Health & Medicine

The success of physical healing is dependent on a patient’s emotions and mood, and art impacts those in wonderful ways. Carilion Clinic in Roanoke is one of many health care facilities in the country that is integrating art into healing.

Both in and out patients at Carilion Clinic are encouraged to explore, among other things, painting, crafts, music and literary arts.

Marie Webb, a consultant with the Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program at the clinic, says the outcomes are remarkable. 

Domestic violence is a big problem in this country, with as many as one in three women reporting abuse in the course of their lives.  In some cases, the risk increases during pregnancy, but a new study from the University of Virginia shows it’s possible to protect women by screening for danger during pre-natal visits. 

Last week, more than 400 people from around the world gathered in Washington to talk about an evolving medical technology promoted by a Virginia foundation.  It’s called Focused Ultrasound, and it shows promise for the treatment of everything from cancer and Parkinson’s disease to arthritis and high blood pressure.  

Experts in public health say Virginia is battling two big problems – an epidemic of opioid abuse and the need to better control pain in patients with serious injuries or disease.  Now, a professor from the University of Virginia is stepping in to help with baseline information that could influence future laws and guidelines.  

The return of hot weather is especially bad news for many of Virginia’s 30,000 prison inmates.  Half of the state’s correctional centers have no air conditioning in the places where inmates live, and conditions may be causing fights and medical problems behind bars.