Thank You to Our Nurses!
Nurses work in a variety of environments, from fast-paced operating and emergency rooms to clinics and doctors’ offices to schools. Depending on their job duties, a nurse may assist with life-threatening procedures, break bad news to patients, or help celebrate the birth of a new baby. The highs and lows of nursing can vary considerably, which is why the career is often considered a science as well as an art.
National Nurses Day and National Nurses Week Why not take a moment to thank the nurses you see next week? Go ahead, you will make their day!
Consult-A-Nurse®
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If you have ever been in the hospital or visited a hospitalized patient, chances are good that you interacted with a nurse. Compassionate, knowledgeable and confident while under pressure, nurses are specially trained medical professionals who experience both joys and traumas on a daily basis—often during stressful 12-hour shifts!
Top Tips for Caregivers
Professional caregivers exist, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health reports that more than 44 million Americans provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled adult. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, then you probably understand the stresses associated with the task.
Helpful Advice for Caregivers Frustration, guilt, anxiety and even total exhaustion are all normal feelings among many caregivers. The following tips for caregivers will come in handy and help you realize you’re not alone:
While taking care of your loved one is undoubtedly one of your most important jobs, at Blake Medical Center our job is helping you stay healthy. Make sure you keep up-to-date on all your regular checkups and screenings. If you need a physician referral, you can always dial Consult-A-Nurse® toll-free at 1-888-359-3352.
Related Post: Celebrate Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Week
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Caregivers provide help to another person in need. The people receiving care are typically living with a condition that limits their ability to perform basic daily tasks on their own. It’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s disease, a brain injury, a disability or cancer to rely on the assistance of caregivers. Other people have a caregiver while they recover from a non-life-threatening condition that keeps them immobile, such as a broken leg or joint replacement surgery.
Top Tips for Lowering Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the body. The good cholesterol (HDL) actually helps to move the artery-clogging bad cholesterol (LDL) out of your body. Your total cholesterol should be below 200, and your LDL cholesterol should be below 100. Here are some tips to get these numbers under control. Decrease Your Intake of Cholesterol Eat Right Exercise Regularly Stay Away from Cigarette Smoke Get Tested Regularly Consult Your Doctor about Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
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Many things in your day-to-day life can seem outside of your control: traffic jams, long lines at the grocery store, and nosy co-workers, just to name a few. However, there is one important thing you can take control of: your cholesterol level. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, so this is the perfect time to understand your numbers and how to manage them.
Living with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain describes pain that is persistent and ongoing. Your nervous system continually fires pain signals to you for days, weeks, months, or years—without a break. This differs from acute pain in which your nervous system is suddenly triggered to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself. Chronic pain is there to stay, but it can be managed. Chronic pain is associated with a number of conditions:
Some people may experience chronic pain from a certain condition or an old injury such as a fracture, sprained back, or serious infection; however, others develop chronic pain that is unrelated to disease or injury. How Is Chronic Pain Treated? Pain management is an approach to addressing chronic pain that involves multiple experts, including doctors, nurses, mental health practitioners, and physical therapists. The goal is to improve your quality of life and may involve a number of treatment options:
If your pain issues involve your back, the Spine Care Clinic at Blake Medical Center can help. Our team can assess your condition and help you find ways to manage pain. Have questions? Call our Consult-A-Nurse® line at 888-359-3552 for a physician referral.
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Do You Need Nutritional Supplements?
A trip down the vitamin aisle can be mind-boggling: shelves filled with countless vitamins and minerals, herbs and enzymes. While your brain focuses on strange names and new information, you’ll probably ask, “Do I actually need any of these supplements?” “Supplement” is the name given to a substance that is intended to complement your diet and contains one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal or other botanical materials. There are several reasons why you may want to consider taking nutritional supplements. Making Up for Deficiencies Ideally, you get enough of the vitamins and minerals that you need from your diet. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables will likely provide you with the nutrients you require. Taking a vitamin or mineral supplement can help make up for a deficiency in your diet. For example, if you do not eat a lot of dairy products, you may want to consider taking a calcium supplement. Your doctor may recommend other vitamins or minerals for certain deficiencies, such as iron supplements for anemia. Possible Health Benefits Some people take supplements because of reported health benefits. For example, research has indicated that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. While these omega-3s can be found in salmon and other fish, as well as in walnuts and flax seeds, you might find it easier to take an omega-3 supplement than to add these foods to your diet. Alternatives or Adjuncts to Medications Some supplements are herbs and botanical substances found in nature that are believed to help treat certain conditions and symptoms. For example, St. John’s wort is purported to aid in treating depression and anxiety. Chondroitin and glucosamine are taken improve the symptoms of arthritis. There are countless more. Always check with your doctor about taking supplements for medicinal benefits.
How to Start 1. Review our Natural and Alternative Treatments webpage that contains comprehensive information on hundreds of herbs and supplements and the conditions they treat. 2. Check with your doctor and review our list of drug interactions to ensure it is safe for you to take supplements with your prescribed medications. Pregnant or lactating women are often advised against taking certain supplements. 3. When you start, take as directed, begin with a small dose, and increase slowly. Begin taking supplements one at a time so you’ll know whether each one is working for you. If you still have questions, be sure to consult with your doctor. You can get a physician referral by calling Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552. Sources:
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Do You Need Bone Density Screening?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become porous and weak. People with osteoporosis are likely to break a bone by performing very simple physical tasks, such as bending over to pick something up, or from falling to the ground. Hip fractures are common among people with osteoporosis. As you age, it is important to have bone density screening. If your body is showing signs of bone loss, you will be able to take the right steps toward preventing further bone loss and fractures. Before you figure out whether you need it, you may be wondering, “What is bone density screening?” Bone density screening is a painless and non-invasive procedure. A common method is called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, and is generally performed on the hip or spine. Ask yourself the following questions to know if you need bone density screening: Guys, too! Men aged 70 and over should also speak with their doctors about bone density testing. Osteoporosis is often thought of as a woman’s disease, but men are also susceptible to bone loss. While age is a risk factor for experiencing bone loss, experts know that getting adequate calcium and vitamin D, enjoying regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can help protect you from osteoporosis. Regardless of how healthy your lifestyle is, screening is still very important. At Blake Medical Center, we offer a wide array of diagnostic tests, including bone density screenings. For more information, visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.
Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation United States Preventative Services Task Force
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Try Out Our Healthy Choices Program!
If you’re like most people, you want to eat smarter, and you want to encourage your family to do the same. Sometimes that can seem like a tall order—especially when eating out. But there is good news! Blake Medical Center and the Manatee County Health Department have partnered with local restaurants to offer good-for-you dining options that are easier to understand. When you eat out in our community, look for the Healthy Choices logo, and you can be assured that your meal will be both healthy and delicious. With the Healthy Choices selection, you will find nutritious meals for both adults and children. Adults can choose menu items that are heart healthy, smaller portioned, or lower in calories. Children can choose from grilled, baked, and broiled entrees and can enjoy fruits and vegetables instead of French fries. Kids who opt for a Healthy Choices item will receive a Healthy Heroes sticker. Want to learn more? Visit the Blake Medical Center website for a complete list of participating restaurants. Now you can have a wholesome restaurant meal, without all the guesswork.
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Do You Know about Our H2U Program?
If you want to live a healthy lifestyle and have the support of likeminded people, then by joining H2U, you’ll get just that! H2U offers you the opportunity to meet others who also care about fitness, nutrition, and medical advances. These are additional great benefits offered by Blake Medical Center and enjoyed by the H2U members: · Community forums · VIP hospital privileges (during your inpatient stay) o Upgrade in room o Free local newspaper o Complimentary meal plan for spouse or caregiver o Medicare Part A deductible may be waived · Group travel · Hospital cafeteria discounts · Free notary and copying · Free and reduced-cost health screenings · Social events to make new friends · Group fitness · Physician seminars · Newsletter—chapter updates · Volunteer opportunities · Local merchant discounts Learn more by reviewing our H2U calendar! As a national member, you will also receive these benefits: · A free subscription to Health To You magazine, delivered to your home · A prescription discount card · Access to online health information and assessment tools · Discounts on national merchandise and services Visit the H2U website for more details. You can join H2U for just $20 a year, or $35 for two years. Couples who join together can do so for $35 a year. For this low price, you will have the latest information about medical breakthroughs and trends, and you will enjoy an array of tools and services that will help you stay active and healthy. If you have questions about membership, call Ana Guillermo at 941-792-0211. Source:
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H2U – Health To You – is a
Stay Safe around FireworksWith the Fourth of July comes backyard barbeques, spending time with family and friends—and sometimes—fireworks to celebrate! Fireworks have long been a part of many celebrations, but they are notorious for causing serious injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported an estimated 7,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2008 alone. If fireworks are part of your July Fourth celebration, there are a few things you should know. Legal or Not? Although consumer fireworks are legal in most states, some have established a complete ban. Make sure you check with local authorities to see what is considered legal, and what is not, in your area. Choose Wisely When purchasing fireworks, make sure they are legal and labeled with the manufacturer, type, and instructions. Do not attempt to make your own fireworks and don’t buy a kit advertised as such. Do not buy or try to ignite illegal explosives such as M80s and M100s.
In Case of Emergency Always have a bucket of water and a hose nearby when lighting fireworks. If you are going to be doing the lighting yourself, wear safety goggles. Handle with Caution While fireworks may be legal, that doesn’t mean they are safe. Follow these tips to prevent accidents and injury while using fireworks: · Only light fireworks outside in a clear, flat area, away from trees, brush, spectators and flammable items. · Wear only closed-toe shoes. · Always read and follow the directions on individual fireworks. · Never hold a firework while lighting, or stand directly over it. · Never relight a dud. · Never try to combine fireworks or light more than one at the same time. · Children should never light or handle fireworks. · Point fireworks away from spectators. · Never try to “launch” fireworks from containers. · Don’t allow kids to pick up fireworks, as they may still be hot or could ignite. · Always place used fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away. What about Sparklers? There is a common misconception that sparklers are a safe alternative to fireworks. Sparklers are in fact fire, and can even reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. · Do not allow children under 12 to handle sparklers. · Never hand a lit sparkler to another person—give them an unlit sparkler and then light it. · Show children how to hold sparklers at arm’s length. · Stand six feet apart from others when using sparklers. · Drop used sparklers into a bucket of water before disposing of them. No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. Blake Medical Center is available to help you 24 hours a day. Our ER wait times consistently beat the national average, so we can provide you with fast, effective treatment.
Sources: Expert Tips on Firework Safety (Good Housekeeping) Fireworks Safety (Kids Health) Related Posts: |
Exercising With ArthritisLiving with arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you love, and that includes exercise! Moderate exercise on a regular basis can actually benefit people who have arthritis by reducing joint pain, building stronger muscles to support the joints, and increasing flexibility and endurance!
Where to start When beginning an exercise plan, the most important thing to remember is to start slow. A good starting point for someone with arthritis is range of motion exercises. These exercises increase mobility of the joints and can help you move better with daily activities. Watch these exercise videos for some examples of stretching exercises. Your doctor or physical therapist also may be able to recommend specific range of motion exercises for you. Moving on After spending some time with range of motion exercises, strength training can be added to your exercise regimen. Strengthening the muscles around affected joints helps to support those joints and relieves some of the pain of arthritis. · Isometrics are a type of strengthening exercise involving limited joint movement. They focus on building individual muscles groups through flexing and relaxation. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to learn how to safely perform these. · H20! Hydrotherapy or aqua therapy is exercise performed in the pool. The buoyancy of water makes these exercises easier on the joints, but allows for resistance training. · Endurance exercises are important for people with arthritis because they can aid in weight loss and management. Added weight can put more pressure on affected joints, so keeping a healthy weight is key. People with arthritis should begin with about 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week and work up to 30 minutes a day. Aerobic exercise includes walking, biking, low-impact dance, etc. You should always check with a doctor before beginning any exercise program. An occupational therapist may also be able to give you specific recommendations for exercising with your condition. Remember to start slow and make your exercise fun so it becomes a habit! For more information on living with arthritis, visit the Joint Care Center at Blake Medical Center or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552 for a physician referral.
Sources: Introduction to Exercise (Arthritis Foundation) Exercise to Treat Arthritis (WebMD) |