Virginia

The future of health care is almost here

New Tysons Corner Medical Center and Ashburn Medical Center expansion

The Kaiser Permanente Tysons Corner Medical Center opening is just around the corner. Starting on Monday, August 13, the center will offer you more than 200,000 square feet of care and service, including:

1. Urgent care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. Pharmacy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
3. Laboratory services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
4. Advanced Radiology services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
5. Clinical decision unit.
6. Primary care services.
7. Specialty care services.
8. Ambulatory surgery center.
9. So much more.

Various services and physicians from the Kaiser Permanente Falls Church, Fair Oaks, Springfield, Penderbrook, and Burke Medical Centers, as well as the Kaiser Permanente Imaging Center and George Mason Annex will be moving when the new Tysons Corner Medical Center opens.

The expansion of the Ashburn Medical Center is scheduled to finish July 9. You’ll have access to more doctors and services at that location. All physicians and services at the Loudoun Medical Center will move to Ashburn at that time.

More information on upcoming openings will come soon. Learn more about facilities in your area.

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Give into the pressure: Know your blood pressure

Did you know that millions of people have high blood pressure, yet have no symptoms? Since high blood pressure doesn't usually show signs, most people don't even know they have it until they go to the doctor for another reason.

Know your numbers
High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, so tracking your blood pressure is an important way to help prevent the disease. Blood pressure checks are quick, easy to do, and well worth your time. If you are a healthy adult, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. Speak with your doctor about what numbers are best for you and what you can do to control your blood pressure.

Treatment
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, treatment will depend on how high it is, whether you have other health problems such as diabetes, and whether any organs have already been damaged. Your doctor will also consider how likely you are to develop other diseases, especially heart disease.

Prevention
You can help lower your blood pressure by making healthy changes in your lifestyle. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, certain medications may help. Work with your doctor to find the right medication with the fewest side effects. Whatever technique you use to control your numbers, you will need to keep an eye on your high blood pressure throughout your life.

Do something good for your heart: Read more about preventing high blood pressure.

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Make May your time for good health

May is Women’s Health Awareness month, but you know it’s important to make your health a top priority throughout the year. Use this month to kick off a year-long journey to make health an important part of your life. It’s your time to:                  

1. Take care for yourself.



2. Get moving. Getting two and a half hours a week of exercise provides significant health benefits.



3. Eat healthfully: Fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help you manage your weight and decrease your risk for heart disease.



4. Mind your mental health. De-stress by doing activities you enjoy and do your best to get a good night’s rest.



5. Call 703-359-7878 or 1-800-777-7904 to make a doctor’s appointment for a mammogram, Pap smear, or other health screenings you need to have completed.

Visit our online women’s health center to explore more ways to improve your health and take care of yourself.

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Protect yourself from pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have trouble breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.

You can get pneumonia in your daily life, such as at school or work. This is called community-associated pneumonia. You can also get it when you are in a hospital or nursing home. This is called healthcare-associated pneumonia. This may be more severe because you already are ill.

Prevention: Get a shot
To help prevent pneumonia, get a pneumococcal shot. It may not keep you from getting pneumonia, but if you do get pneumonia, you probably won't be as sick. Physicians recommend a pneumococcal shot if you are:

• Age 65 or older.
• Under age 65 and have an ongoing condition, have asthma or a weak immune system, or smoke.

Check your medical record to see if you are up-to-date with your vaccines, and speak with your doctor to review which ones you should get. Find out more about pneumonia.

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Take a healthy living class

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you can choose from a variety of healthy living classes at little or no cost. Below is a partial list for the upcoming month in your area.

Learn about additional classes and any class fees.

To register for InStep and nutrition classes, call the appointment line at 703-359-7878 or
1-800-777-7904, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For prenatal classes, speak with your obstetrician-gynecologist to register. For all other classes, call the health education automated line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 301-816-6565 or 1-800-444-6696. Please leave a message and someone will call you back within 24 business hours.

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Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. 2101 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, Maryland 20852