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Top 5 Tips for Managing Your Arthritis

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Health Management Associates

You can get your arthritis under control with these tips and tricks.

Are your joints starting to ache? Do you feel stiff and sore as soon as you wake up in the morning? You may be experiencing the first signs of arthritis. It doesn't have to be all downhill from here! You can successfully manage your symptoms and preserve the health of your joints with these tips.

Start and end your day with stretching. Your joints will ache the most after spending hours immobile while you sleep. Minimize this pain by performing gentle stretches before you get in bed for the night, and again upon waking to get you ready for the day.
Stay active. Even when you aren't sleeping, immobility can lead to discomfort. If you've been sitting still for a while, get up, walk around, and move your joints. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adopting a fitness routine that is specifically designed for arthritis patients.
Listen to your body. While it's good to stay active, too many repetitive motions can lead to further damages of the joints. Don't push yourself. Rest your body when it needs it.
Stop smoking. Need another reason to quit? According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, the toxins in your cigarettes can accelerate the progress of your arthritis.
Find pain relief that works for you. There will be days when your pain gets the best of you, and you need to have a plan. Try OTC pain medications first, but if the pain persists, talk with your doctor about prescription solutions.

At Lower Keys Medical Center, we can help you get your arthritis under control. Arthritis care may include education about at-home remedies, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. Call us at 292-DOCS to receive a physician referral.

Posted in Main | Tagged arthritis, Arthritis Awareness Month, Florida, joint pain, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, orthopedica, orthpedic health | Leave a comment

Are You an Organ Donor?

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Health Management Associates

April is National Donate Life Month! Have you registered yet?

Registering to becoming an organ donor is one of the easiest ways you can give back to your community. You're giving something you'll never miss, and you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your life could have purpose even after a tragic accident. Learn more about registering to be a organ donor!

How large is the need?
There is a huge need for more registered organ donors. According to Donate Life America, over 115,000 patients are waiting for an organ transplant. Unfortunately, about 18 of these patients die every day because viable, compatible organs are not available.

Do organ donors get the same quality of treatment after an accident?
Some people fear that their doctors won't try as hard to save their lives after an accident if they are an organ donor, but this hesitation is unfounded. Your doctor will not have the potential transplant patient under his care. His job is to look after you, not the people on the transplant list. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reassures organ donors that their life and safety is the number one priority.

Could I still have an open-casket funeral?
Open-casket funerals are possible for organ donors. During the transplant, all incisions will be done in places that are easily covered by clothing, usually on the back.

Will this decision be a burden on my family?
Donating organs will not cost your family a cent. In fact, registering yourself as a donor will relieve your loved ones from the stress of having to determine what your wishes would have been.

Florida residents — did you know that you can register to be an organ donor online? It doesn't take long. Take the plunge today at Donate Life Florida.

If you have any questions about organ donations or another healthcare topic, give us a call at (305) 292-3627. There is someone ready to take your call any time, day, night, or weekend. You can also get a free physician referral when you stop by our Find a Doctor page.

Related Posts:
Giving Back to the Keys
Get To Know ER Extra

Posted in Main | Tagged Florida, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, National Donate Life Month, organ donations, organ donor, surgical services | Leave a comment

Colon Cancer: Screening & Prevention

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Health Management Associates

Don't underestimate the importance of screening for colon cancer.

Colon cancer may be one of the most common cancers diagnosed in America, but it is also one of the easiest to prevent or treat – if detected early through regular screenings. The National Cancer Institute recommends that most patients begin these life-saving tests at the age of 50. Ask your doctor to assess your risk and give you a screening schedule that will work best for your situation.

Why Is Screening So Important?
Most colon cancers begin as non-cancerous polyps. When caught in this early stage, polyps are easily removed and treated. Regular screenings will help you find and deal with abnormalities before they can develop into cancer. If you don't follow your doctor's recommendations for testing, polyps can sneak in, with no symptoms to tip you off, and silently develop into cancer. Without screenings, most patients will not notice warning signs until the cancer has grown into its latest stages.

What Can I Expect from a Screening?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several testing methods that your doctor may suggest. Some are more invasive than others and the best approach may depend on your risk level. In some cases, a stool sample is all that's needed. If abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy can give more accurate and informative results.

What Other Preventative Measures Can I Take?
Aside from regular screenings, you can protect yourself against colon cancer through increasing your activity levels, letting go of bad habits such as smoking or excessive drinking, and making changes to your diet. Try adding more produce to your dinner plate and trading out red and processed meats for leaner choices like chicken or fish.

Are you up-to-date on your screenings? No matter how healthy your lifestyle, early detection is your best weapon against colon cancer. See the services we offer in our oncology department. Stop by our website today to find a physician or call our Physician Referral Line at (305) 292-3627.

Posted in Main | Tagged Cancer, cancer care, cancer prevention, cancer screenings, colon cancer, Florida, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, National Colorectal Cancer Awarenss Month, oncology | Leave a comment

Get To Know ER Extra

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Health Management Associates

ER Extra means we go the extra mile to provide the high quality of care you need and deserve!

We know that emergency rooms can sometimes get a bad reputation. Patients complain about long waits, a chaotic environment, and inattentive care. At Lower Keys Medical Center, we aren't like the rest. We want your experience with us as to be as comfortable and positive as possible. Here are some ways we are striving to exceed your expectations with the ER Extra approach.

Get the App
ER Extra is an app that will show you emergency room wait times and provide a map and directions to the hospital. You can find out how long the wait time will be before you even leave your house. Download it to your phone or to your computer so that you're always prepared.

We value your time.
We've all heard horror stories from our friends, co-workers, or neighbors about ER wait times that lasted eight hours, ten hours, or even more. No matter what's wrong, no one is comfortable sitting in a waiting room that long, and we know it! That's why it's our goal to make sure everyone receives an initial assessment within 15 minutes, and that even patients without a life threatening condition are in and out within two hours.

We value clear communication.
The chaos of a typical, busy emergency room can result in rushed conversations with misunderstandings on one or both sides of patient and doctor interactions. We avoid that at Lower Keys Medical Center and focus on being clear and informative.

We value your quality of care.
No matter how busy we get, we will not rush your diagnosis. We know cutting corners often results in mistakes, and our number one priority is finding the root of your problem and providing the best treatment possible.

We are always making new efforts to ensure our emergency room provides the highest quality of care in the timeliest manner. Learn more about our emergency care department at our website. If you would like to find a doctor for a non-emergency illness or injury, call (305) 292-DOCS for a physician referral.

Posted in Main | Tagged emergencies, emergency care, emergency room. ER, ER Extra, Florida, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center | Leave a comment

Read These Facts If You Want To Stop Smoking

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Health Management Associates

The dangers of cigarette smoking are more extensive than you might think.

Pretty much everyone knows the major health risks of smoking tobacco, and the office of the U.S. Surgeon General has detailed them many times. Smoking leads to lung cancer, caused by the smoke’s effect on genes in the cells of the lung. And the connection between smoking and heart disease is clear as well. Strokes, coronary heart disease, aortic aneurysms—all can be caused by smoking.

Knowing this, some people continue to smoke, perhaps thinking they can beat the odds of developing one of these diseases. But what smokers might not realize is that their addiction is linked to dozens of other health risks besides lung cancer and heart disease. Here are just some of them, as documented by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Cancer Institute.

Other Cancers
Smoking has been tied to some forms of leukemia as well as cancer of the:

larynx
mouth
esophagus
pancreas
bladder
stomach
kidney
cervix

Respiratory Diseases

pneumonia
impaired lung growth in children whose mothers smoked
poor control of existing asthma
respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and producing phlegm
death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema)

Reproductive and Pregnancy Problems

reduced fertility in women
premature delivery of infants
low fetal birth weight
increased risk of impotence
erectile dysfunction
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if the mother smoked during or after pregnancy

Dental Diseases

periodontitis
some cavities

Other Health Problems

cataracts
higher risk of complications after surgery
hip fractures
low bone density in postmenopausal women

The list is even longer when you include ailments that may be tied to smoking, but have not been fully documented. And of course, second-hand smoke presents health hazards to non-smokers:

increased risk of heart disease and various cancers
low birth weight of infants
respiratory problems in children, such as bronchitis, colds, and pneumonia

So what's the solution for better health for smokers? Quit—now! But at Lower Keys Medical Center, we know that’s not easy for everyone. If you’d like help in quitting, check out our online Health Library for some suggestions. You can also visit Tobacco Free Florida.com, which can put you in touch with a "Quit Coach." Do it for your health and the ones who love you. If you would like a physician referral, give us a call at (305) 292-3627.

Related Post:
You Can Prevent Cancer

Posted in Main | Tagged cancers, cataracts, dental, erectile dysfunction, Florida, health dangers, heart disease, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, lung, pregnancy, reproductive, respiratory, SIDS, tobacco | Leave a comment

Top Ten Tips for Your Heart Health

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Health Management Associates

Here are ten easy ways you can put your heart health first.

Did you know that cardio-vascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? By making some simple changes in your lifestyle, you can lower your own risk of heart disease significantly. Here are ten ways to put heart-health first.

1) Walk daily. Even if you walk for ten minutes, three times a day, you will improve your cardiac health. Walking is an ideal cardio exercise option for most people.

2) Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease and dangerous vascular conditions. Read these tips to quit from the American Cancer Society.

3) Fill up on fruits and vegetables. ChooseMyPlate.gov suggests that you try to fill half of your plate with fruits or veggies at meal time. Find some new fruit and veggie options and give it a try!

4) Try "Meatless Monday". Dieticians suggest trying to go meatless one day a week. Meatless Mondays are a great way to find new protein sources and reduce the amount of fatty meats in your diet.

5) Eat fish. According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and can slow the growth of plaque in your arteries. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna and lake trout.

6) Try a new fitness class. Sometimes all you need is a little variety in your workout to feel recommitted to fitness. Try a Zumba, yoga or spinning class for something new.

7) Cut back on soda. Beverages are often the source for high calories and sugar amounts. Try drinking fewer sodas in a week or cut them out entirely. Don't forget to check specialty coffee drinks for sugar and calorie amounts, too.

Use food substitutions. Love salt? Try some new spices for flavoring instead. Do you enjoy burgers? Try a Portobello burger for a change. Do you eat a lot of dairy? Try to keep your choices low-fat.

9) Learn your family history. Do you know if heart disease is common in your family? Find out and track your genetic history with the disease. This is important information for your physician as she or he determines your risk and need for preventative testing.

10) See your doctor for regular screenings. There are a number of ways your physician can pinpoint your risk for heart disease and prevent its progress. Screenings, diet changes, physical therapy, support groups and medication can all help lower your risk of heart disease.

At Lower Keys Medical Center, our heart specialists use the latest technology and treatment options to put your cardiac care first. Outpatient procedures using minimally invasive cardiac catheterization techniques can open blocked arteries and lower a patient's risk for future heart attacks. Jose Jose Hernandez, MHA, CRA, RT shares this important fact about cardiac care at LKMC:

"Every year nearly 400,000 patients are admitted to U.S. hospitals with ST wave Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Many hospitals now have the ability to treat a STEMI with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). LKMC is able to provide primary PCI for STEMI patients which is important because of our geographic location."

To learn more about cardiac care at LKMC, visit us online or call 292-DOCS.

Posted in Main | Tagged cardiac care, Florida, heart disease prevention, heart health, Keys, LKMC, Lower Keys Medical Center | Leave a comment

Super Strategies for Staying Active in 2013

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Health Management Associates

Staying active on a daily basis is easier than you might think.

With the New Year here, you might have resolved to exercise more as one way to improve your health. While joining a gym and developing a regimen that works best for you is great, you can take other simple steps to increase your physical activity. Here are some suggestions from the President’s Council on Health, Sports, and Nutrition:

Join a softball league; Key West has male and co-ed leagues for adults of all ages.
Do chores around the house, such as cleaning out the attic.
Volunteer as a coach or referee for a youth or adult sport.
Ride a bike to run errands.

The Harvard School of Public Health has more suggestions for how to stay active:

Choose activities you like—don’t force yourself to do yoga or ride a bike if it’s just not you. Dancing, gardening, and walking are all good activities, and may be a better fit.
Exercise with a partner.
Walk briskly whenever you can.
Sign up for a fitness class at a school or a community center.
Consider buying cardiovascular exercise equipment you’re likely to use, and then you can combine exercise with other activities, such as reading or watching TV.
Park your car at the far end of a parking lot or a block from your destination, to force yourself to do a little more walking.
Consider hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions to help you get motivated and create an exercise regimen you can stick with.
Try a new sport, like rollerblading or tennis.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll achieve the optimal health benefits when you follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. For adults under 65, they suggest a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, broken into 30-minute segments. This can include brisk walking, dancing, or cycling. In addition, you should do muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week, which include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or heavy gardening.

At Lower Keys Medical Center, we know staying active keeps us healthy. If you want to learn more about how to stay fit, check out our online health library.

Posted in Main | Tagged aerobics, cycling, exercise, Florida, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, muscle-strengthening exercises, physical activity, sports, walking | Leave a comment

Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Holidays

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Curb your seasonal stress and enjoy yourself this year.

With the end of the year comes seasonal celebrations of all kinds. For some of us, spending time with family and friends during the holidays can be stressful. Women are especially at risk for holiday stress, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). And with increased stress comes a greater temptation to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or drinking too much alcohol.

Connie Bennett, a certified health counselor and life coach, offered a number of suggestions for coping with holiday stress in Psychology Today. Here are a few, along with some from the American Heart Association:

Slow down and relax. If you feel anxiety or stress starting to creep in, take a mental break from what you’re doing. Just a few minutes is enough. Breathe slowly and deeply.
Stay on the move. While slowing down is good for your mood, so is exercising. It can help curb negative emotions such as anger and tension. If you don’t have time for the gym, try to take walks.
Eat smart. A healthy diet can go a long way in improving your mood. Stick to such things as:
- fruits and vegetables
- lean meats and chicken
- beans
- nuts and seeds
Be organized. Making lists, and checking them twice or as often as you need, can relieve some holiday stresses. Try alternating activities from a must-do list for others (buying gifts) and a for-me list of things you can do to boost your spirits in a healthy way.
Find a balance. If you already eat well and exercise, give yourself permission to enjoy an occasional sweet or take off a day from working out.

Finally, the APA has a tip for parents. If money is tight, talk to your kids about it so their expectations won’t be unrealistic. Worrying about not meeting a child’s gift expectations is often a stressor for adults.

At Lower Keys Medical Center, we hope this holiday season will be a warm and rejuvenating one for everyone. But if you'd like more tips for dealing with the season, check out our online resource on stress management.

Posted in Main | Tagged alcoholg, breathe, exercise, expectations, Florida, gifts, healthy diet, holidays, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, parents, relax, stress, stress management, walking, women | Leave a comment

What to Expect from a Mammogram

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Be prepared for this procedure that plays such an important role in ensuring women’s health.

For women of all ages, a mammogram can be a lifesaver. The American Cancer Society notes that there are two types of mammograms:

Screening- done as a preemptive measure in women who have no signs of breast cancer
Diagnostic- determines if something detected in a manual breast exam or a screening mammogram is a cause for concern

We know that women can feel nervous about a mammogram, even if there are no signs of disease. To help put your mind at ease, here’s some of what you can expect before, during, and after a mammogram.

Before

Meet with your doctor to ask any questions you have about the procedure. Be sure to let the doctor know if you’re pregnant or think you might be, and if you are currently taking medication or using herbal supplements.
Try to schedule your appointment for one or two weeks after your period, since breasts can be tender right before and after.
Don’t apply deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointment near your breasts or under your arms on the day of your mammogram; they could interfere with the x-ray.

During

Tell the technician about any lumps you may have noticed, so that area can be marked.
Place your breast on the x-ray plate. The technician may have to examine or palpate your breast before putting another plate on your breast to flatten it against the x-ray plate.
Expect at least two images to be taken of each breast; more may be necessary during a diagnostic mammogram.

After
Dress and wait to hear from the technician, to make sure the radiologist can clearly see the images and you don’t have to have any more taken.

In general, a mammogram should take about 20 minutes. The x-ray itself is not painful, but some women experience some pain as the technician handles the breast and puts it on the compression plate.

When the time comes for your next mammogram, or your first, you can rely on the trained staff and state-of-the-art digital technology at Lower Keys. You can read more about our breast imaging services here. If you need help finding a doctor, give us a call at (305) 292-3627 or visit us online.

Posted in Main | Tagged breast imaging, Cancer, diagnostic, digital, Florida, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center, mammography, manual breast exam, pain, radiologist, screening | Leave a comment

October G2G Associates Announced

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Health Management Associates

Meet the October G2G Lower Keys Medical Center Associates.

Lower Keys Medical Center is proud to announce that Alex Aguiar, RN in the Maternal Infant Child Care Unit, Nancy Ross, (RT), M in the Diagnostic Imaging Department and Marty Backer in Nutritional Services have won the “Getting 2 Great” Associate Award. These dedicated individuals are continually recognized by our patients, always exceed expectations, and model the “Getting 2 Great” guiding principles — servant leadership, never settling and always doing the right thing.

Alex Aguiar, RN has been with Lower Keys Medical Center since 2007 and recent patient satisfaction survey comments remarked “that Alex delivered excellent care, helped a lot through a patient’s labor and that he was amazing.” In a recent patient letter, Alex and other nurses were complimented for “the excellent care they provided; made the experience a pleasure and a treasured memory.” It is not unusual for him to be mentioned by patients and co-workers alike. Alex is always searching for ways to improve the patient experience on his unit and throughout the hospital.

Nancy Ross, (RT), M is mentioned more frequently than most anyone in patient satisfaction surveys, and with good reason. She is the epitome of Getting 2 Great! Each and every day Nancy makes a difference for the women and families that she comes into contact with. Recent comments state, “Nancy makes you feel very comfortable; Ms. Ross was wonderful; she answered my questions; respectful and professional; and I had a good experience and would highly recommend your facility because of it.” Nancy is not only treasured by her patients but even more so by her fellow associates.

Marty Backer has been with Lower Keys Medical Center since 2003 and is well-known as “willing to go above and beyond and treat everyone from every walk of life with the same smile and pleasing demeanor.” Marty is actively involved in the community, as demonstrated by his candidacy for Leprechaun King and his creative entries into the Pet Photo Contest. He is always willing to cover open shifts and always has a kind word for all those he encounters. As was recently noted, “The difference makers are the world’s real heroes” and Marty has an easy going and helpful manner that makes a difference each day for so many people.

Posted in Main | Tagged G2G associates, Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center | Leave a comment