Five Ways to Make Your Pool Safer

Calendar May 22, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Learn how to make your pool safer for your family and guests this summer.

There’s nothing like enjoying a swimming pool during hot summer weather. During Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with common illnesses and injuries that can take place in pools. Armed with five ways to make your pool safer, you can look forward to a healthier, happier summer.

What are recreational water illnesses and injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about ten people die from unintentional drowning every day. Two of these individuals are kids under 14. Along with drowning risks, other injuries can occur in or around a pool. Recreational water illnesses are illnesses caused by germs spread in water or by chemicals that can affect the air around a pool. Diarrhea is the most common, but they can also include wound infection, ear infection, eye infection and other illnesses.

Five ways to prevent water illnesses and injuries:

  1. Take kids on frequent bathroom breaks and never change diapers next to the pool.
  2. Adults and children should wash thoroughly before swimming. The CDC reports that invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool without proper washing.
  3. Maintain your pool, testing the water for safety. Additionally, keep your pool deck area clear of falling hazards and toys.
  4. Don’t substitute pool toys for life saving devices. Kids and non-swimmers can easily slip from pool toys.
  5. Insist on supervision around the pool at all times. Encourage family members and guests to learn to swim before using your pool.

In case of emergency around the pool or severe illness, know where to get help quickly. Become familiar with Emergency Care services at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. Give our free Consult-A-Nurse® service a call with any summer safety questions or to request a physician referral at 1-800-446-6956.

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Who is at Risk of Developing Arthritis?

Calendar May 15, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Learn more about arthritis and who it affects.

During Arthritis Awareness Month, find out who arthritis affects and what you can do to lower your risk and treat symptoms. Discover ways to prevent arthritis whether you’re in a high risk group or not.

Risk factors you can’t change
There are some risk factors of arthritis that you can’t change through modifying your habits and lifestyle. Age is a major factor. Risk increases as you get older. Your genes and your gender can also influence your risk.

Risk factors you can change
Some risk factors of arthritis can be influenced by the choices you make. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor. Work on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain occupations can increase your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee, particularly if you’re frequently bending or lifting objects. Joint injuries and infection can increase your risk of arthritis. Talk to your doctor about ways to keep your joints and body healthy.

What you can do to help
Whether you have arthritis or you’re trying to prevent it, activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. In fact, the CDC reports that physical activity can improve quality of life for most adults with many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. Physical activity can help manage pain and improve joint function. Ask your doctor about safe ways to get moving. Check out our top tips for beating osteoarthritis to learn more about what you can do.

Learn more about osteoarthritis at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. Our Physical Rehabilitation Center offers physical therapy that can treat symptoms of arthritis. Visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service  at 1-800-446-6956. Our staff can answer your questions and provide a physician referral upon request.

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Tips for Your Postpartum Recovery

Calendar May 7, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Find out how to recover from labor and delivery.

During National Women's Health Week, take control of your health by scheduling your yearly appointments and evaluating your fitness and diet routines. If you’re pregnant, learn about how to recover from childbirth with these easy tips.

Care for yourself
After having your baby, make sure you’re caring for yourself as well as your newborn. Eat a balanced diet and snack frequently. Drink plenty of water and stay on top of any medications your medical care provider may have prescribed. Sleep when you can and ask for help when you need it.

Be aware of postpartum depression symptoms
It’s normal to feel emotional after delivery, even for several weeks. If feelings of helplessness, anxiety, sadness or depression continue, make sure you talk to your doctor. Many women experience postpartum depression and it’s highly treatable with support.

Stay clean and soothed
Use the cleansing squirt bottle your medical care provider offers you after childbirth. Until swelling goes down and stitches heal, this is the best way to keep your body clean and promote healing.

If you’ve had a C-section
Your recovery will take longer if you’ve had a C-section. Give yourself plenty of time and make sure that you have help around the house. New moms should not lift anything heavier than the baby for the first 6 – 8 weeks after a C-section, according to Medline Plus. Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully and call if you have any concerns about your recovery.

Having a baby? Learn more about labor and delivery services at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. We offer classes for expecting moms, as well as support services after delivery. If you would like a physician referral, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-446-6956.

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Warning Signs of Melanoma: What to Watch For

Calendar May 1, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

It's important to watch for any warning signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while melanoma is less common than other forms of skin cancer, it's also more serious. Wondering how to tell if something on your skin is cause for concern? Some of the warning signs of melanoma include a mole or spot on the skin that:

  • Is asymmetrical. One half of the mole or spot is visually different from the other half.
  • Has an irregular border. The edges of the mole or spot are ragged or otherwise not smooth and consistent.
  • Is made up of different colors. The mole or spot is comprised of black, brown, red, pink, blue or white tissue.
  • Is suspicious in size. A small spot or mole may still be melanoma, those that measure larger than one-quarter inch in diameter may be especially worrisome.
  • Is changing in some way. A spot or mole that evolves in color, size or shape.
  • Is swollen, itchy or irritated. A spot or mole that is red, bothersome or that you find yourself scratching.
  • Is painful. A spot or mole that is uncomfortable or painful.

Health experts often suggest the "ABCDE Rule" to help remember what to look for in a mole. Remember A for asymmetry, B for border, C for color, D for diameter and E for evolving. To learn more about melanoma, visit our Health Information department online. To make an appointment for a skin cancer screening, contact your doctor or call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-446-6956 for a physician referral.

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Warning Signs of Autism

Calendar April 24, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Learn how to recognize early signs of autism.

During National Autism Awareness Month, familiarize yourself with the early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). With early intervention, many children with autism thrive. It’s crucial to allow kids to have access to therapies that help children with autism. Children can be diagnosed at young ages, so it’s important to know signs to look for in infants and small children. Here are some signs to mention to your child’s pediatrician.

Behavioral signs of autism
Take notice of repetitive behaviors in your infant or toddler. Very narrow interests or a specific way of playing with a toy or lining toys up can be a sign of autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that children with autism may engage in movements like flapping hands, rocking the body, or spinning in circles. Many children with autism have sensory issues, such as sensitivity to certain textures, sounds or temperatures.

Social signs of autism
Even babies with ASDs can show signs of social difficulties. Avoiding eye contact is a common early sign. Other signs to look out for may include not responding to their name during infancy and not responding to or making gestures. Children may show disinterest in peers and lack of imaginative play.

Communication signs of autism
Infants and young children with autism may abruptly lose language skills or skills may not develop at all. Children may repeat the same word or phrase over and over. According to the CDC, some children with autism may give unrelated answers to questions or speak in a monotone voice.

Keep in mind that these individual symptoms can be present in neurotypical children. Your doctor will help you fill out questionnaires and participate in evaluation tools that will help diagnose autism if present.

If you have questions about your infant's development, the team at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center can help. Our Healthy Start program offers parenting and breastfeeding support, as well as other services. Visit us online to learn more.

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What Should You Pack in Your Hospital Bag?

Calendar April 17, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Find out what to bring with you to the maternity ward when you’re having a baby.

Having a baby takes a lot of preparation. As you get the nursery decorated and baby’s furniture put together, don’t forget to pack your hospital bag. You won’t need much, but a few key items can help make your delivery experience more enjoyable.

Music. Bring an MP3 player with lots of music that you enjoy. Try a mix of calming music and upbeat, motivating music. Many women find this helpful during various stages of labor.

Your baby’s going home outfit. Pack a small outfit for baby to wear in his first pictures and on the ride home.

Your going home outfit. Pack something comfortable, such as sweatpants and a soft button down shirt.

Nursing bras. Bring a nursing bra to the hospital to assist you in breastfeeding for the time you spend at the hospital with your newborn. You may also want a comfortable sports bra to wear during delivery.

Important papers. Have your partner help you keep track of important papers such as registration information, insurance cards and any baby book pages you may want the hospital staff to stamp with your baby’s footprint.

Sanitary pads or adult diapers. Bring large sanitary pads or even an adult diaper to wear home from the hospital. An adult diaper may be the most absorbent and comfortable for bleeding after delivery.

Toiletries and hair items. Bring any toiletries you feel are necessities, including contact lens solution and any hair ties or clips you’ll need during labor.

Socks and a robe. It can be chilly at the hospital. Bring socks and a robe that opens in the front to stay cozy during your stay.

Lawnwood Regional Medical Center provides new mothers with the latest obstetric resources, a talented team of health care professionals, a state of the art Labor and Delivery Unit and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Visit us online for more information about our Women & Children Services. If you would like a physician referral, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-446-6956.

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Put that Phone Away

Calendar April 10, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Find out why you should never text or use your phone while driving.

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, learn why you should put your cell phone away when you’re driving. Your habits in the car could put yourself, your passengers and others at serious risk. We’ve put together some sobering and compelling statistics to help you understand how crucial it is to drive without distraction.

Distracted driving causes accidents
Text messaging while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. Driving while talking on the phone reduced the brain activity devoted to paying attention to driving by 37%. Would you drive while heavily intoxicated and impaired? Consider driving while texting on par with driving while drunk.

Teens are driving while distracted
Set a better example for your teens and kids who will someday be driving. Right now, Distraction.gov reports that 40% of American teens have already been in the car with a driver who was using a cell phone in a distracted way. Teen drivers are already enough to give parents grey hair. We don’t need them further distracted by phone use, and you can set a good example by putting yours away.

The headset doesn’t help
Using a headset doesn’t actually make driving substantially safer. Your best bet is to not make any calls or not check your phone at all while you’re behind the wheel. Consider the call or text you’re thinking about making. Is it really more important than your life or the life of another on the road?

Be prepared for emergencies whether you're on the road or not. Become familiar with Emergency Care services at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. If you have an emergency, let us know that you're on your way with iNotify.

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Prevent Exercise Boredom

Calendar April 3, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Learn how to avoid getting sick of your fitness routine.

Lack of motivation can derail even the best fitness routine. According to Medline Plus, most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Avoid exercise boredom so you can keep active for your health and to maintain a good weight. Try these tips to prevent exercise boredom.

Use a workout app to track your progress
Whether you have a smartphone or not, you can use free apps to track your fitness. For some, this can be highly motivating. Many apps allow you to share your progress with a social network, which can have a positive impact by making you feel accountable as well as giving you praise for staying on top of your workouts.

Exercise with a friend
Companionship can really help you stick to a fitness routine. Work together with a buddy to come up with exercises you both enjoy. This can be as simple as power walking or as structured as attending a class or sports league together. Working out with a buddy makes it feel more like recreation than work, which may help you get over feelings of boredom or lack of motivation.

Try new things
No matter how much you love your favorite exercise routine, you may grow tired of it if you do it several times a week. Try new routines you’ve never done or take a group fitness class you’ve never tried before. Alternately, you can stick to a handful of exercise routines you love, but rotate them throughout the week. If you’re just getting started, begin simply. The President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition reports that some physical activity is better than none. You have to start somewhere.

Need help recovering from illness, injury or surgery before you can start working out? Visit our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department or call us at (772) 465-8411. For information on Lawnwood Rehabilitation Center's inpatient services, call (772) 465-8411.

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Could You Have Sinusitis?

Calendar March 27, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Discover the common signs and symptoms of sinusitis and how to get help.

The common cold, flu virus, allergies and other conditions can all lead to a painful complication known as sinusitis. Better known as a sinus infection, this is a complication that could be due to bacteria that need antibiotics to clear up. Learn the signs of sinusitis so you know when to visit your doctor for help.

Pain
According to the National Institutes of Health, one of the primary symptoms of sinus infection is pain. Unlike a cold or allergies, sinus infections can be very painful in the face, jaw and head. The pain may also be felt as ear pain, throat pain or eye pain. If you’re really hurting, you could have sinusitis.

Duration
If you’ve been sick for around a week, there’s a greater chance your symptoms of a cold or allergies have progressed into a secondary infection, sinusitis. If you start feeling worse instead of feeling better, this could also be a sign.

Nasal discharge
Sinus infections can cause a lot of uncomfortable symptoms. As with any common cold, you could have nasal congestion, postnasal drip (at the back of your throat) and a runny nose. The color of your mucus is not a foolproof indicator of infection but you should let your doctor know if it’s yellow or green.

Fever
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fever is another indicator of an infection. If you develop a fever after being sick for several days, this can be a symptom of sinusitis. Talk to your doctor about ways to treat your symptoms and whether or not you require antibiotics to beat the infection.

Do you  have frequent sinus infections? At Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, we offer minimally invasive sinus surgery to treat sinusitis and give you some relief. Call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-446-6956 to schedule an appointment or for a physician referral.

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Changes You Can Make to Lower Your Diabetes Risk

Calendar March 20, 2013 | Posted by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute

Discover simple changes you can make to lower your risk of diabetes.

On Diabetes Alert Day, March 26th, celebrate by making yourself aware of the ways you can decrease your risk of developing diabetes. We’ve put together some changes you can make in your life to get healthier and increase your chances for a bright, healthy future.

Control your weight
The onset of diabetes can be delayed or completely prevented by losing a small amount of weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As little as 5-7 percent of total body weight makes a difference. This is best achieved through 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week and by adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle. To achieve this:

  • Pay attention to your diet for a whole week. Write down everything you eat and determine where you can make improvements.
  • Try a variety of healthy physical activities to discover what you enjoy the most. Stick to a routine.
  • Talk to your doctor about other healthy ways you can lose weight and what your ideal weight should be.

Know your personal risk
According to the American Diabetes Association, people who are overweight, under active and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at a higher risk for developing diabetes. You should be aware of these risk factors as well as your personal family history of diabetes. Keep in mind that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are also at greater risk.

  • Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
  • Be especially aware of your diet, fitness and weight management if you are at risk.
  • Ask your doctor for information on diabetes screening.

Find out more about type 2 diabetes from our online health library. To learn more about how we can help you lower your diabetes risk, call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-446-6956.

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