It’s only about the size of a fist, but as you know, your heart is a vital organ in your body. This little pump is responsible for keeping your blood moving, and each day it beats nearly 100,000 times. It does its job to keep you healthy. So you should return the favor.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, almost 2,000 Americans die of heart disease every day—that’s one every 44 seconds. Don’t let yourself be a statistic. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your heart in tip-top shape.

Stop Smoking

Smoking has been linked to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries. This condition leads to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Talk to your doctor about the best way to quit smoking. And if you don’t smoke, don’t start! Also, if you are exposed to secondhand smoke, try to alter your environment to change that.

Get Moving

If you’re like most people, you are completely overscheduled and can barely find any time for yourself each day. But no matter what your schedule is like, it’s important to carve out time to exercise. Most experts suggest you exercise most days of the week for at least 30 or 45 minutes each time. You’ll find that regular activity will lower your blood pressure, help you maintain a healthy weight, give you more energy, and improve your mood. That’s a welcome change for your stressed-out day.

Eat Right

There are certain foods that can be beneficial for your heart health, so try to make these your staples:

• Fish, which contains omega-3 fatty acids
• Fruits and vegetables, which contain important vitamins but not too many calories
• Whole grains, which contain fiber that can lower blood pressure

Overall, try to limit your intake of salt and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Also if you choose to drink alcohol, women should have no more than one drink a day, and men should have no more than two.

Watch Your Blood Pressure

Did you know that high blood pressure affects one in every three adults? This condition can lead to blood clots, hardened arteries, and ultimately stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Sometimes called “the silent killer,” high blood pressure has no symptoms, so often it goes untreated. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked and take steps to lower your numbers if needed. Shoot for a reading of 120/80 or less.

Keep Cholesterol in Control

There is good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL), and the bad kind can clog arteries, which leads to heart attack and stroke. Some cholesterol is produced by your body, and some comes from the foods you eat. Your combined cholesterol reading should be 200 or less. To keep your LDL number down, be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy choices. Your doctor can prescribe medication if necessary.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

As you probably know, obesity has become a major health issue, and it’s especially problematic if you carry extra weight around your waist. Extra pounds can lead to high blood pressure, which can result in heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor about a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you get to a healthy weight and stay there.

Check for Diabetes

They might not seem related, but diabetes and heart disease can go hand-in-hand. A diabetic person who also is overweight or has blood pressure is at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Discuss this issue with your doctor to see if you should be tested.

Want to know more? On September 16, Blake Medical Center will be hosting a Heart Smart event. For details or to register, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.

And for further information about keeping your heart healthy, contact the Heart Institute at Blake Medical Center. We’re here to answer all your questions.

SOURCES
American Heart Association
Discovery Health

Your lower back has a dull ache you can’t seem to shake. Or you have shooting pain between your shoulder blades. What medications can help?

As you research, you’ll find a host of options to try. Talk to your doctor about what suits your condition best.

• Acetaminophen This medication is probably the most effective nonprescription remedy for back pain. It actually works with your brain to turn off the perception of pain. A common brand of acetaminophen is Tylenol, and it’s safe for you to take 1,000 mg every four hours, but no more than 4,000 mg within a 24-hour period.

• NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) combat the inflammation that often contributes to back pain. Some specific names are ibuprofen (such as Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (such as Aleve). You’ll find that they work like aspirin but don’t cause the stomach issues that aspirin can. Be sure to read the labels for dosage information.

• Muscle relaxants These prescription drugs are available in a wide range, and they are often prescribed only for short-term use. By relaxing your whole body, these medications are helpful for relieving back spasms. Some brand names include Valium, Soma, and Flexeril. Be careful when using them, however, since these drugs can become habit-forming.

• Oral steroids These medications can fight inflammation and most effectively help with lower back pain. Usually, your doctor prescribes a high dose at first and then gradually lowers the dose over the course of several days. You should take oral steroids only on a short-term basis, since they can have side effects. These include ulcers, weight gain, and osteoporosis.

• Narcotic pain relievers These medications are available only by prescription and should be used primarily for sever flare-ups of back pain. Common brand names include Percocet and Vicodin. You should use extreme caution when you take these drugs, since they can be addictive.

Depending on how intense your condition is, a doctor may suggest a day or two of bed rest. However, after the initial rest, light exercise will go a long way in alleviating your pain. Try gentle activities, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. If you have questions about what exercises are safe, talk to your doctor or consult a physical therapist.

To learn more about back pain, contact Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552. We offer solutions to make your back—and your body—a healthy one.

SOURCES
Spine-Health
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

You know how it feels. Your back hurts so much that you’re in agony when you sit, reach, or twist. Sometimes the only relief you get is when you lie down. So what can you do about back pain?

If you’re like other people who suffer from back pain—which includes nearly 80 percent of Americans—you may become more and more sedentary, because even fun activities are excruciating. You may feel discomfort in your lower back, as well as your upper and middle back. Sometimes it seems like all you do is ache. So when is spinal surgery a good idea?

Most doctors agree that surgery should be considered only as a last resort. In some cases, they caution, surgery may not even solve the problem. It’s important to consider all courses of action and to get opinions from two or three doctors. However, if any of these statements describe your condition, surgery might help.

• You have a ruptured or herniated disc.
• In your arms or legs, you experience a weakness or tingling feeling.
• You have a bone spur, tumor, or a fracture that’s unstable.
• You suffer from incontinence.
• You have scoliosis, kyphosis, or some other kind of spine deformity.

In the event that your symptoms are not so severe, there are a number of treatments that may help alleviate pain. Give these a try:

• Physical therapy. The exercises and stretches that a physical therapist can teach you will help relieve the stress on your spine.
• Acupuncture. This traditional Chinese therapy has helped many people get relief.
• Chiropractic care. A chiropractor can manipulate your spine and help ease the pain.
• Massage. Especially when used with other therapies, some types of massage have been shown to help relax the back muscles.
• Medication: Ask your doctor about painkillers and other medications that can be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
• Pilates or yoga. These and other practices can strengthen the core, which often takes the pressure off your back.

If you have questions about your spine health, contact Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.Your aching back will thank you.

The ability to function independently is often overlooked by those that have it. For those who have lost some ability due to injury or the wear and tear that life puts us through, regaining function may seem like a dream. Advances in medical science have come a long way and the gap between what can and cannot be repaired is getting smaller.

For patients with shoulder problems, simple tasks can be difficult. Some seemingly ordinary, everyday, activities become nearly impossible to accomplish alone. Sadly it seems as if one, if not both, of your arms is unusable and just a source of frustration and pain. Those afflicted with severe arthritis or people who have large tears in their rotator cuff (the group of tendons in your shoulder that help stabilize the joint and allow you to move your arms proficiently) may be candidates for a procedure called reverse shoulder surgery.

Reverse Shoulder Surgery Basics

The procedure has been available in the United States since 2004. It has a longer history in other parts of the world– it has been an accepted practice throughout Europe for over twenty years for instance. The procedure involves replacing the joint in your shoulder with a prosthetic joint. It is called reverse shoulder surgery because the new joint that the patients is fitted with, is designed opposite of the natural one. What this means is that the round or ball shaped end portion of your humerus (upper arm bone) is not round in the prosthetic version. The humerus has indented portions that match up to a round piece attached to your scapula (what you may commonly think of as your “shoulder bone”). In essence the new joint has the same features as your natural joint but they are reversed.

Benefits of Reverse Shoulder Surgery

This procedure is most often recommended for seniors. However there are cases in which younger patients are considered candidates. Some benefits to undertaking this procedure include:

• Regained function of the shoulder- After recovery, most patients who previously had a lack of range of motion, are able to hold their arm up at least ninety degrees. This is shoulder level, if not higher, which makes a lot more activities possible After working with physical therapists many patients can once again:
  • Eat and drink on their own
  • Brush their teeth
  • Comb their hair
• Reduced pain- Many patients who suffer from arthritis report that after a Reverse Shoulder Surgery, the amount of pain they experience on a regular basis is significantly reduced. This alone makes the procedure worthwhile for some as it is easier to enjoy life when your body is not in pain.
• Increased stability- Constant use over the years as well as weakened tissue can lead to an overall weaker and less stable shoulder. With the addition of new prosthetic parts, Reverse Shoulder Surgery, can add strength to the structure of your shoulder. This makes the joint more stable and allows for a better quality of life.

If you have questions about reverse shoulder surgery or orthopedics, please contact us at Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.

Online news site Health News Florida published an article recently about how often hospitals in the state have performed four common diagnostic imaging tests. The article referenced data collected and analyzed by the federal government. Based on this data, some hospitals were determined to be ordering too many tests, and others, not enough tests.

The four tests are:

• Mammogram
• MRI scan for lower back pain
• CT scan of the chest
• CT scan of the abdomen

Last week, the Bradenton Herald ran a story about recall rates for mammograms at Manatee and Sarasota county hospitals. This is how often a woman was asked to come back following an initial or diagnostic mammogram, for a second visit.

The Herald article noted that the federal government guidelines indicate that a mammogram recall rate under 8% is considered too low, putting a woman at risk for cancer, while a recall rate above 14% is regarded as too high, indicating that women are having unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Blake’s point of view

Robert Stouffer, director of the radiology department at Blake Medical Center, is concerned that women will read these articles and conclude that they should avoid mammograms. Blake has a mammogram recall rate of 8.2%, which is within the federal guidelines.

“For individuals who are hesitant to have a mammogram, they may see this as a reason not to,” says Stouffer, who has worked in the radiology field for nearly 35 years.

While mammograms do expose women to radiation, physicians and radiologists agree that the benefits of the test far outweigh the risks. (We receive radiation daily from the sun and from some of the minerals on the earth.)

It’s up to you

Instead of using news reports to make health decisions, Stouffer suggests a woman have a conversation with her physician, because the physician knows her and her medical history.

Based on his decades of experience, Stouffer feels it’s important for a woman who is 40 and up, or who has a family history of breast cancer, to get a baseline mammogram. If that mammogram shows possible evidence of cancer, she should not wait to make a follow-up appointment.

“That’s very basic medicine in my world, in diagnostic imaging,” he says.

Know where to go

Stouffer recommends that a woman get mammograms or other imaging tests at a facility with a reputation for quality.

At Blake Medical Center, mammograms are read quickly, and follow up appointments scheduled promptly. Not all hospitals or outpatient diagnostic centers have the resources to do this, Stouffer notes.

For more information about mammograms, or to obtain a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-888-359-3552, or visit us online.

Has the pain in your knee joints reached a point where it negatively impacts your quality of life? Do you have trouble walking, doing routine tasks, or enjoying recreational activities?

If so, it’s probably time to see an orthopedic specialist. Physicians generally try non-surgical treatments for a time before considering knee surgery. But depending on the results of his or her physical exam and/or tests such as x-rays, CT scans and MRIs, your doctor may recommend either a knee resurfacing, or a partial or total knee replacement.

In knee resurfacing, healthy bone is kept and only damaged bone is reshaped. During knee replacement, damaged parts are replaced.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 270,000 Americans have total knee replacement surgery every year. The American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons estimates that by 2030, about 3 million people will need knee surgeries each year.

Blake has the resources

At Blake Medical Center, a professional team of physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, case managers, dietitians and office staff work together to help Joint Care Center patients achieve an improved quality of life.

The center is designed to be comfortable to patients and their families, with amenities such as a patient/family member lounge, cybercafé and coffee.

For patients who need physical therapy after their orthopedic surgery, the Blake Rehabilitation Center provides the ideal place for them to get back on their feet.

Know your knees

There are three bones in the leg: the femur (upper), the tibia (lower) and the patella, or kneecap. Our knees allow us to bend and flex our legs. Ligaments, tendons and connective tissue bind all these structures together and provide cushioning, while cartilage helps protect the kneecap.

Joint forces

Because the knee joint is a complex and delicate structure, it can be severely damaged. Some of the more common knee problems requiring treatment are:

• Osteoarthritis (occurs in older adults)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (affects people of all ages)
• Sports injuries (can be caused by running, jumping, cycling, squatting, etc.)

Surgical options

The following types of surgery are used to correct knee problems:

• Total knee replacement involves up to three parts: the back surface of the kneecap, the top surface of the shinbone, and the lower ends of the thighbone. This is the more invasive of the two procedures. (See image here.)

• In partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, one side of the knee is healthy, so only the damaged or diseased bone is removed and replaced with artificial parts. This procedure is normally done in patients with osteoarthritis. (See image here.)

• Knee resurfacing is less invasive than knee replacement. The damaged section of the knee is smoothed and only the surface of the joint is replaced, with a cap-like implant. The incisions are smaller for this procedure, and the recovery time much shorter.

If you think you are or might be a candidate for knee surgery, and would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-888-359-3552, or visit Blake Medical Center online.

As people age, their joints can break down from years of use. It can be the result of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA); or because of injuries.

The American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons estimates that a half a million hip replacements may be needed and 3 million knee replacements each year by the year 2030. They base these figures on the fact that our lifespans have increased, and as a result, there will be more cases of arthritis.

“Some joint replacements are due to hip fractures, but most are elective,” says Dr. Alan Valadie, an orthopedic surgeon who performs joint replacements and resurfacings at Blake Medical Center.

“People are living longer and living more active lives, which is causing the deteriorating of their joints,” he says.

However, the elderly are not the only candidates for joint replacement. Children and adults with RA can also experience joint deterioration and discomfort; and younger people can suffer joint injury when participating in sports or by being injured in accidents.

Factors to consider

Whatever the cause of joint problems or your age when you develop them, they can hamper your ability to get around and to accomplish everyday household or workplace tasks. Joint damage can also cause considerable pain.

Sometimes, inactivity contributes to a lack of mobility and flexibility, and incorporating a half-hour of exercise can prevent or delay health issues, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says. As a rule, doctors will usually have their patients try non-invasive remedies such as walking aids, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, before considering surgery as an option.

Types of joint replacement

Joints that can be replaced include those of the knee, hip, finger, elbow, shoulder and ankle.

Knee

There are two types of knee procedures:

• In a partial knee replacement,  one part of the knee is healthy but another part needs replacing. The surgeon removes the unhealthy portion and replaces it.

• In a total knee replacement, the entire joint is damaged and must be replaced.

Hip

Hip joints are the most often affected by age and/or illness. Osteoarthritis, which affects weight-bearing joints, is usually the reason for hip replacement, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Most people receiving total hip replacement are over 60 years of age.

• In a total hip replacement, a prosthetic joint is used. It has four parts: a hip socket, a liner, a ball, and a stability rod.
• With a hip resurfacing, a cap is put over the existing hip ball, and it is fit into a new socket.

Knee and hip joint surgery can take anywhere from one to four hours.

After the surgery

The majority of people who undergo joint replacement surgery are able to function normally, without chronic pain. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process.

“We push people pretty hard,” Valadie says. “Patients take six weeks to six months to regain mobility.” Exactly how quickly they recover, he says, depends on the person and the type of procedure they undergo.

If you do not have an orthopedic surgeon and would like a referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Blake Medical Center online.

Cancer patients never face their condition alone. From diagnosis through recovery and remission, a team of experts is there to provide care every step of the way. Each person has a specialized role in ensuring that patients receive the right treatment.

Diagnosis

Identifying cancer may occur with your primary care doctor, but it is usually done by a specialist. Dermatologists, for instance, are often the ones to spot skin cancer, while gynecologists find ovarian or cervical cancers. A urologist generally diagnoses prostate cancer, while a pulmonologist would identify lung cancer.

The second step in diagnosis is to determine exactly what kind of cancer the patient has. It’s important to remember that there are many different types of cancer, and each requires a unique treatment. That’s where pathologists come in. The doctor provides a sample of the cancer tissue (obtained during a procedure called a biopsy), which the pathologist uses to determine the specific kind of cancer cells.

Treatment

The location and type of cancer determine the most effective treatment, including any chemotherapy medications. Multiple healthcare providers work together to coordinate cancer care:

• Medical oncologist: This doctor specializes in all kinds of cancer treatment and usually acts as a sort of team leader for each patient’s cancer care team. The medical oncologist may refer the patient to necessary specialists or other support personnel, such as social workers.
• Radiation oncologist: With special training in radiation therapy, the radiation oncologist oversees the dosage and administration of any radiation treatment.
• Surgeons: If the cancer is operable, the first step may be to remove the tumor during surgery. Surgeons usually specialize in one specific part of the body, for instance the lungs or brain. A plastic surgeon may also be involved, particularly in cases of breast cancer, where the patient may want reconstruction.

Many non-invasive surgical options, such as CyberKnife treatment, require specially trained technicians and doctors. These treatment options have grown in popularity, since they reduce recovery time and hospital stays. At Blake Medical Center, the Cancer Care team includes healthcare professionals who can administer these non-invasive cancer treatment options.

Recovery

During recovery, patients generally follow up with specialists and other members of their medical team. They may also find that extended support from non-medical experts plays an important role in their well-being. Many patients maintain contact with a social worker during and after recovery. They may also continue going to support groups. A social worker or member of the medical team can often recommend support groups that are established especially for cancer survivors.

If you would like more information about cancer care and treatment, please contact Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3352 for free physician referrals and health information.

If you live an active lifestyle, congratulations: That’s one of the best things you can do to prevent a stroke.

Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with a significant drop in stroke risk for adults. If you are obese and live a sedentary lifestyle, you are more likely to have poor cardiovascular health – putting yourself at greater risk for suffering a stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every three minutes, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

Blake Medical Center is a certified Primary Stroke Center, meaning we comply with the highest national standards for safety and quality care in the rapid-response and treatment of acute stroke patients. Stroke accreditation by the Joint Commission is regarded as the “gold standard” for excellence in stroke care, a distinction of which we’re proud.

It’s our job to not only provide top-notch quality care, but also educate the community we serve about strokes. We have articles and much more information for you on our website about our stroke program, strokes, stroke prevention, caring for strokes, and stroke rehabilitation.

We recommend you do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise most days of the week to reduce your risk for stroke or a recurrence if you’ve had one (and there is evidence that regular exercise improves stroke recovery and survival rates).

Consult a doctor before starting any new exercise program. If you need help finding a doctor or have any questions about strokes or the recommendations here, contact our free Consult-A-Nurse ® healthcare referral service 24/7. Our nurses will answer your questions.

If you receive the doctor’s approval, begin a gradual, sensible exercise program that’s right for you and your needs. You can break down the exercise into 10 to 15 minute sessions – just make sure to stick to a regular routine. It’s true – you’ll see more benefits being active regularly for longer periods and at greater intensity. Just be careful – do what’s right for you, don’t overdo it.

Aerobic exercise is so good for stroke prevention because it stops clots that can cause a stroke by preventing the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. It increases your endurance and strengthens the cardiovascular system.

Some examples of intense aerobic exercise are: brisk walking, hiking, stair-climbing, jogging, running, bicycling, rowing, swimming, and activities like Ultimate Frisbee or basketball that include continuous running.

Some examples of moderate aerobic exercise are: yard work, housework, dancing, walking for pleasure, and recreational activities like tennis, golf or racquetball.

Symptoms of Stroke

If you notice any of the symptoms below, call 9-1-1 right away. Symptoms occur suddenly and differ depending on the part of the brain affected. Also, multiple symptoms can happen at the same time.

• Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance, or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Florida’s weather makes year-round outdoor fun a way of life for residents and visitors alike. Some cross the state in RVs, cars and motorcycles, while others take advantage of local beaches, parks and playing fields.

You might not associate sports injuries with the following activities, but they do indeed exist. Here are some examples, causes and preventative measures you can take.

• Shoulder and wrist strain can occur while playing badminton. What’s more, knee and ankle injuries may result if the player twists and turns suddenly. To reduce the chance of upper-body injury, a player should practice the correct swing and hold the racquet in a firm grip. To minimize lower-body injury, he or she should reach out for the birdie where possible, and not take so many steps.

• A brisk stroll is pretty safe, but even this simple activity can cause pain to the unaware, cautions The Walking Site. One common injury is plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the tissue that runs from the bottom of the foot to the toes. Causes of plantar fasciitis include weight gain, ill-fitting shoes, and the start of a walking regimen – or an increase in an existing walking regimen. This tissue can become irritated, and can eventually lead to bone spurs. Treatment for plantar fasciitis can range from rest and stretching, to surgery.

• Children can develop “Little League elbow”, which is marked by tenderness and pain from repeated ball throwing, reports KidsHealth.org. Pain is normally experienced after the follow-through of the throw. Pitchers may develop a decreased ability to extend their arm, and lose power when they throw. These injuries are more of a concern in children because of the possible effects on growing bones. The child must rest to allow healing – and warm up properly when returning to play.

As further protection for yourself or your children, consider getting In Case of Emergency (ICE) Cards. These cards can provide vital details such as whom to contact and any pre-existing conditions, when you or your child cannot speak for yourself. Get one here, or call us at 1-877-442-2362.

To learn more about recreational injuries, visit Blake Medical Center online, or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-4-HCA-DOCS.

Sources:

http://www.commonsportsinjuries.com/bysport/badminton/

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/feet.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/sports_safety.html#