How High Blood Pressure Can Affect You

Calendar May 17, 2012 | Posted by laicos

High blood pressure is common, but that doesn't make it any less serious.

About one of three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. Although blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, readings that consistently stay above the normal range are a cause for concern. Left untreated, the condition can lead to heart attack, stroke or organ damage.

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Understanding what high blood pressure is and how it affects you is the first step to getting it under control.

By the Numbers
You'll hear two numbers when your blood pressure is measured. The higher number is systolic pressure — the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The lower number is diastolic pressure, or the pressure in your vessels when your heart rests between beats.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorize blood pressure readings like this:

  • Normal: Less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic
  • At risk (pre-hypertension): Between 120 to 139 mmHg systolic or 80 to 89 mmHg diastolic
  • High (hypertension): 140 mmHg or higher systolic or 90 mmHg or higher diastolic

If you have pre-hypertension, you are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, and your doctor will likely recommend monitoring and lifestyle changes to prevent that from happening.

What High Blood Pressure Does
Hypertension stresses your heart, lungs, brain, kidneys and blood vessels. This eventually can damage your organs and tissues, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says.

The problem has to do with force. The American Heart Association explains that the more forcefully blood pumps through arteries, the more the arteries stretch to accommodate the blood flow. This can cause the tissue on the artery walls to stretch beyond its healthy limit over time and result in several possible problems:

  • Weaknesses that could cause strokes or aneurysms
  • Tiny tears that make it more likely cholesterol and plaque will build up
  • Increased clotting risks
  • Organ damage from narrowed or blocked arteries
  • Strain on the circulatory system

What You Can Do
Regular monitoring when you see the doctor is important, even if your blood pressure currently falls into the normal range. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will want to run some tests to see if it is related to another condition or if it has caused any damage.

You can do your part by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, getting regular exercise, controlling your stress and following a healthy low-fat and low-sodium diet. If lifestyle changes do not bring down blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medications.

Kendall Regional Medical Center has a Primary Stroke Center and a Heart and Vascular Institute to provide you with the best possible treatment. If you have questions about preventative care or would like a referral to a doctor, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Understanding Schizophrenia

Calendar May 10, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Schizophrenia can be scary. A severe brain disorder, it interferes with how you interpret reality. Someone who has schizophrenia may hear voices that aren't there, become paranoid or withdraw socially. He or she might struggle to hold a job and lean heavily on family, causing increased stress at home.

But fear shouldn't stand in the way of treatment. Understanding schizophrenia can help you or a loved one get back on track to a happy and fulfilling life.

What is Schizophrenia?
About 1 percent of Americans have schizophrenia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The illness affects men and women in equal numbers. Hallucinations and delusions usually start between 16 and 30, sometimes earlier in men. People do not tend to get it after age 45.

Specific causes are unknown. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says research has shown differences in the brains of people with schizophrenia compared to the brains of people who do not have the disease. It seems to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors — a family history may increase your likelihood of getting schizophrenia but does not cause the illness.

Symptoms
Pinpointing symptoms can be tough in young people because many of the initial signs — irritability, drop in grades, sleep problems and change in friends — can also be chalked up to common teen behavior.

Symptoms often become more disturbing as time passes. Some signs are:

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Disorganized thinking or speech
  • Catatonic behavior, such as slow movement, pacing, walking in circles
  • General disinterest and withdrawal
  • Paranoia
  • Inappropriate laughter
  • Poor hygiene and self care

Treatment
A doctor will not make a diagnosis until the patient experiences symptoms for a certain amount of time. Doctors also will want to rule out drug use, medical illness or other mental conditions before giving a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Once diagnosed, treatment can begin. Although schizophrenia cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed. Antipsychotic medications help by blocking certain chemicals in the brain and controlling abnormal thinking. It's important to have a good relationship with your doctor while on these medications so the doctor can address side effects, control dosage or try other medications. Patients sometimes feel better, stop taking their prescriptions and then relapse.

Besides antipsychotic medication, doctors may prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers to address co-existing conditions. Supportive therapy is recommended for both the patient and family members, because schizophrenia is a lifelong condition. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be recommended.

Kendall Regional Medical Center has a behavioral health program specifically designed to provide a therapeutic environment for patients with major psychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia. To find out more, contact our Behavioral Health Services intake department at (786) 315-5913.

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Kendall Named a Top Hospital

Calendar May 3, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Kendall Regional Medical Center has received national recognition for its commitment to patient care, efficiency and overall performance.

We are proud to be part of the "100 Top Hospitals" for 2012, which Thomson Reuters named after evaluating data from nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals. Hospitals do not apply and are evaluated against others of similar size and teaching status. Kendall fell into the "large community hospital" category.

This rating as a Top Hospital — as well as the numerous national and regional recognitions we have received in the past — shows the excellent care that patients receive on several fronts. Other awards have praised Kendall's overall clinical quality or singled out particular service areas, such as stroke, pulmonary, cardiac, gastroenterology, respiratory and maternity care.  

Importance
Thomson Reuters has conducted its annual study since 1993. The winners, the company says, show that you can have high-quality patient outcomes and run efficiently. The organization cites the following statistics that could be achieved if all hospitals performed at the same level as Kendall and the other Top Hospital winners.

  • Hospitals could save more than 186,000 additional lives.
  • About 56,000 additional patients could be free of complications.
  • Patient stays on average would decrease by almost half a day.

Such changes could result in a savings of more than $4.3 billion.

Criteria
Hospitals had to offer short-term acute care and not be part of the federal system and also treat a broad spectrum of patients to qualify for evaluation. Researchers based their rankings on several key performance measures, including mortality rates, readmission rates, complications index, average lengths of stay, profitability and a risk-adjusted patient safety index.

For the Patient
To patients, our ranking in the 100 Top Hospitals means that you can have confidence in your medical care you receive at Kendall. If you have any health questions or you would like to get a physician referral, you can call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-256-7719. Nurses are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, every day.

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Surprising Stroke Symptoms

Calendar April 26, 2012 | Posted by laicos

If one side of your body suddenly becomes numb or weak, you know you probably should see a doctor to rule out a stroke.

But how worried should you be about a sudden onset of hiccups?

If you're a woman, you shouldn't dismiss it.

Strokes — which occur when the brain's blood supply is interrupted — cause sudden function loss. You might know the most common warning signs of stroke, but take a look at these surprising stroke symptoms as well.

Unique Stroke Symptoms
More women than men suffer strokes annually, and women may experience different symptoms signaling they are having a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association.

Women should watch out for a sudden onset of the following symptoms:

  • face and limb pain
  • hiccups
  • nausea
  • general weakness
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • palpitations

Don't ignore something that could be serious. Timely treatment is essential for recovery.

More Common Symptoms
Both men and women need to watch out for these more commonly seen warning signs. The American Stroke Association says to get help immediately if any of the following occur:

  • sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially if it affects one side of the body
  • sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • sudden trouble seeing (one or both eyes)
  • sudden dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination
  • sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you are worried someone you're with is having a stroke, the National Stroke Association urges you to act  "FAST." The mnemonic will help you remember different symptoms to look for. FAST stands for:

F (Face) – Ask the person to smile to see if one side of the face droops.

A (Arms) – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one dip downward?

S (Speech) – Does their speech sound slurred or strange when asked to repeat a simple phrase?

T (Time) – If you observe any of these signs, immediately call 911.

Getting Help
Do not delay calling for help if you suspect a stroke. Make sure when you call 911 that you also tell the operator the time the symptoms first started. You need immediate treatment to dissolve a blood clot or stop bleeding, depending on the type of stroke. One drug can reduce long-term disability but must be given within three hours of the start of symptoms.

Also be sure to call 911 even if your symptoms seem to come and go quickly. It could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes known as a "mini-stroke," according to the American Stroke Association. Those mini-strokes actually are "warning strokes." About a third of the people who have them will have a full-fledged stroke within a year.

Kendall Regional Medical Center is proud to have a primary stroke center, certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. This certification means the program complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality care in  rapid response and treatment of acute stroke patients.

Call 911 for emergency help. For routine health issues, you can use our website to find a physician or you can call (305) 222-2200 for free referrals.

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Myths and Facts about Autism

Calendar April 19, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Autism makes headlines frequently, but the news can be a bit confusing. April is National Autism Awareness Month, and a great time to clear up any confusion and separate myth from fact.

Myth: Autism is one specific condition.
Fact: Autism is a developmental disability defined by a criteria of behaviors. It's known as a "spectrum disorder," meaning that it affects people in different ways and to different degrees.

Myth: Autism is caused or triggered by childhood vaccines.
Fact: There is no evidence that any childhood immunization is associated with an increased risk of autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Causes of autism are not fully understood.

Autism is believed to be the result of abnormalities of the brain. Ongoing studies continue to research the role of genetics and heredity, and what may trigger the disability in children susceptible to autism.

Myth: Autism is rare.
Fact: Estimates indicate that 1 of every 110 children born in the United States develops autism, and that autism affects 1 in every 70 boys.

Myth: The symptoms of autism are always the same.
Fact: Symptoms of autism can vary significantly. While children may show some signs between ages 18 and 24 months, symptoms typically are more evident in children between 2 and 6 years of age. Signs of possible autism may include failure to babble, gesture, speak single words by 16 months or speak two-word phrases by 2 years old. A loss of developmental skills can be a sign at any age.

There are no medical tests for autism, however, qualified medical professionals can make a medical diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Myth: There is no treatment for autism.
Fact: There are a variety of treatments for autism, and research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment can be very effective. Individuals respond differently to treatment, and what works well for one person may not always work well for others. Treatments are often categorized as nonmedical, biomedical and communication techniques.

To learn more about autism spectrum disorders, visit the Autism Society online. To find out how to get help at Kendall Regional Medical Center, call our free, 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. Nurses can answer health questions or refer you to a physician and make an appointment.

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Top Ways You Can Prevent Back Pain

Calendar April 9, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Working in the yard. Moving and unpacking boxes. Lifting babies.

You didn't think you were doing anything unusual, but now you're paying for it with an ache in your lower back.

Next time, try these steps to prevent back pain and save yourself the discomfort.

What Causes It?
Low back pain is common and can have several different causes. The most common reason, though, is a strain or sprain of the muscles or ligaments in that area, usually from lifting heavy items, lifting incorrectly or abrupt, awkward movements.

You're also more likely to develop low back pain as you age, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, if you are pregnant or if you have had prior back injuries or surgeries.

How Can I Avoid It?
Maintaining a healthy weight and sticking to an exercise program can make your body stronger and more flexible so you are less likely to get injured, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.  Here are tips for specific situations as well:

  • Standing: Try not to stand for long periods of time, but if you have to, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests resting a foot on a low stool to relieve some of the pressure on your lower back. Switch feet every five to 15 minutes. Maintain good posture.
  • Sitting: Use a straight-backed chair or one with lower back support, keeping your knees a little higher than your hips. Adjust the seat or prop your feet on a low stool, the family physicians academy says. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends standing and stretching once an hour.
  • Lifting: Get close to the object, bend your knees, tighten your stomach muscles and use your leg muscles to lift as you stand, according to the orthopedic surgeons. If you have to hold the object, keep your knees slightly bent, pivoting to turn your body instead of twisting from the waist.

For New Moms
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons warns that new moms are at risk of injury and back pain from lifting and carrying rapidly growing children. The academy offers tips specific to new parents (some of these apply to dads, too!) that include:

  • Nurse in an upright chair and bring the baby as close to the breast as possible to avoid hunching.
  • Don't stretch out your arms to pick up the baby. Draw him close to your chest and then lift.
  • Consider using a front carrier while you are walking and don't balance him on your hip.

If you have questions about preventing back pain or you are wondering if your back pain is normal, you may want to talk to one of our experts with our Orthopedic and Spine Institute. For health questions of for a physician referral, please call our free  Consult-A-Nurse service available 24/7 at 1-888-256-7719.

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Recognizing the Signs of Depression

Calendar April 2, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression affects 1 in 10 adults in the United States. While there is help for people suffering with depression, recognizing the symptoms in you or a friend or family member can sometimes be challenging. The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines depression as a mood disorder that interferes with everyday life for weeks or longer. Depression can manifest itself in a range of ways that vary from person to person. The following is a list of a dozen common signs of depression as noted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other mental health experts:

  • Periods of unexplainable crying
  • A deep feeling of sadness
  • A deep feeling of hopelessness and/or worthlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Significant weight loss of weight gain
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping too much
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
  • Self-inflicted social isolation
  • Physical pain
  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse
  • Considerations or attempts of suicide

Left untreated, depression can lead to personal, professional, financial and physical problems. Try to keep a written record of the symptoms you or your loved one experiences. It is important to consider both a physical and a psychological evaluation in order to diagnose depression and start back on road to recovery. Treatment can include therapy, medication and other options. If you think you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, contact Kendall Regional Medical Center. Our free Consult-A-Nurse® service is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-888-256-7719.

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Diagnosing and Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Calendar March 26, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

While colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, proper screening can often prevent the disease altogether. Here are the basics about how colorectal cancer may be prevented and diagnosed.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer
The most powerful tool in preventing colorectal cancer is the screening test. Colon cancer most often starts as noncancerous polyps that take a considerable amount of time to turn cancerous. A colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, which will prevent a cancer diagnosis.

If a colonoscopy reveals cancer early, the survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society, is nearly 100 percent. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to follow the American Cancer Society screening recommendations:

  • Anyone at average risk for colon cancer should have a colonoscopy at age 50, and then again once every 10 years.
  • If you’re at an increased risk for the disease you should talk with your doctor about when to start testing and how often you should be tested.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing colon cancer include:

  • Being older than 60 years of age
  • Being African-American
  • Having a family history of the disease
  • Suffering from another intestinal disease
  • Being obese
  • Being a smoker or heavy drinker
  • Consuming a nutritionally-inadequate diet.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Without colonoscopy screenings, colon cancer will be left undiagnosed until it is in later stages and a person begins to experience symptoms. These symptoms may include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Diagnosing colorectal cancer can involve a colonoscopy, blood tests, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound and/or biopsy. To learn more about your risks of colorectal cancer or to schedule a screening, call Kendall Regional Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Keeping Your Child Safe from Household Poison

Calendar March 19, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

As a parent, you want to do everything possible to keep your child safe. But do you know what to do in order to protect your child from household poisons? If not, National Poison Prevention Week is a good time to learn. Here are some important tips to follow:

  • Trained posion control experts are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the Posion Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Keep this number handy at all times and program it into your phone.
     
  • Remember that poisons include not only medicines and cleaning solutions, but also things such as make up, nail polish remover, hair color dye, anti-perspirant and perfume. Keep all possible poisons in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children, including medicines, pet medicines, alcohol, cleaning products, mouthwash, cosmetics, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze and other dangerous substances. When using cleaning products or other potentially poisonous substances, never leave then unattended with children present.
     
  • An improper dosage of children’s medications can be poisonous. Always double-check the recommended dosage before administering medication to your child. Also, avoid telling your child that a medicine tastes like candy. Such a statement can send an unsafe message.
     
  • Certain plants can also be poisonous, including rhododendron, English ivy, lily of the valley, holly and mistletoe. Check to be sure the plants in and around your home are safe.
     
  • If your child is old enough, explore the American Association of Poison Control Center’s online Poison Tips for Children together. The tone and content are designed to help teach kids what’s safe and what’s not.
     
  • Ask that family members or others who care for your child read the American Associations of Poison Control Center’s Tips for Babysitters and Other Caregivers. It contains important basics and is a good refresher for someone who may not have reason to think about child safety on a regular basis.

If your child consumes a poison or medication improperly, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Follow their instructions and if they determine that you should seek immediate medical care, come to our pediatric ER at Kendall Regional Medical Center. For quick health-related questions or for a physician referral, please contact the Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

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Airborne Allergy: Treatment and Prevention

Calendar March 12, 2012 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Sneezing? Stuffy? Itchy, watery eyes? Think you have a cold? Think again; you might have an allergy. An allergy is a person’s immune system reacting to a substance or allergen. It’s estimated that approximately 35 million Americans suffer from airborne allergens, or allergens carried through the air. Some common airborne allergens include dust mites, pollen, molds and pet allergens from hair, dander and/or saliva. Allergy symptoms can range from inconvenient to harmful, so it’s helpful to know about both prevention and treatment. Here are some ways you can reduce seasonal allergic reactions:

  • Reduce your exposure. Stay indoors when pollen levels are high. If you need to venture out, wear a mask to help limit the potentially harmful allergens you inhale.
  • Keep your car and home windows closed and avoid using a window or attic fan that draws air in from outside.
  • Remove your shoes as you enter your home to limit tracking allergens into your house. Shower and/or change clothes after coming in from outdoors. And be sure to dry laundry in a dryer and not outside on a clothesline.
  • Clean surfaces of dust, mold or other allergens, and vacuum often.
  • Put dust mite-proof covers on your mattress and pillows.
  • Wash towels and bed linens in hot water.
  • Clean curtains, blinds or other window treatments frequently.
  • Choose flooring options other than carpet, which has a tendency to trap allergens.
  • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your air conditioning unit to help filter out allergens.
  • Choose fans and vacuum cleaners that use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
  • Choose not to own a pet. Or if you already own a pet, keep him or her off furniture and bathe him or her often.

Talk with your doctor about effective treatment. Follow the preventative measures described above, but also consider medication and immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots, to help alleviate symptoms.

For more information about airborne allergies, or for a physician referral, use Kendall Regional Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service. You can contact our nurses 24 hours a day by calling 1-888-256-7719.

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