Those First Six Weeks: Advice for New Parents

Calendar October 17, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Learn how to navigate early infancy like a pro.


All throughout your pregnancy, all you can think about is bringing your baby home. Once you're there, though, the days quickly blend together in a combination of sleep deprivation and emotions as you wonder what you're supposed to do and how best you can care for your baby. We have some advice to get you through those early weeks.

Sleep when you can
It might be tempting to catch up on e-mails, bills or laundry while your newborn is sleeping, but you’re better off catching some sleep of your own. Interrupted nights and frequent feedings can take a toll on you, and you need to recharge.

Snack frequently
It's difficult to have a full meal when you’re busy caring for and feeding a small baby, but it's important for both your energy levels and your milk production. Keep snacks around the house, including at your breastfeeding or feeding station. Try things you can eat with one hand, like bananas, energy bars and granola snacks. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Help can come in many forms. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, call a lactation consultant. If you’re worried about your newborn’s weight gain and development, call your pediatrician. Accept offers of help around the house, with meals, and with the care and feeding of your newborn. Talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Trust your instincts
You are probably trying to process a lot of conflicting advice about caring for a new baby. Every day, you’ll have new experiences and questions. Trust your instinct as a parent. If you are concerned, don’t be afraid to call your doctor. If your baby is eating well and wetting and soiling diapers, trust your gut that he’s doing just fine.

Walk away when you need to
Crying can really wear on a parent. If you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, place your baby in her crib and walk away. Take deep breaths, have a cup of tea or a glass of cold water. Call a friend and vent. It’s perfectly normal to need to wind down when your baby winds you up.

St. Lucie Medical Center will get you off on the right foot with parenthood. Our obstetrics services start with prenatal classes on breastfeeding, infant care and siblings. Our caring and experienced staff will be with you through labor and delivery and help with post-partum care. For information or a physician referral, call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-382-3522.

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What to Expect from a Mammogram

Calendar October 10, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Find out what this important breast cancer screening tool is like.


There’s no way to sugarcoat a mammogram. While they’re not horrible by any means, they’re not much fun either. Luckily, this life-saving screening doesn’t take long, and you probably only have to get one around every two years. Find out what to expect from a mammogram.

Mammograms 101
When breast cancer is detected early, women have a better chance of surviving. According to the CDC, a mammogram may detect cancer up to three years before it can felt during a clinical exam. Around the time you turn 40, you should start talking to your doctor about scheduling regular mammograms. When you first get the screening and how often you do it depends on your risk factors for developing the disease.

Why is it needed?
A mammogram is a standard cancer screening that should be part of every woman’s health care regime starting around age 40. It reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer by discovering cancer early, when treatments are more likely to succeed. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that allows doctors to detect signs of breast cancer.

How does it work?
Your mammogram appointment will be like any doctor’s appointment. Bring something to do in the lobby if you’re feeling nervous. When you’re called back, you’ll change into a hospital gown similar to the one you’d wear at the gynocologist. The mammogram technician will help you place your breast on the mammogram machine. This is the brief, painful part: the machine will flatten your breast while the picture is taken. Generally, two images are taken on each breast. Depending on the size and density of your breasts, you may experience discomfort while the breast is squeezed between the plates.

St. Lucie Medical Center's cancer program is committed to providing the highest level of cancer care. If you think you are past due for a mammogram, we urge you to make an appointment with your doctor today. We can even refer you to a doctor through our Consult-A-Nurse service if you need to find one. Call us at 1-800-449-8345 at any time. When you are ready to schedule your mammogram, we've made it easy by providing online scheduling. Click here.

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Why Your Family Needs a Flu Shot This Year

Calendar October 3, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Vaccines aren’t just for children! Get your flu shot.

Let’s face it—the flu isn’t fun. Symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches can get in the way of day-to-day activities, but in some cases, the flu can lead to severe complications of existing medical conditions, pneumonia, and even death.

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is generally considered most dangerous in the very young, the elderly, and people with other serious medical conditions, but pregnant women, people who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, healthcare workers with direct contact with patients, and caregivers of children under 6 months are also at a higher risk of developing flu complications.

How to Avoid the Flu
Medically speaking, the flu is a contagious viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. It is easily transmitted, especially during flu season. You can help reduce your risk of catching the flu by washing your hands frequently to help reduce the spread of germs. You should also help boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.

The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting the influenza vaccine, or flu shot, which is generally given at the beginning of flu season. Most people have no side effects after receiving the immunization, but as with any drug or vaccine there is a rare risk of allergic reaction. Because the flu spreads so easily, it often strikes an entire family at once. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive the flu shot.

Each year, thousands of people are hospitalized or die due to flu complications. St. Lucie Medical Center encourages you to get a flu shot and have your family members do the same. Our nurses and referral specialists can even help you find a doctor in your area and schedule an appointment for your shot. Just call our free healthcare referral service Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-449-8345.

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What to Expect from an Ultrasound

Calendar September 26, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Ultrasounds aren’t just for pregnant women! This diagnostic test is useful for many conditions.

The word ultrasound makes most people think of pregnant women. While prenatal ultrasounds are routinely performed to gather information about a woman’s pregnancy and the baby’s growth and health, ultrasound imaging is used to diagnose and treat other medical conditions.

What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound, sometimes called a sonogram, is a non-invasive test that captures images in real-time using high-frequency sound waves. These waves produce pictures of organs inside the body. Your doctor might prescribe an ultrasound if you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection or other problems to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Ultrasounds are commonly used to examine many internal organs, including:

  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder
  • Spleen
  • Pancreas
  • Kidneys
  • Thyroid

Preparing for an Ultrasound
If you will be getting an ultrasound, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing but be aware that you may be asked to change into a hospital gown before the procedure. You may also need to remove your jewelry. In some cases, you might be instructed to fast for a certain number of hours before your ultrasound appointment. In other cases, you may be told to drink a lot of water before your exam.

What to Expect
Many people feel anxious prior to medical exams or tests, but knowing what to expect can help ease your fears. An ultrasound scanner consists of a computer and a video display screen. The ultrasound technician will use a hand-held device known as a transducer to send sound waves and record the echoing waves, which produces the images that you will probably be able to see on the video display screen. The transducer will be placed against the portion of your body that is being checked. It will not hurt, but a clear gel will be applied to your skin beforehand and the gel might feel cold. It will be wiped off your skin as soon as the sonogram is over.

Times vary depending on the reason you are receiving the test and the area of your body that is being checked, but most ultrasounds are finished in less than an hour. The images that were captured during the ultrasound will be reviewed by a doctor to help diagnose your condition.

Learn more about ultrasound or other medical procedures at St. Lucie Medical Center’s online Health Library. You can also learn more about the services we offer on our website. If you need a doctor referral, just call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-449-8345.

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Do You Know the Signs of Ovarian Cancer?

Calendar September 19, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Ovarian cancer affects women of all backgrounds and ages. Do you know the warning signs of this disease?

Cancer is not a pleasant topic of conversation for most of us, but being aware of its warning signs and symptoms could help save your life. Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are organs in the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed while about 15,500 ovarian-cancer related deaths will occur in 2012. It is the ninth most common cancer that occurs in women.

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because its potential warning signs are often similar to other medical issues. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic / abdominal pain
  • Need to urinate urgently / often
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual changes

Due to the fact that many of these common ovarian cancer signs often occur for other reasons, many women are quick to assume they are happening because of PMS, stress, or other medical conditions. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days, it is best to consult your doctor.

Many women who have ovarian cancer do not receive treatment until the disease has already spread, lowering the chances of survival, which is why St. Lucie Medical Center encourages all women to have regular medical exams and seek professional advice whenever physical or emotional changes are noticed. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a doctor and schedule an appointment. Just call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-449-8345, any time of day or night.

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Are You Getting Enough Fruits and Veggies Each Day?

Calendar September 12, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Chances are, you need to eat more fruits and veggies.

Sure, you know fruits and veggies are good for you—eating a healthy, balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and other diseases—but just how much do you need? Here’s a guide to getting enough each day:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a fruit and vegetable calculator to help you determine how many cups of fruits and veggies you should eat each day. Once you know how much to strive for, it’s a matter of figuring out how to incorporate fruits and veggies into your meals and snacks.
  • Follow the United States Department of Agriculture MyPlate guide, which illustrates the portion of your plate—half—that should be filled with fruits and veggies. Include fruits and veggies in every meal and most, if not all, snacks. Also, try to eat a colorful variety of produce for the most nutritional bang for the bite.
  • Know that most people should eat more fruits and veggies than they currently do. Look for easy ways and creative opportunities to include these foods in your diet. Make fruit smoothies or fruit-and-veggie juices. Sprinkle berries atop hot or cold cereal. Add banana to pancake batter. Toss a handful of spinach leaves into an omelet. Add slices of apple, pear, tomato or bell pepper to sandwiches. Enjoy your favorite chicken or tuna salad atop a green salad instead of between slices of bread. Double the amount of veggies called for in stir-fry or casserole recipes. Make fruit your go-to dessert; poach pears, bake apples or dollop berries with whipped cream.

To learn more about nutritional eating, talk to your doctor. For a physician referral, call the St. Lucie Medical Center Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8345. We're here to help you protect your health!

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What Does It Mean to Have Chest Pain Accreditation?

Calendar September 11, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

St. Lucie Medical Center is pleased to announce our distinction as an Accredited Chest Pain Center.

The Society of Chest Pain Centers implemented the Chest Pain Accreditation process to ensure that facilities meet or exceed the quality-of-care measures set in place for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers Accreditation Review Specialists is to improve facility processes through observation and feedback, education, and streamlined cardiac care.

Through a rigorous accreditation process, the Society of Chest Pain Centers evaluates the care surrounding the treatment of patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack. St. Lucie Medical Center demonstrated expertise in the key elements of the patient care delivery system and met with approval from the review board. The review criteria are a collaborative effort of the SCPC along with the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Cardiovascular Administrators, Emergency Nurses Association, and many others.

On-site evaluation by a SCPC review team was a part of the distinctive accreditation process. As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, St. Lucie Medical Center has demonstrated proficiency in the following areas, which are only a sample of the wide set of criteria set forth by SCPC:

  • Providing quick and accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients
  • Educating and supporting local community efforts and outreach programs to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack
  • Working to create communities of excellence by continuously striving to improve and streamline procedures and processes
  • Maintaining Chest Pain Center personnel who demonstrate personal competency and thorough training
  • Effectively incorporating the facility emergency department with the local emergency medical system
  • Demonstrating a "door to balloon" time of under 90 minutes.
  • Creating an effective and functional system to get patients with a blocked artery to the lab as quickly as possible

To learn more about our Heart Care Services at St. Lucie Medical Center, please visit us online. You can also call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345 for a physician referral.

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Understanding Prostate Cancer

Calendar September 5, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Take simple steps to stay healthy, including talking to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men; estimates are that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with the disease. However, more than 2 million American men are cancer survivors. Here’s a guide to understanding prostate cancer, including what you should know and what you can do.

What to Know
When contemplating prostate cancer, a man’s first thought often is in regard to his risk. First consider your age: the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer is age, and the majority of prostate cancer is found in men older than 50. Next consider race: note that statistics show African-American men have a greater incidence of prostate cancer. Also consider family history: your risk of developing prostate cancer increases if your father or brother has the disease.

What to Do
Prostate cancer screening is important. Often by the time symptoms of prostate cancer occur—in the form of trouble urinating or changes in urinary stream, blood in urine or semen, or back or pelvic pain— the disease has progressed beyond the early stages. But if found early, the opportunity for a successful outcome is greater and the patient may require minimal treatment.

If you’re at average risk for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test screen for prostate cancer at age 50. If you’re at an increased risk for the disease, talk with your doctor at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor at age 40.

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so this is a good time to learn more about the condition. For more information about prostate cancer, including screening tests, visit St. Lucie Medical Center online. To find a doctor, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8345.

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Top Tips for Coping with Morning Sickness

Calendar August 29, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Hearing the morning alarm can be bad enough, but morning sickness during pregnancy really makes your day start out rough.

The joys of pregnancy are accompanied by some aches, pains, and unpleasant feelings. Morning sickness is common in more than 50% of women. It may be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and can last through the first trimester, usually stopping by the 12th week. Morning sickness is not limited to the morning hours, however. It can occur at any time of day or night. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms include nausea and sometimes vomiting. If you are unable to keep food down at all, it may be a more serious condition, so consult your doctor.

Otherwise, morning sickness is harmless but unpleasant. It is thought to be caused by the changing hormones in your pregnant body, but luckily is often a sign that your pregnancy is developing well. There are some ways to cope with morning sickness:

  • Eat smaller meals more frequently.
  • Try snacking on carbs. That works for some women, while high-protein foods also provide relief.
  • Drink fluids half an hour before or after meals, but not during.
  • Get out of bed slowly; take 15 to 20 minutes to wake gradually.
  • Eat soda crackers before you get out of bed.
  • Avoid any foods that make you nauseous at the sight or smell.
  • Avoid any perfume, motion, or light that makes you nauseous.
  • Nap during the day when possible.
  • Stay cool and make sure you have good air flow and ventilation to avoid overheating.
  • Try lemon, ginger, and watermelon–these have been known to reduce nausea.
  • See if salty chips will settle your stomach.
  • Try moderate exercise.
  • Do not lie down until you have fully digested.
  • Don’t skip any meals.
  • Avoid spicy foods.
  • Try acupressure bands for motion or sea sickness.
  • Check out cute baby clothes and accessories to distract yourself and remind you of the exciting new baby coming into your life!

The Birthing Center at St. Lucie Medical Center will be with you every step of the way throughout your pregnancy. Learn more about morning sickness in our online library. If you suffer from morning sickness, try the tips above and know that it will pass soon enough.    

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So You Need a Hysterectomy …

Calendar August 22, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Learn how and why doctors perform a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomies are a common surgery. In fact, the CDC estimates that 20 million US women have had a hysterectomy. This surgery, which removes the uterus, is recommended for women with uterine cancer, uterine prolapse, fibroids, cervical cancer, excessive bleeding and, in some cases, endometriosis.

Not every hysterectomy is the same. Depending on the medical situation that calls for the surgery, the cervix may be removed or retained. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed, and if both ovaries are removed, menopause will result. Talk to your doctor about treatments and therapies if you are having a hysterectomy that includes the removal of your ovaries.

Because a hysterectomy removes the uterus, women who have this surgery can no longer have children. If you are of childbearing age, this is a careful decision you and your doctor must make together. Surgeons recommend a hysterectomy if it is medically necessary and other options have been exhausted.

In the past, this surgery was usually done with a “bikini cut” incision in the lower abdomen. This type of surgery involved a hospital stay and lengthy recovery. Thanks to modern medical advancements, hysterectomies can now be performed via laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons may be also be assisted by robotic surgery technology, which uses tiny incisions and reduces recovery time, pain and scarring.

If you need a hysterectomy, St. Lucie Medical Center offers a robotic surgery option. In fact, we have the only da Vinci® Robotic Surgery System on the Treasure Coast. To learn more about this approach and its benefits, visit us online.

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