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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Joint and back pain can be extremely debilitating. What starts out as a bothersome twinge can evolve into the kind of pain that makes even the simplest activities close to impossible. No one should have to live with pain like that. The Orthopedic and Spine Institute at UHMC can help you resolve this pain and get you back to living a lifestyle you expect and enjoy.

Your Options

Significant joint or back pain that affects your daily life needs to be treated. The question is “how?” The first step is to set up a consultation with a physician who specializes in orthopedics. Typically, a physician will consider using oral medication, topical agents, injections, physical therapy or home care methods before discussing surgery with you. Every patient is different, with different causes for pain. While certain methods for pain treatment work better for some patients than others, you and your physician will determine a plan of action to treat your specific condition.

Risk Assessment

The Orthopedic and Spine Institute has online risk assessment cards for back and joint pain, athletic injuries, and other orthopedic issues. Review them here and if you answer “yes” to any of the six questions on the card, then you should be evaluated by a physician or orthopedic surgeon.

Physical Therapy and Rehab

Building up muscles to support and stabilize your joint or spine can make a significant difference to your mobility. Whether therapy is needed before or after surgery, exercising regularly under the direction of a trained therapist could be the answer to your pain issues and recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

If surgery is the best option to treat your pain, there are a number of ways to prepare so that you know what to expect. UHMC offers a concierge service for pre-op patients to answer questions and assist the patient and the family before and on the day of surgery.

UHMC also offers a Pre-Operative Education Class. Information is shared about diet suggestions, home preparation during recovery, and what to expect from the procedure itself. You will also meet other pre-op patients with your same concerns and experiences.

If you would like to meet with a physician or orthopedic surgeon at UHMC, please contact our Consult-A-Nurse service for a free referral at 1-888-256-7728. For more information about the Orthopedic and Spine Institute, please visit our website.

Did you know that 80% of all strokes can be prevented? Strokes have the reputation of randomly striking out of nowhere. But you have more control to prevent strokes from happening than you might think. Here are our top ten prevention tips.

1. Stay active. Whether that means taking the stairs instead of the elevator or joining a Zumba class after work, increased physical activity will assist with weight loss, reduce your cholesterol levels, and keep your arteries clear of blockages.

2. Stop smoking. Smoking actually doubles your risk for stroke by weakening blood vessels and increasing your blood pressure. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today to learn about ways to quit.

3. Eat a healthy diet. By cutting back saturated fats and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, you will lose weight, clear your blood vessels and put less strain on your circulatory system.

4. Have your cholesterol level checked regularly. By becoming more aware of your cholesterol, you will understand your risk for stroke and the effect diet has on your levels.

5. Limit alcohol use. Alcohol use can raise your blood pressure and potentially harden your arteries.

6. Manage your diabetes. Sufferers often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol thanks to increased levels of blood sugar.

7. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight will strain your circulatory system, increase your blood pressure, and put you at a higher risk for diabetes.

8. Monitor your blood pressure. Be sure you are aware of your blood pressure and have it treated if it is too high. High blood pressure greatly increases your chances of having a stroke.

9. Know your family history. If there is a history of stroke in your family, your chances of having one increase. It should be noted that your age, gender, race, and ethnicity statistically either increase or decrease your chances of stroke also.

10. Talk to your health care provider. The more proactive you are about your health and diet, the lower your risk of stroke will be. Your health care provider can help you map out an effective way to apply all of these prevention techniques in your daily life.

University Hospital is committed to preventative health care for its community. If you have any questions about stroke prevention or if you need a physician referral, please call 1-866-442-2362. To learn more about the services we offer at University Hospital, please visit our website.

Sources:

Stroke Prevention (National Stroke Association)

Stroke (CDC)

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The New Year is just about here! What are some of your New Year's resolutions? We hope that some of yours are focused on your health this year. Why? By making every effort to stay healthy now, you are investing in your health, happiness and longevity in the years to come. That's right, what you do now will affect you years from now and it is up to you to decide to prioritize your health above everything else. WomansDay.com notes that you should not wait for motivation but rather allow your actions toward health to motivate you. Getting started now is the right decision.

Resolve to Be Healthy

Poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are three major roadblocks to good health. Start your 2012 resolutions by choosing a proper diet. Keep in mind that it is not all about your figure when it comes to dieting. Be sure to choose a meal program that promotes cardiovascular health, fights cancer, and keeps your cholesterol in good balance. However, you will probably find that healthy food choices will result in weight loss if you reduce your daily calorie count.

Exercise keeps your muscles and your internal organs fed with much-needed oxygen. Health experts recommend as little as 30 minutes  of regular exercise a day to help stave off disease and illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and various heart conditions.

Safe Health Resolutions

If you are obese, elderly or have been sedentary for a long period of time, be sure to consult a physician about changing your lifestyle habits. Certain exercise routines may be safer or more beneficial than others. You should also know your calorie and nutrient requirements. Your doctor can advise you about which foods can help prevent or delay certain conditions specific to you. Just remember that it is never too late to start a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Make Your Health Resolutions a Reality

Get started now by making an appointment with your doctor. FamilyCircle.com reminds us that early diagnosis puts you a step ahead when fighting disease. Start your new health routines by learning your current condition so kick off your 2012 health resolutions with a checkup.

University Hospital wishes you a safe, healthy and happy New Year! For more health related information or to schedule an appointment, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service now at 1-888-256-7728.

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The New Year is just about here! What are some of your New Year's resolutions? We hope that some of yours are focused on your health this year. Why? By making every effort to stay healthy now, you are investing in your health, happiness and longevity in the years to come. That's right, what you do now will affect you years from now and it is up to you to decide to prioritize your health above everything else. WomansDay.com notes that you should not wait for motivation but rather allow your actions toward health to motivate you. Getting started now is the right decision.

Resolve to Be Healthy

Poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are three major roadblocks to good health. Start your 2012 resolutions by choosing a proper diet. Keep in mind that it is not all about your figure when it comes to dieting. Be sure to choose a meal program that promotes cardiovascular health, fights cancer, and keeps your cholesterol in good balance. However, you will probably find that healthy food choices will result in weight loss if you reduce your daily calorie count.

Exercise keeps your muscles and your internal organs fed with much-needed oxygen. Health experts recommend as little as 30 minutes  of regular exercise a day to help stave off disease and illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and various heart conditions.

Safe Health Resolutions

If you are obese, elderly or have been sedentary for a long period of time, be sure to consult a physician about changing your lifestyle habits. Certain exercise routines may be safer or more beneficial than others. You should also know your calorie and nutrient requirements. Your doctor can advise you about which foods can help prevent or delay certain conditions specific to you. Just remember that it is never too late to start a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Make Your Health Resolutions a Reality

Get started now by making an appointment with your doctor. FamilyCircle.com reminds us that early diagnosis puts you a step ahead when fighting disease. Start your new health routines by learning your current condition so kick off your 2012 health resolutions with a checkup.

University Hospital wishes you a safe, healthy and happy New Year! For more health related information or to schedule an appointment, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service now at 1-888-256-7728.

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Addiction can take a toll on both a person’s physical and mental well-being. It can be devastating for many and affect their livelihood, family and ability to function normally on a daily basis. For those who want help with their addiction, there is effective treatment and recovery is possible. Sometimes simply knowing what to expect can help a person suffering from addiction take the first step toward recovery.

Dedication

At University Hospital & Medical Center, we work hard to help a person on his or her journey of recovery. Our mission is to help patients gain independence and control over their recovery from substance dependence. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the services and support necessary to continue this recovery in his or her own community.

Trust and Confidentiality

Our substance abuse program offers specialized outpatient programs for persons with substance difficulties. We treat patients who are medically stable and who can safely detox while remaining in the environment in which they’ll function when they are drug free. All of our programs are staffed by highly experienced professionals, and patients can recover in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust.

A Continuum of Care

We offer a range of care services including: individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, education, and information about community services and support groups.

To learn more about University Hospital & Medical Center behavior health services, visit us online or call us at 954-724-6502.

Sources:

University Hospital & Medical Center

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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At University Hospital & Medical Center, we are committed to meeting the needs of our community and providing compassionate care with first-rate physicians, advanced technology and top quality services. We’re here for you when you need us, and when you do, there are several simple ways in which you can contact us.

Find a physician, by searching our easy-to-use directory by name, location or specialty.

For physician referrals and/or health information, use our free Consult-A-Nurse® service. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a doctor, schedule an appointment, register you for classes or events, and answer healthcare-related questions. They can provide information in regard to a physician’s medical specialty, skills and experience; let you know which physicians are accepting new patients; and inform you of a physician’s office hours and location. And while our nurses don’t diagnose conditions, they are available to talk with you about your health concerns. Our nurses are available 24 hours a day by phone; simply call 1-888-256-7728.

If you’d like to request a copy of your medical records, just print and complete the Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information form. Also make a legible copy of a valid photo I.D. and include your phone number. Then mail, fax or bring your request to our Health Information Management Department. For more information or assistance, call us at 954-724-6354.

If you’d like to visit the hospital in person, we provide helpful maps and directions online.

For other needs or questions, consult our online Department Directory, or simply call our main number at 954-721-2200.

Source:

University Hospital & Medical Center

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If someone close to you has suffered a stroke, you may be expected to participate in their recovery. Your assistance could range from helping make their daily life more livable or you could be part of your loved one’s regular rehabilitation to relearn basic functions. However you participate in their recovery, you will need to adjust to these new expectations with the aid of support and outside resources.

Emotional Support for Stroke Victims

The emotional battle a stroke victim has to face is enormous. Strokes are debilitating, sometimes bringing on severe depression. When a person suffers loss of mobility or speech, it can be devastating. Stroke victims need the support of their friends and family. Simply spending time with the person may help. If the individual cannot speak, your presence may serve as rudimentary communication. If immobile, your loved one may benefit from conversation. Charity.com tells us that stroke victims need to overcome depression in order to muster the long-term dedication they will need to face the challenges ahead. The effects of professional care and support groups can be bolstered by your participation at home.

Physical Therapy for Stroke Victims

A physically impaired stroke victim will need your help. Tasks such as eating, dressing or walking may be affected by a stroke. The level of debilitation will vary with each individual. Though stroke victims often receive professional physical therapy, The American Heart Association says that family involvement in physical therapy speeds recovery while reducing stress on family members.

Communication Assistance for Stroke Victims

Communication assistance is vital, especially when overcoming depression. Communication Assistance for Stroke Victims relates that speech impaired individuals can often communicate by nodding. If so, you should create a list of questions for them that you ask routinely, related to their comfort and needs. Sometimes a stroke victim is too cold or hot or may be in a position that causes discomfort. A simple checklist will go a long way.

Help for Families of Stroke Victims

Assisting a victim of a stroke can be hard work. It takes focus and dedication. Consult your medical team for help and advice with your loved ones. Medical staff will often have answers based upon years of experience with stroke victims. Don’t be afraid to use them as a resource.

University Hospital is certified by The Joint Commission as a primary stroke center.   For information or assistance regarding stroke recovery, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728 or visit us online.
 

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Medical News Today describes diabetes as a disorder of the body’s metabolism. Food is turned into glucose by the liver, which your body then uses for energy. The pancreas creates insulin to help your cells absorb glucose. Diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or no insulin at all. Your body cannot absorb the glucose and so is starved for nutrition.

Diabetes may sound daunting, but you should know that it can be controlled, delayed and even prevented. Diabetes testing is essential to finding out if you are at risk of developing the disease. Knowing more about it may help you to control your diabetes or even live diabetes free.

You Can Control Diabetes

A number of solutions exist for an individual potentially facing diabetes. Though diabetes is not curable, it is controllable. Your health professional can help you to develop a diet that will keep your blood sugar levels under control. Eating fewer sweets and monitoring carbohydrate amounts will help. Carbohydrates convert to glucose in the body. Too much glucose in you system is known as hyperglycemia. According to KidsHealth.org, hyperglycemia can be damaging to the body, predisposing you to further illness such as kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. Your doctor may offer insulin injections as a solution. These injections will help your body to process the much-needed nutrition.

Checkups Are Key to Diabetic Health and Prevention

Simple tests can help you learn if you have diabetes or if you may have a predisposition to it. An individual with a higher potential for becoming diabetic may be labeled pre-diabetic. This label lets you know that a lifestyle change is necessary. By taking the right steps and controlling your diet, you may be able to slow or even prevent the onset of diabetes. Getting a checkup is the only way to know for sure. Take control of your health by scheduling an appointment today.

November is American Diabetes Month, so take time to learn about his condition. If you need information about diabetes control or prevention, contact University Hospital using our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728. 

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Flu season is here. Keeping you and your family healthy during the winter months is easy if you plan ahead. In fact, knowing what can precipitate influenza may help you to avoid it entirely. You may want to follow these simple recommendations for flu prevention.

Flu Prevention Tip 1: Wash Your Hands

CleanLink.com recommends washing hands as one of the top ways to avoid influenza. Washing your hands frequently during flu season is easy. Simply being aware that your environment may harbor influenza will help remind you to maintain good hygiene. Washing your hands after shaking hands or handling stair railings and doorknobs can help to reduce the chances of getting sick.

Flu Prevention Tip 2: Avoid Touching Hands and Face

It may be difficult to avoid touching your hands and face but Flu.gov recommends it as a top preventative measure when fighting influenza. Because you will touch items all day long, it is a good idea to get used to keeping your hands away form your eyes and mouth. Washing up before meals will help, also.

Flu Prevention Tip 3: Monitor Children

Children may fall victim to flu simply because of their habits. Your little ones want to touch everything, and they love to play with the toys of other children. Unfortunately, this is an easy way to spread flu viruses. A Clover Park Technical College article suggests wiping down shared items with an antibacterial. Help your children by monitoring what they touch and look out for flu symptoms in other children.

Flu Prevention Tip 4: Don’t Go to Work Sick

An article by Infection Control Today related that nearly a third of Americans surveyed said they would go to work despite being sick. This has the potential of spreading the flu throughout a workplace. Staying home while you are sick with the flu will help to protect your coworkers and will prevent them from spreading it on to their family and other associates.

Flu Prevention Tip 5: Vaccination

One of the best ways to prevent you and your family from getting the flu is vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control recommends yearly flu shots. Each year, new vaccines are created to protect against the most common flu viruses. Get your flu shots now to help keep you and your family safe this flu season.

University Hospital & Medical Center wants to see you get through the 2011-2012 influenza season in good health. To get your flu shot, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, or to find out more about flu prevention, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service now at 1-888-256-7728.

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