How You Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Calendar March 19, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Cancer is never a pleasant topic of conversation, but far too many people are embarrassed to discuss colorectal cancer, which starts in the colon or the rectum. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer that affects both men and women. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to learn how you can prevent this commonly-diagnosed disease.

Get Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The American Cancer Society considers regular colorectal cancer screenings the most powerful tool for preventing colorectal cancer because abnormal cell growth can be found and removed before cancer develops. People without a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors should begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 50. If more than two of your family members have had colorectal cancer or if you have other bowel problems, your doctor may recommend screenings at an earlier age.

Watch Your Weight and Diet
Studies have shown that obesity and excess fat around the midsection may contribute to colorectal cancer, so it is in your best interest to maintain a healthy weight for your height and watch your waistline.

Eating a healthy diet is an excellent way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Limit the amount of red meat you eat, and eat more fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods. Excess alcohol consumption should also be avoided. The American Cancer Society states that having more than one or two drinks per day on a regular basis may raise your risk of developing cancer.

If you would like to schedule a colorectal cancer screening during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, University Hospital and Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® referral service can help you find a doctor and schedule an appointment. Just call 1-888-256-7728 at any time of day or night. To learn more about University Hospital and Medical Center, visit us online or call (954) 721-2200 for information.

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Tips for Senior Caretakers: Preventing Trauma in the Home

Calendar March 12, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Serving as a caregiver for your adult parents or other loved ones is rewarding yet challenging. Taking care of their daily needs and keeping track of their medical history, medications, and upcoming doctor’s appointments can easily become overwhelming. Many seniors also have special needs above and beyond the basics, particularly when they have limited mobility. Statistics show that one in three adults aged 65 and older falls each year. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas which can increase the risk of hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy and even death.

Help Prevent Trauma in Your Senior’s Home
The daily responsibilities of a senior caregiver can be stressful enough, but a fall or other accident in the home can make matters even harder to deal with. Consider these tips to help prevent injury and trauma in the home:

  • Ensure that carpets and rugs are secured to the floor to avoid tripping or slipping
  • Place necessary objects within reach to avoid stretching or climbing and falling
  • Keep a telephone within reach at all times
  • Put a non-slip mat in the tub or shower and install a shower grab bar if deemed necessary
  • Let your senior live on the first floor if at all possible; make sure hand rails on staircases are secure
  • Keep medications in their original containers and dispose of unused medications properly to avoid accidental overdose
  • Keep track of when medications should be taken
  • Seek medical assistance in case of emergency and potential emergency; it is best to err on the side of caution if you are not sure

Senior ER Fast Track and Senior ConciERge
University Hospital and Medical Center understands the special needs of seniors, which is why we developed the Senior ER Fast Track Program. If you come to the ER due to a medical emergency, you can have your car parked with our free valet service which saves time and effort.

Our Senior ConciERge Program can also help save valuable time when visiting the ER between designated hours of 7:00 am and 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  The Program is an excellent way for active seniors to receive need medical attention before their physician’s office opens. Simply present the Senior ConciERge Program Card, which contains your contact and medical information, and you will not have to wait.  The Program allows cardholders to undergo testing and seek routine treatments at a time that is most convenient for them.

For more detailed information about the Senior ER Fast Track Program, visit us here. To download the free Senior ConciERge Program Card to record important contact and medical information, go here. Have other questions? You can also contact us by phone at (954) 721-2200.

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The Power of Prevention: Top Screenings You Should Not Avoid

Calendar March 5, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Many people make the mistake of only going to the doctor when they get sick, but an annual physical is a good idea for all of us. Regular checkups and tests can help detect serious health problems when they are still easy to treat or cure. Several medical conditions are essentially symptomless, and in some cases waiting until a problem develops is too late. 

Receiving the right health services and prevention screenings can help ensure your chances for living a long, healthy life. As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your age, medical history, family history and other factors such as lifestyle choices will be used to determine your necessary frequency of checkups and screenings. Screenings are tests that look for diseases before symptoms arise.

Top Preventative Screenings for Men and Women
Health officials recommend men and women consult their doctors about screenings for the following diseases and conditions:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Breast cancer (women)
  • Cervical cancer (women)
  • Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • HIV
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prostate cancer (men)
  • Skin cancer

In addition to finding existing conditions, screenings and routine checkups can help you lower the risk of many health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. Some screenings can be performed right in your doctor’s office while others require special equipment. Common screening procedures include:

  • Blood tests
  • Blood pressure measurements
  • Pap tests
  • Colonoscopy
  • Mammograms
  • Bone density scan
  • Urinalysis
  • Physical exam and questions

After you have any screening performed, be sure to follow up with your results and find out what they mean for your personal health. Also, discuss with your physician how often these exams and screenings should be performed. Their frequency and occurrence varies for every person depending on family history and past health circumstances.

The best place to go for routine health checkups is your regular primary care physician. University Hospital and Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse® physician referral service can help you find a doctor and make an appointment. Just call 1-888-256-7728. Our registered nurses and referral specialists are available 24 hours a day.

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New Vision Service is Coming to University Hospital & Medical Center

Calendar March 1, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

University Hospital & Medical Center in Tamarac, FL is expanding the hospital’s existing inpatient medical stabilization service for adults.

New Vision™  is a service operated through a management contract between University Hospital & Medical Center and SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri.

New Vision™ is a medical stabilization service for people with drug, alcohol and health related issues.

New Vision™ accepts appropriate patients who are experiencing incapacitation due to substance use or are experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms.

It consists of a medically supervised hospital stay for inpatient stabilization which typically lasts 3 to 5 days. The inpatient stay includes the following aspects:

•  Pre-Screening
•  Assessment
•  Admission
•  Medical Stabilization  
•  Appropriate Discharge Planning

New Vision™ has a fully qualified treatment team which includes a Medical Director and nursing personnel who utilize a multi-disciplinary team approach in the individualized treatment of each patient. Upon admission to the hospital assessments of the patient’s fundamental needs are accomplished. These assessments include a medical history, physical, a complete laboratory workup and a nursing assessment.

Patients, who are under the influence of chemical substances, and / or other medical co morbidities, will be closely observed and stabilized.  The hospital accepts appropriate patients who are experiencing problems and incapacitation due to substance use and/or abuse, or are experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms from cessation of use of certain substances.

The service is scheduled to become operational March 1, 2012

For additional information on the service, please call us at 1-800-939-2273 or 1-954-724-6047
 
The service accepts most Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare plans.    

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Depression: When to Find Help

Calendar February 27, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Although many people are afraid to admit or choose to ignore that they are feeling depressed, it is a serious medical condition that requires attention. Certainly, many people have occasional periods where they feel “down in the dumps.” Depression, however, is a more severe behavioral condition that can affect a person’s daily life on a long term basis. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health explains that while occasional sadness typically passes within a few days, severe depression persists over the course of two weeks or longer. Symptoms interfere with a sufferer’s daily life and cause distress for themselves as well as their their loved ones.

Depression Causes and Symptoms
Biology and genetics can play a role, but depression can be brought on for a variety of reasons. Major life-changing events like the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or the diagnosis of a serious health condition often lead to depression.  Depression is even a side effect of some prescription medications.

In addition to sadness, common symptoms of depression include:

  • Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, or pessimism
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, including sex
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Changes in appetite; weight loss or weight gain
  • Decreased energy
  • Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
  • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

When to Get Help for Depression
Life is constantly throwing curve balls and we all go through highs and lows as a result, but if you have been consistently experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms for several weeks, it is probably time to seek help for your depression. You could be putting your own life in danger. Always remember that depression is not your fault—it can affect anyone at any time. Admitting that you need help is the first step to recovery and receiving the treatment that you need and deserve.

University Hospital and Medical Center’s staff of behavioral health professionals provide assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist in identifying depression and other behavioral health conditions. Visit UHMC’s Behavioral Health Services online or call 954-724-6502 for more information about the services offered, physician referrals and the admitting process.

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Treating a Wound at Home

Calendar February 20, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Wounds can happen at home under a variety of circumstances. They can occur while cooking, when a sharp object accidentally scrapes the skin, or during minor accidents like falling off of a bike and skidding on the pavement. Animal bites are another type of injury that often occur at home, and more severe wounds can happen during car accidents or other traumatic events.

Diabetics needs to be extremely diligent about their wound care. Symptoms of diabetes include poor circulation, nerve damage and a compromised immune system. As a result, wounds take longer to heal and can lead to dangerous infection if not treated properly.

Tips for Treating Wounds at Home
If a wound is bleeding severely, call 911 as soon as possible for immediate professional assistance. It is usually possible to treat minor wounds at home, and in severe cases you will have to take the initial steps yourself before paramedics arrive. It’s a good idea to keep a first aid kit handy at all times to treat simple wounds yourself or to stabilize injuries before medical attention is administered.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the following treatment tips should be followed when treating wounds at home:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer to prevent infection
  • Wash the cut with mild soap and water and be sure to rinse away all soap residue
  • If you see objects inside the wound or a body part is protruding, seek medical attention
  • Apply pressure directly to the wound to stop bleeding
  • Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin
  • Apply a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound

Things to Remember

  • If a cut appears to be more than a quarter inch deep, you should seek medical care as it may require stitches to heal properly
  • Poisonous snake bites, spider bites, stings, and animal bites can cause severe damage and require immediate medical attention

Long Term Wound Care

  • Be sure to change dressings on a wound daily or as directed by your physician
  • Follow proper wound cleansing techniques as determined by your physician
  • Treat the wound with antibiotic ointment or use medication exactly as prescribed
  • Carefully check for infection while changing the dressing
  • Signs of infection include: red or swollen skin, a foul smell and warm skin
  • Keep regular appointments for wound care

If you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, call 911 for assistance. University Hospital and Medical Center’s emergency department provides treatment to all patients as quickly as possible. The Wound Healing Center at UHMC also offers patients care specific to their medical condition to prevent the onset of dangerous infection. Please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service to learn more about our wound healing services or for a physician referral at 1-888-256-7728.

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Four Steps to Preventing Heart Disease

Calendar February 13, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

This month, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and learn about the ways you can help prevent heart disease. After all, February is American Heart Month! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the CDC, one American will die from a coronary-related event every minute, so it’s in your best interest to educate yourself this February.

Help Prevent Heart Disease with These 4 Steps
Although some things that contribute to heart disease are hereditary, you can make lifestyle changes regarding the following four risk factors:

  1. Quit smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of death in the U.S. and research has found that smoking is a major cause of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, atherosclerosis—the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries—is a main contributing factor to the high number of deaths from smoking.
  2. Eat a healthier diet. The old saying “You are what you eat” has a lot of truth behind it. Diet plays a major role when it comes to heart disease. To keep your heart in tip-top shape, be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Obesity also contributes to heart disease, and a healthier diet can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Exercise regularly. Not only does exercise help you look and feel better, the CDC has found that regular physical activity reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
  4. Manage high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder and over time, this causes the heart to weaken. If your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, be sure to follow all medical advice and take medications as prescribed.

If you or a loved one begins to experience heart attack symptoms, get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.  If you have non-urgent heart-related questions, our Consult-A-Nurse® nurses and referral specialists provide consultation 24 hours a day by phone at 1-888-256-7728.

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Numbers and Nutrition: Understanding Your Daily Requirements

Calendar February 7, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

Have you decided to be more healthy in 2012? We understand that focusing on the numbers of nutrition can be intimidating. Breaking down your nutritional needs sometimes takes on a complexity that can be off-putting. Here are some ways to make it easier for you.

Organize Your Health Needs
Staying in shape and eating healthy can mean many things to many people. Take the time to get organized and put together a set of nutritional goals based around your personal health needs. What are you aiming to do? Some may be looking to cut calories, lower salt intake, reduce the amount of red meat they consume or simply cut out fast food meals. Organizing yourself so that you have a realistic action plan to reach an achievable goal is half the battle.

My Plate
Are you looking for some nutritional guidance that is easy to understand? My Plate is a recent USDA nutritional campaign aimed at clearly illustrating healthy nutrition. My Plate helps to explain proper proportions for grains, fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy. You might be surprised to find that fruits and vegetables should be one of the biggest portions served in your meal!

Food Labels
If you are heading to the grocery store, be prepared to do a little reading. For any focus on nutrition to be successful, buyers must read food labels to see what they are consuming. Pay careful attention to the serving sizes, also. One serving size may be a lot smaller than expected so you could very easily double or triple your calorie, salt or fat intake. Keep track of these totals and percentages.

Depending on your dietary needs, look for higher counts of

  • Protein
  • Calcium
  • Vitamins and minerals

Look for lower counts of

  • Calories
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Cholesterol
  • Sugar
  • Sodium (salt)

Balanced Diet
Keep in mind that not all carbohydrates, cholesterol or fats are bad. It is is important to eliminate as many empty calories as possible so that the food you are consuming is being processed by your body as efficiently as possible.

Health by Numbers
If you are looking for simple ways to calculate your health needs, Heart.org offers a free fat calculator while SheerBalance.com provides a free nutritional calculator. Another fun tool offered by MealInformation.com is a daily requirements calculator. If you would like to organize and track your diet and fitness routine, try out the Super Tracker tool.

Understanding Your Daily Requirements
The above charts are helpful but do not take into account your personal body type or individual health needs. Make sure to include your doctor when creating your dietary regimen. Your personal physician will be able to offer advice that is geared toward your personal medical condition and even your family medical history.

University Hospital wants to help you with your commitment to diet and nutrition. Call us to ask questions, find a physician or schedule an appointment. Our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728 is available 24-hours a day.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Become an Organ Donor

Calendar February 6, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

February 14 makes most people think of Cupid and chocolates, but there is a much sweeter thing you can do for someone this Valentine’s Day—register to become an organ donor. February 14 is also National Donor Day.

Organ donation can offer another person a new chance at life when certain organs or tissues no longer function. Organs that can be transplanted include the kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines and lungs, as well as skin, bone and bone marrow, and the corneas. The National Institutes of Health explains that while most organ donations occur after the donor’s death, some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

Organ Donors Change Lives

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs. You could help make a difference! Here are five top reasons why you should register to become an organ donor on National Donor Day:

1. You can save a life. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and statistics show that many people live long and healthy lives after receiving a transplant.

2. The demand is high. Over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ at any given time.

3. It’s free for you. There is no cost associated with becoming an organ donor. Your family will not be charged for the medical procedures involved.

4. Minority need is high. Certain blood types are more prevalent in ethnic minority populations such as African-Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Matching blood type is necessary for organ transplants, so the need for minority organ donors is high.

5. Everyone is eligible. There are over 80 million Americans currently signed up to be organ donors, and age is not a factor. Parents can authorize organ donation for children under the age of 18 and organs have even been donated from donors in their 70s and 80s.

University Hospital and Medical Center is committed to the health and well-being of our community and we encourage you to consider organ donation. Florida residents can register to become an organ, tissue and eye donor online at Donate Life Florida. You can also sign up for the national registry of potential bone marrow and blood stem cell donors at Be the Match. 

If you have questions or concerns about organ donation or any other health-related issue, please contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7728. Our nurses and physician referral specialists are available by phone 24 hours a day.

Related Post:

Five Reasons You Should Register to Become an Organ Donor 

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Heading to the E.R.: What to Remember

Calendar January 16, 2012 | Posted by University Hospital and Medical Center

A trip to the ER is almost always unexpected. To make this scary time easier on you and to make sure that you or your loved one gets the best care possible, take some steps to prepare for the trip ahead of time.

How to Be Prepared
Learn the locations of your local emergency rooms in the event that you need to drive to the ER on a moment’s notice. Multicare.org suggests keeping an organized list of all of your family’s medications, illnesses, allergies, operations, physicians and pharmacies. Be sure to share this data with your family and associates so that they can communicate to emergency medical technicians more effectively on your behalf. You should also educate your children about their medications in the event they need to tell ER personnel. KidsHealth.org suggests leaving relevant medical information for babysitters as well.

What You Should Carry on Your Person
Once you have organized and created a list of all your family’s medical conditions and needs, be sure to bring it with you to the ER. Don’t forget that HCA hospitals offer the ICE card (In Case of Emergency). This will help inform ER staff about your medical needs and conditions, ensuring the best medical care possible.

What Determines Emergency Room Wait Times?
The number one reason for your ER wait to be longer is that the medical staff may be treating patients with severe or life threatening conditions. The ER staff has the difficult job of determining who gets treatment first. Being patient is key, since those seen before you may have a more serious (even life-threatening) health condition. Other factors that may effect ER wait times are;

  • Community size
  • Holidays
  • Nearby colleges

How Does a Hospital ER Prioritize Patient Needs?
Different emergencies require different response times and the hospital emergency staff must respond appropriately. Individuals requiring resuscitation receive care first, followed by emergent conditions such as heart attack, overdose, hypothermia and other life-threatening conditions. Next, ER personnel will treat visitors by determining if their care is urgent, semi-urgent or non-urgent. If your condition is semi-urgent or non-urgent, you may need to wait until the medical staff has seen to patients with greater health risks.

University Hospital works hard to keep ER wait times down. Visit our website to find out our current wait time. To find out more about our ICE card please call 1-866-4HCA-DOCS (442-2362.) To learn the location of University Hospital, to find a physician or to schedule an appointment, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728

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