First Tuesdays: Take charge of your health
When it comes to our health, knowledge is power. First Tuesday educational sessions connect you directly with Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital clinicians, who share information and answer questions on important health topics. The sessions are free and open to the public, to improve access to care and advance health here at home in our community.
All the First Tuesday sessions are recorded and added to our archive. We invite you to check out the recordings, register for a session, and share your topic ideas. Suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated. Be well and see you on the First Tuesday of the month!
Breast Cancer: Understanding your diagnosis
Join the Sentara Martha Jefferson Community Health & Outreach Team and Dr. Andrea Merrill of Sentara Martha Jefferson Breast Surgery Specialists for a virtual session designed to help patients and families better understand the journey after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Virtual
A year of First Tuesday sessions
Look through First Tuesday recordings to find the topic you are interested in learning more about! Recordings older than one year are located in the archive.
Archives
Our First Tuesday Series has an extensive library archive of past sessions. All of the recordings are available on the Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital YouTube channel located here.
Heart Health December | 2024
Join Dr. David Cook from Charlottesville Cardiovascular Associates as he answers questions and shares information on causes and treatment of heart disease.
Navigating Breast & Colorectal Cancer | October 2024
Join Nurse Navigators Jessica Cooper and Susan Driskell as they share advice, resources, and information about prevention, treatment, and recovery from breast and colorectal cancer.
Building the Foundation of Caregiving | June 2024
Join Brooke Gill, senior program manager for the Alzheimer's Association chapter serving Charlottesville, as she shares strategies and resources for managing the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Lung Cancer Screening | May 2024
Dr. Samuel Oliver shares the benefits of a simple diagnostic test that is saving lives through earlier detection of lung cancer.
Hip and Knee Replacement | April 2024
Dr. Emmanuel Haug covers everything you need to know about hip and knee replacement.
Seasonal Depression | December 2023
Even in our mild Virginia climate, the changing of seasons can affect how we feel. Seasonal Depression, clinically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is caused by a chemical change in the brain. Many of the symptoms of SAD are similar to symptoms of depression but occur seasonally. Join us on December 5 to learn more about seasonal depression, strategies to help yourself, and how to help loved ones who may be experiencing SAD.
Join Kishara Griffin from The Women's Initiative to learn more about what seasonal depression is and how to feel better through the changing seasons.
Alzheimer's and Dementia | May and June 2023
Our friend Brook Gils at the Alzheimer's Association joined us in a two-part series. During the first part we learned the similarities and differences of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The second part focused in on 10 signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's. Learn more about Alzheimer's and how to best care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Check out this list of resources from the Alzheimer's Association for people caring for loved ones with dementia.
Anesthesia and Your Body | April 2023
Dr. Burkhard Speikermann dropped by to talk to us about the effects anesthesia on your body. Whether you are headed to surgery or just want to learn more, this is a great listen to learn how to have a positive anesthesia experience.
Hepatitis C | March 2023
The CDC recommends that all Americans over the age of 18 be tested for Hepatitis C. It is the most common blood-borne illness in the country, and it often causes no symptoms. It can do significant damage to the body, but it is curable. Find out more in this First Tuesday session with Dr. Rebecca Dillingham, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital's infectious disease specialist, and Patrice Ross, RN.
More from 2023
SMART Goals with Diana Webb, CHES (January 2023)
Living to the Fullest: Achieving Great Outcomes through Weight Loss
How Anesthesia Affects the Body with Dr. Burkhard Spiekermann (April 2023)
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia with Brooke Gill (May 2023)
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's with Brooke Gill (June 2023)
The Importance of Exercise and Managing Your Health with Sherryl Taylor, CPT (February 2022)
Pre-Diabetes vs. Diabetes: Tools for Prevention and Self-Management with Dr. Susan Blank (March 2022)
Diabetes Foot Care with Elizabeth Driscoll, FNP (April 2022)
Stroke: Brain Attack with Dr. Tiffani Dennis (May 2022)
The Challenges of Mental Health in Black Men with Nicholas Wright, LPC, LSATP (June 2022)
Meditation and Relaxation for Self-Care with Malati Kurashvili (August 2022)
Acupuncture: What You Need To Know with Sarabeth Whedbee (September 2022)
Breast Cancer Risks, Prevention, Treatment and Survivorship with Michelle Bushrow, NP (October 2022)
The Mental and Physical Effects of Daylight Savings Time with Juanika Howard, LPC (November 2022)
Stress and Depression During the Holiday Season with Shelly Wood, LCSW (December 2022)
You have the Power with Dr. Tiffani Dennis (January 2021)
Cardiovascular Disease: What Is It and How Can I Prevent It? with Dr. Joshua Fischer (February 2021)
Diabetes Management and Prevention with Dr. Kara Hawkins (March 2021)
Acute Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation (MI and AFib) with Dr. Anna Baer (April 2021)
Everything You Need to Know About Strokes with Christi Hankle, RN (May 2021)
Cooking Class with Chef Antwon Brinson and Patricia Tyndale, RD (June 2021)
Support for Quitting Tobacco with Mary Beth Revak, BSN, and Shirlitta Richardson, CCMA (July 2021)
Weight Loss Management and Treatment with Dr. Anjali Gresens (August 2021)
Mental Health Care and Support Part 1 with Shelly Wood, LCSW (September 2021)
Mental Health Care and Support Part 2 with Shelly Wood, LCSW (October 2021)
Cooking Delicious and Healthy Food for Thanksgiving with Chef Antwon Brinson and Patricia Tyndale, RD (November 2021)
Help support the community
Your continued philanthropic support will ensure that Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital will be able to continue to provide free and low-cost resources to the community.