The Advantages of Physical Rehabilitation

Calendar February 20, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Do you suffer from nerve, muscle or bone problems that limit your ability to move? Whether you are recovering from surgery or suffering with a chronic condition, physical rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms, speed recovery and ease pain. A rehabilitation physician specializes in treating your body as a whole and working noninvasively to increase your ease of movement. He or she will evaluate your circumstances and create treatment plan designed to meet your goals.

What conditions benefit from physical therapy?
These are just a few examples of conditions that can improve with physical therapy:

  • Chronic arthritis
  • Chronic back pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sports injury
  • Trauma injury
  • Surgery recovery
  • Stroke

What are the advantages of physical rehabilitation?
Physical therapy offers patients the following benefits:

  • A range of care from massage and physical therapy to a brace and medication. As opposed to following a general exercise program, physical rehabilitation involves a customized inclusive treatment plan that takes into consideration your overall health, physical challenges and desired goals.
  • Improvement before and after surgery. In certain cases, physical therapy can help patients avoid the need for surgery entirely.
  • Assistance with significant illness or injury, as well as cases of excess weight and limited energy.
  • Pain relief, muscle strengthening, increased range of motion, optimized functionality and more.
  • Long-term condition or illness care, or assistance with recovering from a short-term physical setback. It can help with the symptoms of illness, injury, life changes or aging.
  • A safe environment and an educated plan for pushing your physical limits within an acceptable range, without reinjuring yourself.

To learn more about Kendall Regional Medical Center rehabilitative services or to schedule an appointment with a physician, visit us online or call us at (305) 227-5589.

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Top Tips for Fighting Heart Disease

Calendar February 13, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

February is American Heart Month! Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In order to prevent any risk of a cardiac episode in your life, now is a great time to discover—and put into practice—seven secrets to fighting heart disease.

1. A healthy dose of knowledge is heart-health power. The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both offer important insight about the treatment and prevention of heart disease.

2. Be sure to schedule regular wellness visits and routine screening tests. By doing so, you’ll help your doctor detect a problem or condition early, when treatment is typically most successful.

3. Lose excess pounds, and keep them off. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease. It will also increase your chance of diabetes which can double your risk of a heart attack of stroke. Maintain a healthy weight by eating well an exercising regularly.

4. Eat to foster a healthy heart. Enjoy a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, lean protein, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Limit the amount of fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar you consume. Pay attention to portion size, and practice moderation.

5. Get moving. Talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. With his or her okay, heed the advice of the American Heart Association, and get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least five days a week. If you’re not sure how to start, think about something as simple as walking.

6. Quit smoking. It increases the risk of heart disease.

7. Heed the signs of a heart attack. They can be different for each individual, but chest pain is the most common symptom. Other signs may include pain in the jaw, neck, arms, back or stomach; chills and sweating; nausea; dizziness and shortness of breath.

For more information, or to find out how Kendall Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute can help you fight heart disease, visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Making the Decision to be a Donor

Calendar February 6, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services more than 100,000 people are in need of an organ, and approximately 18 of them die each day waiting. What can you do? Consider becoming an organ donor. And while any day is a good day to become a donor, February 14 is National Donor Day and a time when the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services strives to raise awareness about this important issue.

Did you know…

  • Most people make good candidates for organ or tissue donation. There is no minimum or maximum age, and many health conditions are not means for concern when choosing to become a donor.
  • Organ donors can be living or dead. Please note that in the event of illness or injury, saving your life will always be a medical team’s top priority.
  • Approximately 75% of organ donations assist someone in the local community, other times they may be good matches for a person or people living in other areas of the country.
  • Becoming an organ and tissue donor is a simple process. Sign up online at the donor registry. In addition, you can share your decision by: noting it on your driver’s license, telling both your family and your doctor, and recording your preference in your advance medical directives, will and living will.

To learn more about organ donation, or to schedule an appointment with a doctor, use Kendall Regional Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service by calling 1-888-256-7719.

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We Love Your Heart

Calendar February 3, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

February is American Heart Month and we would like to help you put your heart health first! Come celebrate this month at our exciting, free health fair. Learn fun tips for heart healthy living from our team of experts.

Saturday, February 11th

9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

Moderated by Alberto Sardinas of WAMR Radio

If you attend, you will enjoy:

  • Free giveaways
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings
  • Heart healthy snacks
  • Heart healthy exercise tips
  • Advice from our panel of experts

This event is free! Please RSVP by calling 305-222-2200. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Everything You Need to Know About Ear Infections

Calendar January 30, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear that is usually caused by bacteria but can also be caused by virus. Although ear infections can affect people at any age, they are one of the most common illnesses in babies and children. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by age three.

Types of Ear Infections
The three main types of ear infections include the following:

  • Acute otitis media, in which parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen with fluid trapped behind the eardrum
  • Otitis media with effusion, in which fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum after an ear infection has run its course
  • Chronic otitis media with effusion, in which fluid remains in the middle ear for a long period of time or returns constantly even though infection is no longer present

Ear Infection Causes
Ear infections can be caused by anything that causes the Eustachian tube, which runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat, to become blocked. This includes:

  • Allergies or colds
  • Sinus infections
  • Excess mucus or saliva due to teething
  • Tobacco smoke

Ear Infection Symptoms and Risk Factors
Adults and older children with ear infections may feel ear pain, fullness in the ear, or hearing loss in the affected ear. The following signs reported by the National Institutes of Health may mean that your infant or younger child has an ear infection:

  • Tugging or pulling at ears
  • Crying
  • Hearing problems
  • Ear drainage
  • Sleep problems
  • Balance problems
  • Fever

You or your children are at greater risk of getting an ear infection due to the following:

  • Attending daycare or preschool
  • Using a pacifier
  • Altitude or climate change
  • Exposure to smoke
  • Recent illness or any type of a recent ear infection

Ear Infection Treatments
Some ear infections clear up on their own without medication, but children under the age of 6 months with a fever or other ear infection symptoms should always be taken to the doctor. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an ear infection, but they will only help infections caused by bacteria—some ear infections are caused by a virus, which are immune to antibiotics.

In some cases, if ear infections do not go away with usual treatments or if a child has multiple ear infections in a short period of time, tubes may be inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluids in the ear. Ear tube surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Concerned about an ear infection or do you want to find a physician in your area? The nurses and referral specialists at Kendall Regional Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service can help you find a doctor and schedule an appointment. Contact Consult-A-Nurse® at any time of day or night at 1-888-256-7719. For quick pediatric emergency care available 24 hours a day, take your child to Kidsville at Kendall Regional Medical Center.

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When It Hurts to Walk: Solving Back Pain at Kendall Regional Medical Center

Calendar January 23, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Orthopedic and spine ailments can range from mild to severe, but when it hurts even to walk there’s nothing more you want than relief. Whether your pain is the result of an accident, injury, disease or wear and tear over time, the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Kendall Regional Medical Center can help.

There are a number of factors involving the spine, hip, knee and leg or foot and ankle that can contribute to pain and mobility issues. Regardless of the cause, when pain interferes with walking it interferes with everyday tasks such as moving about your home, getting to and from school or a job and interacting with family and friends.

The Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Kendall Regional Medical Center now has some new tools to help pinpoint and remedy your specific problem. The Orthopedic & Spine Institute’s new 4th floor unit in the West Patient Tower is now open. The facility features state-of-the-art patient care, and includes 48 private rooms. The team of highly skilled and knowledgeable medical experts on staff is available to evaluate your situation and create a detailed treatment plan in order to help relieve the physical pain that is affecting the quality of your everyday life. From physical therapy and orthopedic support products to medication and surgery, our experts are experienced at finding solutions that promote healing, alleviate pain and increase comfort.

To learn more about the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Kendall Regional Medical Center, visit us online. Just remember, the first step in walking without pain is simply making a call. Call us at (305) 222-2200 to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic medical experts.

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Annual Appointments for Every Woman

Calendar January 16, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

No matter how long your to-do list may be, there are some appointments that are simply too important not to keep. For women, these include a number of specific health-related checkups. Since it is Cervical Health Awareness Month, we would like to share the top appointments every woman should make.

Wellness visit with your primary care physician. Every woman should schedule an annual wellness visit with her primary care doctor. Such appointments are important for updating your physician about family health history, monitoring overall health and following a recommended schedule of screenings and tests. Your doctor may recommend a blood pressure screening, cholesterol test, diabetes screening, bone density test or other procedure. By updating your medical history and comparing test results from year to year, your doctor can make the best recommendations, detect problems early and find issues before they become problems.

An annual dermatologist appointment. It’s important to have a skin cancer screening once a year. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. A skin cancer screening takes mere minutes, and is so important because early detection can help save your life.

An annual mammogram appointment. Regular mammograms are an effective tool in the fight against breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women ages 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every one to two years. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

An annual gynecological appointment. Depending on your health requirements, such a visit may include a pap test, pelvic exam, clinical breast exam, STD screenings and other tests. Pap tests are an effective way to guard against cervical cancer, and having regular pap tests prevents cervical cancer almost 100 percent of the time.

Kendall Regional Medical Center boasts an experienced team of medical professionals and a number of advanced diagnostic services. To learn more about the annual appointments you should schedule, or to schedule an appointment to meet with a doctor, call our free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Tips for Treating Croup

Calendar January 9, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

It’s easy to understand a parent’s concern whenever a small child is sick. Croup and its accompanying cough can be worrisome, no matter how common it is among children. However, there are tips for treating croup that can help get your little one back to his or her perky self.

Croup is characterized by breathing difficulties and a pronounced cough that’s similar to the sound of a barking seal. It’s often preceded by cold-like symptoms, is most commonly caused by a viral infection, and tends to affect children between three months and five years of age. Croup typically lasts between three and seven days. Talk with your doctor if croup lasts longer than a week or reoccurs frequently. Otherwise, try treating croup by doing the following:

  • Talk with your doctor about possible prescription steroid medication to help reduce swelling in the airway and relieve symptoms. A nebulizer may be recommended, also. In addition, discuss the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help lower a fever, make your child feel more comfortable and rest easier.
  • Sit with your child in the bathroom as you run the hot water in your shower to create steam, and use a cool air vaporizer in your child’s room while he or she sleeps at night. Both may help him or her breathe a little easier.
  • Be sure to keep your child well hydrated, even if he or she isn’t feeling much like eating or drinking.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap to help prevent the spread of croup.
  • Consult your doctor if your child appears dehydrated, lethargic or is having any difficulty breathing.

To learn more about croup, visit our online health library. For more information about treating croup or to make an appointment to talk with a physician, call Kendall Regional Medical Center’s 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Realistic Resolutions for the New Year

Calendar January 2, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

The new year is a time for new beginnings. It is also a time for listing resolutions based on what you hope to accomplish over the next 12 months. We have some advice: be realistic. The more realistic you are about what you want to accomplish, the more likely it will be that you accomplish your goals. Here are some healthy and achievable resolutions to consider:

Sleep more. While it’s sometimes easier said than done, getting a good night’s sleep is important. Getting the proper amount of sleep can help brighten your outlook, improve your memory, reduce your risk of depression, fight inflammation and more. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Are you getting enough?

Eat a healthy diet. What you eat plays a big part in overall health. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, lean protein, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Limit your intake of fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar. When looking at opportunities to make healthy changes, consider beverages as well as meals and snacks. Use the USDA’s MyPlate program as a tool to help you make healthy choices.

Exercise most days of the week. Follow the CDC recommendations and get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least five days a week. This may include walking during your lunch break, riding bikes on the weekend or going for a quick run with the jogging stroller.

See your doctor. Schedule wellness visits and annual exams. Also talk with your doctor about a recommended schedule of screening tests possibly including a mammogram, cholesterol screening, blood pressure check, colonoscopy and other procedures.

Quit smoking. We know this is a challenge for some but it is still a very realistic — and important — goal to achieve. Don't forget, it's never too late to quit. After not smoking for half a day, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. Two to three months post quitting, your lung function improves. Ten years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is cut to about half that of a person who still smokes.

To learn how Kendall Regional Medical Center can help you keep your healthy resolutions, visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. Happy New Year from all of us at Kendall Regional!

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Preparing for Childbirth: A Checklist

Calendar December 26, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Preparing for childbirth is an exciting time for most moms-to-be, but many women also experience a bit of anxiety and even some fear as they realize that their family will soon be expanding. Families understand that they should expect many adjustments once the baby arrives. The best way to get ready for any new child is to start preparing early.

If you’re excited to welcome your new bundle of joy but unsure about what to prioritize on your to-do list, here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • Go to all prenatal care appointments. Your prenatal visits are crucial during your pregnancy. As the National Institutes of Health point out, prenatal visits are much more than doctor’s appointments while you’re pregnant. Your healthcare provider may discuss issues such as nutrition, exercise, any possible health risks, medications and what to expect during labor and delivery.
  • Educate yourself. Ask your doctor questions, pick up a book or two, or take a childbirth preparation class with your partner. This will help you learn more about childbirth, your pain relief options, breastfeeding, recovery, newborn care, and more.
  • Inform your other children. If you have other children, you’ll want to let them know what to expect from a new sibling. A new addition to the family is typically a big adjustment for most young children.
  • Prepare the nursery safely. Getting the baby’s room ready is a fun task for most new moms. You may be offered previously owned cribs and other baby gear from family and friends. Be sure to consider the latest safety recommendations for cribs and bedding. Also check for any product recalls.
  • Stock your fridge. Grocery shopping and making dinner will be the least of your worries when you bring home that new baby. While new parents are often preoccupied with a new baby, it is important to remember that mothers who are breastfeeding and recovering from childbirth require a well-balanced, nutritional diet. Cook meals now and put them in the freezer so you can defrost them later or call on friends and family to help keep you fed after the baby is born.
  • Enlist helpers. Having a new baby can overwhelming, exhausting and emotional. Friends and relatives will probably offer to help you out once the baby arrives, and there’s no shame in taking them up on the offer. As you navigate a new schedule and get to know the many needs of this new child, why not ask Mom or Grandma to stay with you for a few days?
  • Create a birth plan. A birth plan is a written document that entails how you and your partner would like your child’s birth to go under ideal circumstances. Keep in mind that you can’t control every aspect of labor and delivery, and always remember if your pregnancy is high-risk or an emergency arises during labor, the birth plan may have to be altered.

Kendall Regional Medical Center’s maternity unit features LDR Maternity Suites, which means that new mothers can go through labor, delivery, and recovery within one comfortable room. Our maternity department also offers childbirth and baby care classes for a minimal fee. For more information about classes or other maternity services, contact us at (305) 222-2200. If you have general health questions, or would like a physician referral, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-256-7719.

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