Listening to your body could save your life.
On Feb. 28, 2022, after leaving work and running a few errands, I arrived home short of breath and felt a new, strange sensation on the left side of my upper chest. I decided to go to the hospital. After a series of tests, doctors determined that the back of my heart wasn't getting enough blood.
After my blockage was removed, I was referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation (Rehab). This group exercise and lifestyle education program helps patients improve their health after a cardiac event. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s Cardiac Rehab program also just happens to be my workplace.
Cardiac has always been my area of expertise, but I didn't ever think that one day I would be a cardiac patient. It has been an eye opening experience. I am being forced to take the advice I have been giving to patients for the last 35 years.
Steve Bass
Age 87
Chesapeake, VA
In August of 2021 I was at the end of a four-day trip to Maryland when my head began to hurt. On Sunday, the final day of the trip, I suggested to my wife that we get on the road toward home, where the headache continued.
You may be full of anticipation about delivery, but your bags shouldn’t be overflowing.
There are many important items you should bring to the hospital in preparation for your stay, but you can lighten the load by leaving a few at home.
Ideally it’s best to begin prepping a bag after 32 weeks of pregnancy. While overpacking in excitement for the baby is natural, avoid overpacking by omitting:
Remove ambiguity about your health care wishes.
An Advance Directive is an official set of documents that outlines your health care wishes should you become incapable of making these important decisions on your own. Preparing ahead-of-time ensures that your preferences are respected in the future, removing any ambiguity.
Designed specifically for pregnant women in crisis.
It's the middle of the night and you're experiencing a pregnancy-related concern. You cannot get ahold of your obstetrician--or maybe you don't have one.
A less painful mammogram is possible.
Mammograms are recommended for all women after age 40, but many women skip their yearly mammograms for fear of discomfort (and inconvenience). New technologies can improve your experience.
A softer surface for delicate skin.
Plastic panels aren’t very appealing. Now cushioning has been added between the breast and the plate. This delivers an additional layer of comfort and warmth during a mammogram. Our center uses Bella Blankets®, which allow excellent positioning for the exam and maximum comfort for our patients.
Travel light to your delivery.
It’s one of the most important trips of your life, but you can still travel light to your delivery.
Over the years I’ve seen moms and dads-to-be pack lots of unnecessary items. Take a load off by packing only the essentials covered here.
Smoking can be life altering. So can quitting.
As a thoracic surgeon, I have seen first-hand the major damage that smoking can do to the lungs. The results can be life altering, but the addiction is so very hard to kick.
This month is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, an appropriate time to bring quitting into focus. With determination–and even a little help–cessation success can be yours.
I’ve seen many of my patients achieve success after many years of smoking. Set your sights on a healthy future, it is never too late to quit.
Thanksgiving is synonymous with a big meal.
If you take some time to pre-plan, you can enjoy it without regret.