.
Practice Office in Front Royal:
Valley Health’s Orthopedics practice in Front Royal is located in the multispecialty clinic on the campus of Warren Memorial Hospital. Dr. Shibeshi sees patients in clinic there, and performs procedures in the OR at Warren Memorial Hospital. Info about the clinic can be found here: Orthopedic Care in Front Royal | Valley Health (valleyhealthlink.com)
More information about the robotics and certifications can be found here:
Two Valley Health Hospitals Add Robotic Technology for Knee Replacement
Warren Memorial Hospital Earns Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Program