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As part of the Great American Smokeout, this week we announced our new nicotine-free hiring policy. In this special message for our Facebook Page, some of our leaders and team members discuss the policy and our mission of wellness. What do you think? Join the conversation in our blog comments on this post, or Facebook or via Twitter. admin

Creative commons: Flickr.com/photos/chriskueh Part of  our commitment to employee wellness As part of Bon Secours Virginia’s investment in employee health and commitment to accountable care, we are initiating a nicotine-free hiring policy. Effective Nov. 30, 2011, nicotine users will not be eligible for employment within Bon Secours Virginia Health System. The policy is an extension of our mission to provide good help and model good health for our patients, employees and the community. Bon Secours Virginia is part of a growing national trend to adopt a nicotine-free hiring policy and joins national...

According to our twitter radar, a lot of folks are feeling under the weather this week in Richmond. This is flu season and we’re seeing a mix of flu symptom and gastro intestinal illness. While we often refer to a G.I. big as “the stomach flu”, it’s actually a very different condition from the virus which causes the flu. Unlike the flu, there is no seasonal vaccine against stomach bugs. Like any contagious illness, the best bet starts with prevention. Remember to wash your hands often, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid exposure if possible. In the latest Share...

Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre, the first freestanding emergency department in central Virginia, will open November 1st. Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre, which broke ground in March 2011, comprises 100,000 square feet in two buildings on 16 acres in northwest Chesterfield County. Watkins Centre includes: Opening Nov. 1 Free-standing emergency department, the first of its kind in central Virginia, with 16 patient bays Comprehensive diagnostic imaging center with CT, MRI and ultrasound Opening Dec. 5 Comprehensive Women’s Center with bone density scanning, mammography services...

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In this edition of Share The Health, Dr. Alicia Cress of Powhatan Medical Assoicates discusses the symptoms, differences and treatments of a cold and the flu. admin

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High blood pressure is among the most pervasive chronic conditions in America. An estimated 95% of Americans will battle high blood pressure at some point in their lives. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure greater than 140 or diastolic pressure greater than 90. Unfortunately, most people with high blood pressure feel no symptoms. Many many not even be aware they have high blood pressure. While there are several safe and affective prescription medicines available, there are also some lifestyle changes which can reduce your risk and even improve high blood pressure. Have it...

We are blessed to be a part of Project Search, to get to know these students and to watch them succeed. Just like 2010, it was an easy decision for us to offer employment to these young professionals – they continue to teach and inspire us as well as contribute to our mission and organizational success. Project Search graduates have gone on to work in our operating rooms, restocking supplies, in our labor and delivery unit helping to deliver meals, and elsewhere throughout the hospital. They are valuable members of our team of caregivers, bringing good help to those in need. In 2011, 8...

. It is still steamy up and down the East coast. Are you keeping cool and hydrated? Dr. George Brengel of Commonwealth Internal Medicine discusses the warning signs of heat exhaustion and how to avoid it. Dr. Brengel mentions the elderly as specifically susceptible to the effects of heat exposure. We encourage all of our friends to check on their elderly neighbors and family members while we are seeing these high 90s and 100s days. admin

Throughout history, gardens have been designed for the restoration of body, mind and spirit. In more recent history, research has given evidence of the therapeutic benefit of gardens. Memorial Regional Medical Center is building a Healing and Community Garden designed to raise awareness of the importance of environment and provide a place of healing to the community. Patients, visitors and staff can find spending long hours in a hospital stressful. The natural setting allows them a place to go and reflect. It offers a quiet space for spiritual nourishment and healing. In addition to spiritual nourishment,...