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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The Best Ways to Care for Your Back

Calendar August 15, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Learn how to prevent back pain and care for your back.

Do you experience back pain on a regular or occasional basis? Back pain is a common ailment, affecting as many as 8 out of every 10 people according to Medline Plus. Learn how to prevent and relieve back pain in your everyday life.

Exercise regularly and safety
Strength and flexibility are key when it comes to caring for your back. Whether you’ve suffered an injury or you’re trying to prevent one, you should regularly strengthen the muscles that support your back. If you’ve had back surgery or severe back pain, you should work with a physical therapist to create the best exercise routine for your individual needs. If you don’t work out regularly or your back is tender, start out with very simple routines. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends very easy exercises such as squats using a wall for support and gentle abdominal squeezes while resting on your back.

Watch your posture and position
Remember your mother telling you to sit up straight? There was a reason for that. Posture isn’t just about looking better. Good posture helps prevent back pain and keeps your back strong. In addition to making sure you’re sitting in a good position at work and at home, you should be cautious about avoiding back injury. Bend at the knees when you lift and avoid bending your back even to do activities like tying your shoes. Try to use a good pillow when you sleep and consider replacing your mattress if yours is old and not supportive.

Recognize problems
Back pain can arise from muscle spasms or issues with the discs in your spine. Discs are basically cushions between your vertebrae. Over time or due to injury, these discs can wear down. Symptoms of spinal degeneration include pain, weakness and numbness. Talk to your doctor if you experience back pain. Treatment can range from medication to exercise to surgery. It’s important to get help for back pain as soon as possible so that the issues don’t worsen.

You can count on the Orthopedics & Spine Institute at St. Lucie Medical Center to diagnose and treat any back problems you have. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-449-8345  for a physician referral.

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Preparing Siblings for a New Baby

Calendar August 8, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Along with joy, a new sibling can inspire questions and concerns.

Expecting and not sure what to expect from your children when you bring the new baby home? Here’s how are some good ways to prepare them for the arrival of your new bundle of joy.

Talk to your kids. Prior to giving birth to your new baby, discuss your growing family with your kids in an age-appropriate manner.

Encourage questions. Your kids may have concerns ranging from what happens to you in the hospital to what happens to them after the new baby comes home.

Calm any fears. Remind your kids that you were well cared for when in the hospital giving birth to them. Perhaps reminisce by looking at their baby books together. Assure them that they’ll be well cared for while you give birth to their new brother or sister. Let them know that while your family grows so does your love for them each and every day.

Get them involved. Some kids are very enthusiastic when they hear that they’re going to big a big brother or sister, others less so. A good way to foster or reward a welcoming attitude is to get them involved. You can let your kids help with anything from choosing a name to preparing the nursery to spreading the news.

Ready them for their new role. If they’re new to the role of big brother or sister, perhaps introduce them to other kids who are already in the position. Focus on the benefits of having siblings and being someone other than the baby.

The Birthing Center at St. Lucie Medical Center is here to help with all of your maternity needs. For more information, simply call our free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8345.

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What Does a Vascular Surgeon Do?

Calendar August 1, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Learn how vascular surgeons repair medical conditions such as aortic aneurysms.          

                
Vascular surgery is a specialized type of surgery used to treat a variety of health conditions. The vascular system is the body’s system of arteries and veins. Vascular surgeons work on the veins and arteries to treat conditions like aneurysms using specialized therapies, surgical reconstruction and minimally invasive procedures.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an aneurysm, thrombosis or other vascular condition, you’ll be referred to a vascular surgeon for appropriate treatment. Aneurysm repair is one of the more common procedures performed by vascular surgeons in the hospital. This serious, though minimally invasive, procedure is performed under anesthesia. Because this is a common procedure, the benefits are well-researched. Ask your doctor to share the risks and benefits with you.

An aortic aneurysm is a ballooning of the aorta, the large vein that carries blood through the abdomen and chest. According to the CDC, some people are at more risk of aortic aneurysm than others. Those at risk include smokers, those with high blood pressure, those with high cholesterol, those with a family history of aneurysm and people with inherited conditions such as Marfan’s syndrome.

Vascular surgeons repair aneurysms by making an incision in the body to reach the artery. Depending on the severity and type of aneurysm, surgeons may clip or clamp the aneurysm. Vascular surgeons may also use patches, grafts or blood vessels from other parts of the body to make the repair.

For more information on aneurysms, consult our Health Library. And to learn more about vascular surgery at St. Lucie Medical Center, visit us online. You can count on our team to treat you quickly and effectively.

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What You Should Bring to the Emergency Room

Calendar July 25, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Learn what you should take to the hospital during an emergency.    

   

The CDC estimates that 123.8 million people visit the ER each year. Most trips to the Emergency Room begin in a hurry. When you’re busy deciding if you should drive on your own or call 911, the last thing on your mind is what to pack. Avoid indecision in the future by knowing ahead of time what to bring to the ER.

Medical History
You don’t need to bring a ton of paperwork with you, but you should be aware of your own medical history and your family members’ medical history. Keep a basic list of your own previous surgeries and medical conditions, as well as your kids’, in an easy-to-find place at home. Make sure other adults in your family know where to find the list.

Medication Lists
ER doctors and nurses will need to know what medications you’re on and what you take regularly. If you take extensive medications, keep a list somewhere safe and make sure your family knows where to find it. Write down what your kids take ahead of time so you can grab that list in the event of an emergency.

Insurance Cards
Bring your proof of health insurance and any prescription cards you may have. Don’t forget your identification.

Kid Stuff
If you need to bring children to the ER, pack a few items to entertain them, within reason. You might bring along a handheld game or a small DVD player. Just avoid bringing lots of toys or noisy items.

Comfortable Clothes
If your loved one is admitted, you may find yourself in the hospital for several hours. Wear something comfortable and wear layers in case you get chilly.

Whatever your medical emergency, at St. Lucie Medical Center, you can count our Emergency Care team to treat you quickly and effectively. In fact, we work to keep our ER wait times well below the national average. When you need us, we're here to help.

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Symptoms Every Woman Should Look Out For

Calendar July 18, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Know when to act on symptoms that may be a message from your body.


You know your body better than anyone else. Listen to it. Pay attention to feelings of unease and discomfort, and notice when your body changes. Don’t ignore these signs that something may be going on, especially when the symptoms are persistent.

Unexpected weight change
If you gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight unexpectedly, it could be a sign of a health problem. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your weight gain or weight loss. Your doctor may advise you to have lab work done in addition to working with you on a full health checkup to investigate the cause of the weight change.

Bloating
While many women experience bloating in relation to diet or hormonal changes, it’s not a symptom to ignore. It could be a sign of ovarian cancer or other pelvic concerns. Treat constipation if you believe that is the problem, but Medline Plus advises that fiber supplements such as psyllium can make your symptoms worse.

Shortness of breath
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Many women experience the symptoms of heart attack as shortness of breath combined with other general symptoms of discomfort and malaise. If you feel unwell, talk to your doctor instead of chalking it up to aging or cold and flu.

Breast changes
Know your breasts well. Don’t assume that changes are related to aging, breastfeeding or your hormones. Early signs of breast cancer can include changes to the shape, size and consistency of your breasts. If you experience these symptoms, discover a lump or have breast pain, talk to your doctor.

At St. Lucie Medical Center, we want to help you protect your health. If you have basic medical questions, just call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345. Our staff can also provide physician referrals and schedule appointments for you.

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Exercises That Are Safe During Pregnancy

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

Keep healthy and fit throughout your pregnancy with simple, safe workouts.

Fitness is a huge part of having a healthy, happy pregnancy. Learn how to keep fit and healthy with exercises that are safe during pregnancy so you can sleep better, feel better, and prepare for labor and recovery.

Have reasonable goals
Remember, working out during pregnancy isn’t about losing weight. It’s about keeping your body healthy. This isn’t the time to start a new diet or serious fitness regimen. When you do work out, start slow with lots of stretching and warming up. Cool down slowly and drink plenty of water.

Listen to your body and keep it low-key
Pay attention to how you feel when you exercise. If you experience lightheadedness or any kind of soreness or cramping, stop what you’re doing and call your doctor. Only engage in fitness activities that feel good and don’t cause your body stress. If you can’t talk while you’re working out, you’re probably working out too hard for pregnancy.

Work out regularly
The CDC recommends that pregnant women get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. This might sound like a lot, but it’s not if you spread it out. A basic workout could involve brisk walking or swimming. You can go to the gym, but you don't need to.

Do your Kegels
While they won’t get your heart rate up, Kegels are important to practice during pregnancy. Try tightening your pelvic floor by squeezing the muscles of your vagina and anus and holding for three seconds. Repeat 10-15 times a day. As you get better, try a few sitting, standing, and lying down to mix things up.

Know what to avoid
Talk to your doctor about any exercises you are considering. When pregnant, avoid doing exercises that involve risks of falling or any sort of contact. If a workout requires balance, it’s likely best to avoid it. After the first trimester, refrain from working out on your back. Excessive jerking or jiggling should also be avoided.

If you have questions about exercise or other aspects of your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Need a physician referral? Just contact the St. Lucie Medical Center Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345. You can also visit our Birthing Center online to see what services we can offer.

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Top Tips for Handling the Heat This Summer

Calendar July 4, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

Extreme heat can be deadly if you don’t take the correct precautions.


Did you know that extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined? According to the CDC, 300 people died from heat exposure in 2001. As temperatures climb this summer, keep your family safe from excessive heat with these top tips.

Be familiar with signs of heat stroke

  • Look out for symptoms like high body temperature, dry skin, headache and racing pulse.
  • Seek urgent medical attention immediately if you think you or a loved one is suffering from heat stroke.
  • Avoid giving a heat stroke victim cold liquid. Instead, cool her with wet cloths and cooler air.

Drink lots of fluids to beat the heat

  • You may be surprised to learn that you should drink 2-4 glasses of cool liquid each hour when you’re being active in the heat. Set reminders if you need them.
  • Avoid alcohol and very sugary drinks. Water is always the best bet.
  • When you’re sweating, you lose salt and minerals. Try a sports drink to replace them.

Be cautious out in the sun

  • Protect yourself from sun exposure with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
  • Schedule activities for early morning and late evening hours when the temperature is cooler.
  • Listen to your body. You will fatigue much more quickly in excessive heat. Take multiple breaks.

Watch children carefully

  • Children are particularly susceptible to heat exposure. Check them frequently for signs of heatstroke and fatigue.
  • Never leave your children alone in the car. Even with a window cracked, temperatures can climb to deadly heights rapidly.
  • Remind little ones to drink lots of water during the day. Pack water bottles when you’re heading out to playgrounds or other outdoors areas.

Remember, the best way to beat the heat is with air conditioning. Seek shelter in public areas such as shopping centers or libraries if you don’t have access to air conditioning when the temperatures are high. If you have specific questions about staying cool this summer, talk to your doctor or call St. Lucie Medical Center's Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345.

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Having a Safe Fourth of July

Calendar June 27, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

The Fourth of July is next week, and that means lots of food, fun, and fireworks! Just be sure to follow these important guidelines.

Want to keep your family safe over the July 4 holiday? Here are some dos and don'ts:

  • DO consider attending a professional fireworks show instead of setting off your own fireworks.
  • If you use fireworks yourself, DO follow the directions, keep a bucket of water nearby, and avoid alcohol while handling them.
  • DO keep kids and pets away from fireworks and from a hot grill.
  • DO wear sunscreen and insect repellant when you're outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • DO watch the weather, and take shelter if you hear thunder or see lightning.
  • DON'T use fireworks inside.
  • DON'T relight a firework that failed to spark the first time.
  • DON'T point fireworks at people, animals, cars, homes or other structures.
  • DON'T let children play with fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous for kids under age 12.
  • DON'T grill near low-lying branches, awnings or the side of your home.
  • DON'T add extra lighter fluid once your coals are hot.
  • DON'T let children swim without adult supervision.

If you have questions about keeping your family safe this summer, the team at St. Lucie Medical Center is ready to help. Just call our
Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345 for general healthcare information or a physician referral. And if you need assistance in case of an injury or accident, you can count on our emergency department. We offer efficient, effective care, as well as low wait times.

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The Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

Calendar June 20, 2012 | Posted by St. Lucie Medical Center

The link between diabetes and heart disease is real—research has proven that diabetics are at greater risk for developing heart disease; it’s sometimes even referred to as diabetic heart disease.

The Facts
The higher a person’s blood sugar, the greater the chance that he or she will develop diabetic heart disease. In addition, a diabetic is at least two times as likely to suffer a heart attack as a person who doesn’t have diabetes, and approximately two out of three diabetics die from cardiovascular disease.

What You Can Do
The American Heart Association deems diabetes as a major controllable risk factor for heart disease. Properly managing your diabetes can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other complications.

Take medication as instructed. Insulin as well as oral medications work best when taken as prescribed.

Eat a healthy diabetic diet. Consume a healthy diabetic diet in order to help control your blood glucose level.

Exercise regularly. Exercise boasts benefits that include helping manage both your glucose level and your weight.

Monitor your blood glucose. Manage blood glucose levels and discuss your findings with your doctor to determine if your daily healthcare routine is effective. In addition, have your A1C checked at least twice per year. Everyday blood glucose testing can pinpoint your blood sugar level at a certain time, as well as give you a good idea of blood sugar level changes throughout a given day. However, A1C testing measures your average blood glucose level over the previous couple of months and provides a look at how effective your diabetes management is.

To learn more about living healthy with diabetes and reducing your risk of heart disease, or to schedule an appointment with a doctor, simply call the St. Lucie Medical Center free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8345. We also encourage you to join our Diabetes Support Group, which meets on the first Monday of each month.

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