March 29, 2018
Patient Safety is an essential part of healthcare. Patients safety is a team effort, so let’s get up to speed on the current best practices for patients to keep themselves safe. What is Patient Safety? It is the responsibility of every hospital to protect each patient under their care from contracting any avoidable infections or injuries. Patient safety is one of the leading challenges hospital managers must deal with. A hospital cannot function properly without guaranteeing patient safety. To achieve the lofty goals associated with patient safety, everyone from the hospital staff, the... Continue Reading
March 27, 2018
There is no disagreement that domestic violence is harmful, but not many people recognize the detrimental effects that it can have on heart health. Yes, domestic violence can damage someone psychologically and lead to a host of other problems, including the risk of death by homicide. However, research continues in linking domestic violence to heart health. While there isn't concrete evidence linking the two, there are some red flags that are indicative of a closely related relationship. Abused Women May Not Get Regular Medical Care An abused woman may not be able to go for regular medical... Continue Reading
March 22, 2018
Just like your favorite water bottle with the filtering cap, your kidneys separate the good substances in your body's fluids from those that might harm you. March is National Kidney Month so it's the perfect time to learn more about these often-misunderstood organs. What are your kidneys? Your kidneys sit on each side of the spine underneath the rib cage and look like two bean-shaped organs, each the size of a human fist. These organs are important not only as filters, but also for balancing the body's natural acid, potassium, and salt contents. Kidneys filter waste and toxins out of the... Continue Reading
March 19, 2018
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. If colon cancer is detected early, it has a high cure rate. A colonoscopy can identify and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Not sure if a colonoscopy is right for you? No problem. We've answered the most common questions about colonoscopies. How Long Does a Colonoscopy Last? In most cases, the procedure lasts about thirty minutes. It typically takes about twelve minutes to insert the scope and another twelve minutes to remove it. If there are polyps present that need to be removed the procedure may take a bit longer. The... Continue Reading
March 15, 2018
Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you'll find catchy logos showcasing the popular phrase "gluten free” or “GF." Schools have changed medical forms to consider gluten allergies, restaurants now list gluten-free options, and some churches even feature gluten-free communion wafers! Unlike some nutrition crazes, gluten is a serious factor in the health of millions of Americans suffering from certain diseases. However, it's now estimated that 1 in 5 people reduce or eliminate gluten from their diet without any medical need. Gluten-free seems like a trend that's here to stay. Wondering if... Continue Reading
March 13, 2018
Up to 10 million Americans are suffering from a condition that causes disruptive swelling in the arms and legs – it's called lymphedema. The "lymph" in lymphedema refers to the lymphatic system which rids our bodies of toxins. "Edema" is a medical term for swelling. If you've ever had a sprained ankle or wrist, you probably experienced swelling at the injury site. This kind of swelling is normal and resolves itself naturally as the body heals. For those suffering from lymphedema, the swelling is caused by an impaired lymphatic system. Left untreated, lymphedema can seriously damage your... Continue Reading
March 8, 2018
Colon and rectal cancer are the 2 nd leading causes of cancer death in the United States. A colonoscopy is the "Gold Standard" screening test that saves lives through early detection and removal of masses. The American Cancer Society reports that having a colonoscopy decreases your risk of developing colon cancer by a whopping 80 percent. Yet, many people avoid having this potentially lifesaving screening because of embarrassment, fear, or misunderstanding. We've compiled a list of the most common questions about colonoscopies. Put your fears and embarrassment aside. Here's everything you... Continue Reading
March 5, 2018
Head injuries are often some of the scariest injuries to occur. With car accidents, falls, or other trauma, a possible head injury is one of the primary concerns for doctors. But even a seemingly innocent head bump or "hard knock" could lead to a more serious brain injury. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Take the time to get the facts so that you can be vigilant in understanding these types of injuries. Brain Injury Overview: Different Types of Brain Injuries Though there are many types of brain injuries, there are two general categories called traumatic brain injury (TBI) and acquired... Continue Reading
March 1, 2018
You want to eat healthier and lose some weight? As with many things in life, in order to achieve your goal, you need to plan and set yourself up for success. One of the most important, and often overlooked, steps in this process is to organize your kitchen! By organizing your kitchen, you will create a welcoming environment where you will be more likely to want to prepare healthy foods and eat at home. Here are some tips for setting up your kitchen to encourage healthy eating. Clear the counters, cabinets, and the refrigerator It is hard to choose and/or prepare healthy menu items when we... Continue Reading
February 27, 2018
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared this flu season an epidemic. A flu breakout qualifies as an epidemic when the number of cases increases quickly and infects more people than normally expected. The flu epidemic has touched every state in the continental U.S. and began earlier than past flu seasons. Massive numbers of people are flocking to doctor's offices and hospitals for treatment, and the flu is contributing to an average of 4,000 deaths a week. Unfortunately, there are still many weeks left in this year's peak flu season, and the flu epidemic may continue... Continue Reading
