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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What to Bring to the E.R.

Calendar December 19, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

While you may be flustered or in a state of panic when getting ready to head to the emergency room, a little preparation pays off. Keep this list handy, and bring as many of these things with you as possible if you, another adult or your child is in need of emergency room care.

  1. Healthcare insurance card. Along with carrying your healthcare card, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of coverage and responsibilities.
  2. Identification and an ICE, or in case of emergency, card. This makes it easy for healthcare professionals to identify the patient, learn pertinent medical facts about him or her and know how to contact the person’s family.
  3. Doctors’ contact information. Have handy a primary care doctor’s name and phone number, as well as contact information for any specialists the patient has seen.
  4. Medical history. Bring a record of immunizations, allergies, conditions or diseases, injuries, surgeries, family health history and any other important medical information.
  5. Current medications. Bring along any medications currently being taken.
  6. A timeline of symptoms. Jot down a history of symptoms and their progression, as well as any other details that a medical professional may find helpful.
  7. Things to make waiting more comfortable. The E.R. uses advanced technology, medical expertise and triage services to manage critical conditions and treat patients in the most effective and efficient manner. In the case of a non life-threatening situation, patients may experience a short wait. Having a book, game or a child’s comfort item such as a blanket could calm and occupy those waiting.
  8. Personal items. If you suspect that you or your loved one may need to be admitted to the hospital, consider packing clothes, contacts or glasses, specialized medical devices or other personal items .

Kendall Regional Medical Center offers premier emergency care to all of our Miami-Dade area patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Kendall Regional also offers our youngest patients top notch pediatric patient care in our Kidsville emergency department. To learn more about these departments or for a physician referral, please visit us online or call (305) 222-2200.

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Handling Holiday Stress

Calendar December 12, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Do you have all of your shopping done yet? When are the in-laws arriving? How much do we have left in our checking account? We understand that along with all the blessings of the holiday season, come the stresses of the holiday season. Here are a few suggestions for handling common triggers of holiday stress.

The Causes

Holiday stress can be the result of any number of different factors or combination of factors. A shortage of time, financial worries, family friction and unreasonable expectations can all be sources of holiday stress.

The Cures

There are many things you can do to help handle holiday stress:

  • Stick to your routine as much as possible and practice your usual healthy habits including eating well, exercising, meditating and getting plenty of rest.
  • Say yes only to the events you truly want to participate in. Don’t feel obligated to attend every work, school, church and social function on the calendar.
  • Remember that not all families benefit from spending a great deal of time together. Sometimes a nice short visit is better than a long stressful one.
  • Strive to stick to your budget and live within your means. Make the holidays more about making memories, and less about giving lavish gifts. Enjoy budget-friendly activities including decorating the tree, cooking a special meal, baking cookies, watching holiday movies and looking at light displays. When it comes to gift-giving, be sure to focus on fun and creative stocking stuffers as opposed to big elaborate presents.
  • Acknowledge the true reason for the season and give to those less fortunate. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, food bank, children’s home or other charity organization. Slowing down and giving to others is often one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
  • Remember that the holiday season is what you make it. Reinvent it, and make your own happy holidays, if you wish.
  • Consider counseling if you feel that what you’re experiencing goes beyond basic stress. If you’re suffering from headaches, insomnia, uneasiness, anxiety, sadness or intestinal problems, you may have a case of the holiday blues.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, please call us. Kendall Regional Medical Center offers a variety of specialized services to assist patients with depression, anxiety and a many other behavioral health conditions. To learn more about what we offer our patients, visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719.

 

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Assisting a Loved One with Stroke Recovery

Calendar December 5, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

According to the National Stroke Association, within the five years following a first stroke, the chance of having another stroke can increase more than 40 percent. Therefore, stroke recovery is critically important in not only regaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, but also in reducing risk of yet another stroke. While rehabilitation needs vary depending on the severity of the stroke a person has suffered, here are some ways in which you can help a loved one with stroke recovery:

• Help your loved one adhere to doctors’ instructions regarding important aspects of recovery such as medication, rehabilitation, rest, and diet and lifestyle changes.

• If needed, help your loved one by inviting him or her to live with you or by arranging at-home care. From bathing to cooking to cleaning and more, your loved one will likely need assistance.

• Help coordinate any necessary changes to the home including installing ramps, motorized chairs, safety bars and other devices.

• Be patient and help foster independence. Your loved one may have challenges involving walking, talking, eating, dressing, lifting, balancing, remembering, learning and other functions. Offer ongoing encouragement, as stroke recovery can be a long process.

• Help create a support system of family, friends, and physical and mental health professionals for your loved one. Also consider helping your loved one participate in an organized support group. Social interaction and therapy can help prevent or treat depression, which is common after stroke.

• Remember that caregivers need support, too. Explore organizations that can be of assistance to you, and consider a support group for yourself as well.

To learn about how Kendall Regional Medical Center can help your loved one after stroke, visit us online or call our free, 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. 

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Preventing Prematurity

Calendar November 28, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time when the March of Dimes works especially hard to increase awareness about the causes and prevention of premature birth. We think this is a great opportunity to share more about this topic as well. On November 1, the annual Premature Birth Report Card is released, and on November 17, World Prematurity Day, organizations around the world ask people everywhere to help communicate the important message of prematurity prevention. The fact is, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn death in the United States, where 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely. While research in regard to the causes of premature birth is ongoing, we do know:

• If you’ve had a preterm birth, which is defined as birth before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of having another is significantly higher. Treatment with progesterone shots may help reduce that risk.

• Receiving healthcare prior to and during pregnancy is an important aspect of prevention. Your health and the health of your baby will be monitored closely, making it much more likely that a problem will be found early.

• The signs of preterm labor include contractions every 10 minutes or less, cramps, backache, change in vaginal discharge, and pressure in your pelvis pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

• Research has linked smoking to premature birth. If you smoke, quit.

• Some studies suggest a relationship between gum disease and premature birth. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly.

• It’s wise to make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a balanced diet, manage stress and get plenty of rest. In addition, talk with your doctor about how best to keep any conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes in check.

Have questions about preterm labor or preventing premature birth? Call our free, 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. For more information about having a healthy pregnancy, childbirth classes and maternity care at Kendall Regional Medical Center, visit us online.

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Healthy Holiday Eating Habits

Calendar November 21, 2011 | Posted by Kendall Regional

Cookies, cakes and pies, oh my. From family dinners to office parties, the holiday season is full of healthy eating obstacles. But with a few smart strategies under your belt, you won’t have to actually loosen your belt in the long run.

• Create a menu that boasts built-in portion control. Cook a cheesy potato dish in muffin pans instead of a casserole pan. Bake cupcakes instead of a whole cake. And make mini tartlets instead of an entire pie.

• Start with good-for-you ingredients including fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and cheeses, whole grains and lean meats.

• Cook with heart-healthy oils that are trans fat-free and low in saturated fat instead of using lard, shortening or butter. Choose olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil, soybean oil or sunflower oil.

• Get great flavor without a lot of fat by seasoning with herbs and spices instead of adding heavy sauces.

• Cook with low-sodium broths or soups instead of the full sodium varieties.

• Eat skinless white meat turkey instead of dark meat with the skin to save calories and fat.

• Use whole grains, such as brown rice, barley or quinoa in side dishes. And replace buttery or cheesy breads with whole-grain varieties.

• Give traditional family recipes a twist by replacing large amounts of high-calorie ingredients such as cheese, bacon or nuts in a dish with just a small sprinkling of them on top.

• Use a salad plate instead of a large dinner plate to help practice portion control.

• Eat a healthy snack before heading to a party, so that you’re less apt to overeat.

• In addition to watching what you eat, keep an eye on what you drink. The calories in punches, eggnogs and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly.

• Practice moderation, not deprivation. Don’t pass up favorite holiday foods entirely; simply enjoy them without overindulging.

For more information on healthy eating, consult the USDA or CDC. Or to find a doctor or dietician, use our free Consult-A-Nurse® service by calling 1-888-256-7719. 

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