Medical Tests Every Woman Should Have

Calendar May 15, 2012 | Posted by laicos

When you are busy living life, it can be easy to forget your annual doctor’s checkup or your mammogram. However, routine preventative care measures like these are important and can catch health problems before they get too serious. Check out our list below of medical tests every woman should get at each age.

In Your 20s

  • Well-woman exam annually starting at age 20. Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you are 21 to 65 and have been sexually active. This test can detect cervical cancer and STDs.
  • Annual cholesterol screening, especially if you use tobacco, are obese, have high blood pressure or diabetes or a family history of heart disease or heart attack.
  • Blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, kidney problems, stroke and more.

In Your 30s

  • Skin check for skin cancer, in fact, women are more likely to get this type of cancer.
  • Eye Exam to check for early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.

In Your 40s

  • Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 onward.
  • Diabetes test, consisting of a blood-glucose test to determine if you are prediabetic or diabetic.
  • Vitamin D test to check your levels. Vitamin D can help in protecting bones and can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

In Your 50s and onward

  • Bone Density Test every 5 years starting at age 65. This can determine whether you are at risk for osteoporosis.
  • Screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50, and at regular intervals every 3 to 5 years.
  • Thyroid test to check levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Too low or too high TSH can indicate a thyroid problem and is more common in older adults.

Make sure you’re in good health at every age and stage of your life. In addition to the tests recommended above, women should get a flu shot and a have a general physician’s visit every year. For more information about staying healthy through the years and every day, visit us online at Oak Hill Hospital. You can also call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-741-5120 for health information and physician referrals.

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Common Food Allergies & How to Manage Them

Calendar May 8, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Discovering a new food allergy in yourself or a family member can do a number on your usual cooking and eating routine. Adjusting to this new limitation can seem overwhelming at first, but no matter what allergy you are trying to work around, you can find creative and tasty ways to create your family's favorite meals and continue to enjoy food. When it comes to the most common food allergies, many others have already lead the way, discovering and creating any substitution or recipe you may want.

Dairy
An increasing prevalence in dairy sensitivities, lactose intolerance, and vegan diets have provided an abundance of options for families working around a dairy allergy. Look for a soy, rice, or almond-based milk substitute. Always read the ingredients on everything you buy – even the most unlikely products can sneak in a little dairy. Look for dairy-free or vegan labels when you shop, and then double check the ingredients to be sure.

Nuts
Although nuts are typically easier to avoid in foods than other common allergens, many patients with nut allergies have extremely severe reactions from even the slightest contact. If your child has a nut allergy, make sure his teachers, friend's parents, and other adults in his life know about it. Teach your child to ask about everything before eating it. Even the smell can be bothersome, so he may need to move to another table if a friend is eating a peanut butter sandwich, and those who have consumed nuts or peanut butter should wash their hands before coming in contact with the allergic child.

Wheat
A wheat allergy can make restaurant-eating difficult, but there are variety of alternative flours and pastas you can purchase for your own kitchen. When shopping, remember that wheat often appears in unlikely products, and it can surface under several names. Ask your doctor or pediatrician about what exactly you need to avoid. Keep in mind that although there is a lot of overlap, "wheat-free" and "gluten-free" means two different things. If you are avoiding gluten, many products labeled wheat-free will still need to be passed over.

No matter what allergy you're working with, the most important habit to develop is reading labels. Don't assume once you've checked a label that the product will be safe forever. Ingredients can change. Reread the label every time you shop.

If you are struggling to accommodate a new diet in your family due to allergies, we can help! Call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-888-741-5120 with your questions. We can also provide a physician referral upon request.

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Stay Active Even With Arthritis

Calendar May 1, 2012 | Posted by laicos

May is Arthritis Awareness Month– a designation intended to raise awareness of the disease that affects 50 million adults and 300,000 children, according to the Arthritis Foundation. There are many myths surrounding arthritis, but one of the most common myths is that arthritis sufferers cannot exercise. This is completely false and, in fact, inactivity can even promote further deterioration of the joints. Certain exercises and activity have been shown to alleviate some of the pain associated with arthritis and increase the flexibility of arthritic joints.

Here are some tips for staying active with Arthritis:

Keep it low impact
Some examples of low-impact activities include: walking, swimming, cycling, gardening, dancing and group fitness classes.

Get activity on most days of the week
The CDC recommends adults with arthritis get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-level physical activity per week. This can also be substituted with 1 hour and 15 minutes of more vigorous aerobic activity.

Make a splash
Swimming is a great option for those who have arthritis because the water relieves the pressure of the weight on the painful joints, but still provides some resistance. You may even be able to find a water exercise class nearby, sometimes called "hydrotherapy," or "aqua therapy." These classes consist of exercises that are performed in the pool as a group or individual.

Aerobic & Strength
For those with arthritis, it's important to include both strengthening and aerobic activities in your exercise routine. Aerobic activity supports a healthy body and reduces your risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity and diabetes– which are more common among those with arthritis. Strength exercises help build the muscles surrounding arthritic joints, helping to alleviate some of the pain.

You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, but especially if you have arthritis. To learn more about managing your arthritis pain or beginning an exercise regimen, visit us online at Oak Hill Hospital or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-741-5120 for health information and physician referrals.

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What You Should Know about the HPV Vaccine

Calendar April 25, 2012 | Posted by laicos

If you have a young son or daughter you may want to consider protecting them with the HPV vaccination. Currently there are two vaccinations available (Cervarix and Gardasil) that help prevent up to four strains of HPV. Here is some more information about HPV and the vaccinations that are available. 

What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus and is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the country. About 50 percent of adult males and females have carried HPV at one point in their lives. While there are about 40 strains of the virus currently known, four are the most common. Two of those strains are known to cause cervical cancer in women.

The HPV Vaccine
The vaccine is administered as three shots and can protect against HPV infection and prevent HPV-related diseases.The current vaccinations (Cervarix and Gardasil) protect against most cervical cancers in women. One of the vaccines (Gardasil) can also protect against genital warts and some other cancers such as cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva. Both of these vaccines are available for females, but Gardasil is the only HPV vaccine available for males. The HPV vaccine offers the greatest benefit when all three doses are received before an individual becomes sexual activity, so it is recommended that boys and girls receive the vaccination around age 11 or 12. However, the vaccination is available for both boys and girls ages 12 to 26.  Remember that people currently infected with HPV should not seek the vaccination for treatment. 

Side effects of the vaccine
Side effects of the vaccination can vary from person to person. Some of the side effects may include:

  • Slight dizziness
  • Mild fever
  • Redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Headache  

Remember that it is important to contact your physician or your child's physician before considering the HPV vaccination. Because of how recent the vaccination is you should educate yourself before making a decision. For more information on the benefits and side effects of the HPV vaccination, please visit us online at Oak Hill Hospital. Feel free to call our Consult-A-Nurse program anytime at 1-888-741-5120.

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How an Occupational Therapist Can Help You

Calendar April 16, 2012 | Posted by laicos

After a surgery or injury, many patients seek help from a Physical Therapist while retraining their muscles and bodies to perform at their full ability again. A lesser-used form of assistance during these tough transitional periods is Occupational Therapy. Whether you are trying to adjust to life in a wheel chair, or a family member is struggling to communicate with loved ones after a stroke, an Occupational Therapist can guide you and help shape your environment to handle physical or mental disabilities. If your life has transformed into an obstacle course after a surgery, illness, or injury, consider how an Occupational Therapist could help you.

Reduce Physical Stress
If you are healing from an injury or surgery, some seemingly harmless motions or activities could prolong the recovery process, or even leave you gasping in pain. An Occupational Therapist can help you get through your day in a way that does not hinder your recovery process or put your health in further jeopardy.

Reduce Mental Stress
Whether you are experiencing a physical or mental disability, learning a new way of life with unfamiliar limitations can be overwhelming. An Occupational Therapist can provide expert, professional advice on how to navigate your daily routine without unnecessary challenges or frustrations. You don't need to figure out this new world for yourself. Many others have gone before you, and you can learn from their tips and advice.

Enjoy Your Home Again
With the help of an Occupational Therapist, you can be comfortable in your own home again. Create a living space that accommodates your new needs and lifestyle. Depending on your situation, renovations could be made to improve your ability to use the bathroom, wash yourself, or cook a meal in your kitchen. Let a professional show you the best changes to make.

Do you think Occupational Therapy could help you or a family member? If you're still unsure, call our Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-888-741-5120 with your questions. We can also give you a physician referral if needed.

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Super-foods That May Help Prevent Cancer

Calendar April 10, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Over half a million Americans die each year from cancer related illness. With so many risk factors, it's important to know what you can do each day to stay the healthiest and decrease your risk of developing cancer. What you eat can affect your risk for cancer, as many foods have disease-fighting properties. Below is a list of 6 super foods that you can incorporate into your diet today to help in preventing cancer.

Blueberries. Of all the berries you can buy, blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants and are the richest in concentrated cancer-fighting compounds. Throw some in your salad or blend  super-fruit smoothie for breakfast. 

Garlic. Garlic has many components that can help prevent cancer, especially skin and lung cancer. Enjoy garlic with steamed vegetables or chopped up and tossed in whole-grain pasta. 

Green tea. Another heavy hitter as it is super rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help keep your body healthy while preventing cancerous disease. 

Spicy peppers & jalapenos. The active chemical in spicy peppers, capsaicin, can neutralize cancerous cells and help prevent them from developing. 

Flax seeds. The high amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in flax seeds not only helps neutralize and prevent cancerous cells from forming, it is also excellent for colon health as well. 

Tomatoes.  Lycopene, the essential compound found most potent in cooked tomatoes, is a huge fighter of prostate cancer and incredibly healthy.

Other ways to prevent cancer
Remember that giving up smoking, adjusting your alcohol intake as well as eating a healthy diet and exercising all help in preventing cancer. Make sure you always prepare fresh ingredients and stay away from pre-prepared and processed foods as well as fast foods. Doing so will help in preventing cancer and as an added bonus it will help you maintain a healthy weight and feel great. 

For more information on the ways you can protect yourself from cancer, please contact us online at Oak Hill Hospital. You can also call our toll-free Consult-A-Nurse service 24/7 at 1-888-741-5120. 

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What Happens in the Cardiac Cath Lab?

Calendar April 4, 2012 | Posted by admin

If you have experienced heart problems or have been diagnosed with a heart condition, you can likely benefit from the procedures available in a cardiac catheterization lab. A cardiac catheterization is used to help physicians diagnose heart disease in patients. This specialized procedure helps them look at the interior workings of the arteries and how blood is pumped throughout the body. 

How does the procedure work?
The physician begins by inserting a small, flexible tube–called a catheter–into a major artery in your arm or leg. It is then threaded up toward the heart, with the guidance of x-ray imaging. A special dye is dispersed in the artery, which allows the physician to properly locate where the problem is occurring. After the physician has gathered enough information, he or she will remove the catheter and apply pressure to the artery. 

A number of tests and procedures can be accomplished during a cardiac catheterization. Among them are angioplasty, stenting, angiojet, peripheral vascular intervention, and the insertion of an internal pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

  • Your physician will inform you of what you should and shouldn't eat before the procedure.
  • Make sure you put together a travel bag of spare clothes in case you experience an overnight stay. 
  • Provide a list of all the medications you are currently on and have them readily available. 
  • If you have any unique allergies, such as to x-ray dyes or other substances that may be used in the procedure, please share this information with the specialist prior to the test. 

Remember that it's very important to undergo a proper evaluation from your physician to determine if a cardiac cath lab test is necessary. Heart disease affects thousands of Americans each year. The sooner you're able to determine the condition, the better your chance of effective treatment. 

For more information on cardiac cath lab testing and availability, visit us online at Oak Hill Hospital. You can also call our Consult-A-Nurse service 24/7 at 800-741-5120. 

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Can You Spot a Concussion?

Calendar March 28, 2012 | Posted by admin

Concussions are brain injuries inflected by direct trauma to the skull. Many times victims do not know they are experiencing a concussion. It's important to know how to spot a concussion to help prevent the situation from getting worse. 

Check to see if the victim is unconscious. If he is, make sure you test his vital signs to see how he is holding up. Monitor the airway, breathing and circulation patterns to ensure the person is stable. 

Notice if the victim is dizzy or disoriented. This is a sure sign of a concussion. If the victim is clearly confused or dizzy, this may be the most clear indication that he is experiencing a concussion. 

Is the victim experiencing anterograde amnesia? Anterograde amnesia occurs when a victim claims he cannot remember what happened after the concussion but may recall the moments leading up to it. If someone fits this description, it's urgent that you seek medical care immediately to help reduce any damage that has been done during the injury. 

Ringing of the ears. Another common symptom of concussions, persistent ringing in the ears can be a true red flag for those with a minor brain injury. 

Sudden or rapid mood disorders. If a person rapidly changes moods from one extreme to the next, he might have suffered head trauma or injury.  

Coordination, balance and nausea. Concussions may cause the victim to experience vomiting or nausea and have a difficult time walking, sitting, standing or maintaining balance.

Should you ever notice someone experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Concussions that are left untreated can develop into worse conditions over time and cause many long-term brain damage. For more information on how to properly spot a concussion or information about head trauma, please visit us online at Oak Hill Hospital. You can also call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-741-5120.

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Great Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Calendar March 21, 2012 | Posted by admin

Has your doctor informed you that you need to start working on lowering your cholesterol level? Don't panic. High cholesterol can lead to serious health risks including heart disease, but you can take simple steps to lower your level with a few lifestyle and diet changes.

  • Commit to regular exercise. Even moderate daily exercise, such as a walk around the neighborhood, can help lower your cholesterol level.
  • Snack on nuts. Instead of reaching for potato chips or cheese crackers between meals, try walnuts or almonds, which have been linked to lower cholesterol.
  • Say no to saturated fats. Instead of checking for cholesterol on nutrition labels, look for foods with minimal to no saturated fats. These foods are usually the main culprit behind high cholesterol levels.
  • Quit smoking. Cigarettes can lead to many health problems, including high cholesterol and heart disease.
  • Try green tea. Studies have shown that green tea will lower cholesterol levels, along with providing a host of other health benefits.
  • Increase your fiber intake. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, and beans.
  • Make some food substitutions. Look for healthy alternatives to kitchen staples such as whole milk, butter, or cheeses. Low-fat or non-dairy options are usually available in most supermarkets.
  • Eat more fish. Instead of red meats, stock up on fish filled with omega-3 fatty acids. Aim for two or three meals a week that feature fish as the main dish.
  • Ask your doctor about medications. Lifestyle changes work in the long run, but if your cholesterol levels are too high or you are at a high risk for heart disease, medication might be your best short-term solution. Talk to a healthcare professional about which medications you might benefit from.

If you have more questions about cardiac care, or you want to make an appointment to check your cholesterol level, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-888-741-5120. This Oak Hill Hospital service is available 24/7 to provide information or give physician referrals.

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Meet the Nurses of Oak Hill Hospital

Calendar March 14, 2012 | Posted by admin

When you visit Oak Hill Hospital, you’ll see our nurses working in every department. One may be taking a patient’s medical history, while another may be talking to a concerned family. They care for cancer, cardiology and stroke patients, people recovering from surgery, pediatric patients, and many, many more. No matter what they are doing, you can rest assured that protecting their patients’ health is our nurses' top priority. (Left: some of our nurses on Nurses Day 2011.)

At Oak Hill Hospital, 100 percent of our ER nurses are board certified in emergency nursing. As Tracy Swetokos, RN, MSN, CEN, CPEN, the Emergency Care Center’s Clinical Coordinator, explains, “We feel this exam demonstrates the basic core knowledge needed for emergency nurses to competently care for patients. It evaluates the ability to analyze information and intervene appropriately, improving patient outcomes and preventing complications and adverse events. Although we are one of only a couple ERs in the country to require this exam, we felt that we owed our community to provide the most qualified, competent nurses to give care. It also demonstrates a commitment to the profession—our nurses are ER nurses because they want to provide high-quality care and work hard to stay current on the latest practices and research to maintain that certification.”

In addition, in 2011 Oak Hill Hospital was proud to be honored with the Lantern Award (right). This award is given by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) to recognize excellence in emergency nursing. As stated on the ENA website, “The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that exemplify exceptional and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.” Oak Hill Hospital was one of only 20 hospitals across the nation to receive this award—and the only recipient in the state of Florida.

Throughout our hospital, our nurses practice different specialties and come from many different medical backgrounds. They are successful because they are highly trained and qualified, as well as caring and compassionate. What else makes them so special? “Teamwork. Our staff are committed to quality care, work well to support each other especially when things get crazy busy, and demand high performance from their coworkers. They support each other’s efforts at ongoing development and truly embrace new nurses.  They enjoy mentoring new nursing students and medics, and the students love working with our team.”

At Oak Hill Hospital, we know that being sick or having surgery is a stressful time for both patients and their families. Our nurses work hard every day to assist in patients’ recovery, answer questions and calm nerves, offer good advice, and help people get back to the lives they love. When you have a medical need, you can count on the nurses of Oak Hill Hospital to be with you every step of the way.

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