CARDIOLOGY

need to determine the type of procedure needed to effectively treat their heart valve disease,” Dr. Thompson says. “Thankfully, there are many treatment options available to repair or replace valves that leak or have become weakened or narrowed.”

A heart-team approach—which includes the collaboration of a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist—is used to examine the disease comprehensively. “We study each patient’s overall health and activity level,” continues Dr. Thompson. “Images from cardiac catheterizations or echocardiograms are reviewed and a determination is made whether or not the patient needs an intervention.” valve surgery, an incision is made in the sternum and the breastbone is divided to provide access to the heart. The surgeon then repairs or replaces the valve. The minimally-invasive procedure—though not an option for everyone—is performed with a much smaller incision. This translates into a shorter hospital stay and recovery period. In addition, the rise of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) over the last decade has offered promise as an option for those patients previously considered unsuitable for surgical valve replacement.

The Heart Institute at Leesburg Regional Medical Center continues to lead the way in progressive heart and valve procedures. “We perform nearly 700 open heart surgeries every year,” concludes Dr. Thompson. “Our heart surgery program is robust and earns consistently excellent outcomes; I am honored to work with my team to deliver high-quality care in our community.”

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ARE WE RAISING OR ARE THEY RAISING US?

The is an important question, especially with the current influence technology wields in today’s society. Rev. Dr. Isaac Deas, mental health counselor and President/CEO of DEAS Consulting, LLC, has seen the consequences of a child spending too much time with electronics rather than people.

“It is an addiction and can be as difficult to break free from as a drug…In this age of computers and technology,” Deas says, “it is not uncommon for a child to spend seven to nine hours a day online and a mere fraction of that with their parents.”

Dr. Deas understands how hectic life can be for parents.

“Single parents and parents with two or more children can easily become overwhelmed by all it takes simply to put food on the table and keep the peace at home. The last thing they want to do is fight with their children about time the kids spend on their phones. And the kids know this. They know if they keep pushing, eventually Mom or Dad will give in.

Still, the effort to limit time with electronics is needed.

“Parents who do make the effort, who limit phone use and put in the safeguards to monitor who and what their children see online may get frustrated because today’s kids can find ways around those safeguards. At the very least they’ll borrow their friends’ phones.”

When asked about warning signs, Dr. Deas says look for these signs. “If your child stays in their room a lot, has few friends, if they argue when it’s time to turn the phone off. Another sure sign you may have a problem? They refuse to show you their phone so you can see who they’ve been talking to.”

Can a problem this serious be fixed?

“Yes, it is fixable, but society as a whole needs to participate. That means schools need to limit phone use. Teachers need to take control. Parents need to regulate computers at home. You know that old adage: It takes a village to raise a child? It’s absolutely true.”

Dr. Deas says it’s vital for parents to impose consequences, stick to them, and be consistent.

“I have seen a lot in my 38 years of practice and I get up every day with this one thought: If I can change one person/one family at a time it’s worth it.”

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