Health

Lots o' hospitals
Although many experts say that a plethora of healthcare providers doesn't translate into better health for an area, having both the Martha Jefferson Hospital (654-7000) and the University of Virginia Medical Center (officially: UVA Health System) (924-0211) in the same tiny town can't be too bad. Each has a 24-hour emergency room– though this is the town where a "doc-in-box," Gaines Talbott at FirstMed, was credited with saving a life.

The Thomas Jefferson Health District - The main public health agency serving a five-county area including the City of Charlottesville. Clinics include immunizations, family planning, and STD screening. Open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. 972-6200. 1138 Rose Hill Drive.

Charlottesville Free Clinic-Provides free primary medical care, dental care, and prescription medication for working uninsured adults in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. Appointments Monday-Thursday 9:00am-2:30pm, and evening appointments Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 296-5525. 1138 Rose Hill Drive.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are available from at the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Don't get too excited, though. Only immediate family members can get the certificates. 804-662-6200.

Teen Health Center - Provides pregnancy tests, HIV tests, gynecological exams, and other services for anyone ages 12 to 20. Operated in the Corner Building at 1400 W. Main St. as part of the UVA Health System. 982-0090

Alternative Health
Charlottesville teems with holistic, homeopathic, and other alt medical providers. Some people swear by their chiropractor, some by their holistic healers, and some even swear by their shark cartilage pills, but please don't forget that many charlatans operate under the "alternative healing" banner. The good news is that UVA's Nursing School has set up The Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies to conduct research and disseminate information about alternative medicine. 924-0113

Get Fit!
There are more yoga classes around town than you can shake a mat at, plus classes in Pilates and the Alexander Technique and countless other wellness-related topics. But for the sake of space, here are the health club biggies– full-service spots that are open to everyone and exist solely to keep you feeling– and looking– your best.

ACAC It ain't the cheapest game in town, but with four fitness and wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, basketball arenas, a kid zone, and a big downtown facility, it's pretty hard to complain. And that doesn't include the still-new kid "arena" over at the Adventure Central location on Four Seasons Drive. 978-3800

Gold's Gym For straight up fitness, Gold's is the place. Lots of free weights, machines, classes, and kid care. They have a big facility next to the Kmart on Hydraulic Road. 973-1307

Boar's Head Tennis, swimming, golf, and much more– convenient for west-of-townies at the Boar's Head Inn on 250 West. 972-6067

For more, check out our Sports & Rec page...