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.

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Five Reasons You Should Register to Become an Organ Donor 

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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Have you heard about the Pink Power Network? Women in Florida communities are working collectively to proactively beat breast cancer. How exactly? We’ll explain.

Healthcare professionals at Northwest Medical Center, Plantation General Hospital, University Hospital and Medical Center, and Westside Regional Medical Center are all focused on making breast health and early detection a priority. By practicing preventative care, women at these institutions are able to use the following methods to lower their risk of a breast cancer diagnosis:

• Breast ultrasounds
• Breast MRI
• Biopsies
• Stereotactic biopsies
• Breast surgery
• Breast reconstruction

You can take action right now by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do I perform monthly breast exams?
• Do I make regular exercise or physical activity a priority in my week?
• Do I limit myself to no more than 1 serving of alcohol a day?
• Have I stopped smoking?
• Is my weight healthy?
• Do I avoid hormone replacement therapy?
• Do I eat a balanced, low-fat, fiber-rich diet?
• Do I schedule annual mammograms and doctor’s appointments?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you have already taken important steps toward lowering your chances of having breast cancer in your future. To learn more about breast care, please call 1-888-256-7728 or visit University Hospital and Medical Center online. To schedule your mammogram, please call 1-877-9MAMMOS (1-877-962-6667).

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Pink Power Network

Around one out of every eight women will experience invasive breast cancer sometime in their lifetimes. While these odds are high, it is up to all women to be proactive about their health to reduce their individual risk. Breast cancer risks can be lowered and you can “stay in the pink” if you make a few simple lifestyle changes. These are:

• Reduce your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink a day.
• Stop smoking
• Start a regular exercise routine
• Control your weight, especially after menopause
• Decide to breast-feed your child
• Stop hormone therapy
• Avoid environmental pollution when possible
• Practice regular breast exams
• Schedule annual mammograms after the age of 40

Join Us!
Are you ready to get started? Why not join us for an evening of health education, mammograms, food, massages, manis and pedis, skin consultations, shopping, raffles and more. Mammograms are $99 and a portion of all proceeds will go to Not My Daughter… Find a Cure Now. The event will be held on October 20, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come to the UHMC outpatient entrance located at 7201 North University Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321. Complimentary valet service is available. For more information and to register, please call 1-877-9-MAMMOS. Please be sure to register by October 18.

We hope you will join us and reduce your risk by staying in the pink!

Source:
Breast Cancer Overview

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Nothing can be more debilitating to a senior than a bone fracture. Age and certain medical conditions can cause broken bones to heal at a much slower rate than usual. The inactivity that results from the fracture can have serious health implications for a senior patient. Depending on a patient’s medical history, broken bones can worsen current conditions and impact his or her ability to function independently for extended periods of time. Here are some common reasons for geriatric fractures, along with some important prevention tips.

Causes of Geriatric Fractures

• Osteoporosis. After age 35, men and women lose 0.3%–0.5% of their bone density every year. Estrogen is important for bone strength, so once a woman begins menopause, her chances of losing bone density increase significantly. Osteoporosis causes bones to become porous, weak and brittle. As a result, bones are more fragile and are more likely to break after minimal trauma.
• Diabetes. Lower bone density has been linked to type 1 diabetes, and an increase in fractures has been linked to type 2 diabetes.
• Limited physical ability. Limited mobility due to arthritis, vision troubles, obesity and other conditions can increase the risk of falls and bone fractures.

Geriatric Fracture Prevention
Patients with low bone density or osteoporosis should discuss their condition thoroughly with their doctors. Certain medications can affect and reduce bone density. Diet changes that include an increase in calcium and vitamin D will help strengthen bones. Weight-bearing exercises will also increase bone density over time. Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can positively affect bone density also.

Finally, those living with low bone density should make every effort to make their home environment safer. This includes adding railings in the bathroom and around the home as needed, securing loose rugs, and reducing trips via stairs when possible.

University Hospital and Medical Center has established a new Geriatric Fracture Program for senior patients ages 65 and older. Our new service will expedite treatment and surgical preparation to prevent further damage and discomfort. To learn more about this new program, or for a physician referral, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7728 or visit our website.

Sources:
Bone Fractures in the Elderly Require Special Attention to Improve Recovery & Prevent Complications
Osteoporosis
What People with Diabetes Need to Know About Osteoporosis

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University Hospital & Medical Center is pleased to announce a new and enhanced service in our Emergency Room, which is designed with the active senior lifestyle in mind.

Beginning July 18, if you have a medical emergency, come to the University Hospital & Medical Center Emergency Room, have your car parked using our free valet service, and present a completed Senior ConciERge Program Card, you will not have to wait. When medical attention is needed, time is of the essence. Having your contact and medical information available will expedite your care. The Senior ConciERge Program has been exclusively created with your needs in mind.

The emergency care services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; however, your Senior ConciERge Program Card can save you valuable time when visiting the Emergency Room during the designated hours of 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This program is designed for the convenience of the active senior who needs to seek medical attention either before your physician office opens or before you start the day. Simply show your Senior ConciERge Program Card upon arrival and our dedicated ER staff will arrange for you to see the doctor in an expedited manner.

For more information about this exciting new program, or for a physician referral, please call 866-4HCA-DOCS (866-442-2362).

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is necessary for muscular function, vascular contraction, hormonal secretion, and nerve transmission. However, only one percent of the calcium in the body is used to support these functions. The other 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the teeth and bones. To get enough calcium, it may be necessary to turn to multiple sources, as opposed to just drinking milk or taking supplements. Here are some of the top ten sources of calcium that you can sneak in from various sources.

1. Dairy. Milk is clearly the obvious choice for getting calcium. However, other dairy products, such as cheese or yogurt, can also be great sources of calcium.
2. Green leafy vegetables. Leafy green vegetables have high concentrations of calcium. Broccoli, spinach, and kale are especially good sources of calcium.
3. Oranges. One cup of raw navel oranges contains 71 mg of calcium. However, one cup of orange juice fortified with calcium can contain 500 mg of calcium.
4. Beans and peas. Beans and peas can be excellent sources of calcium. The best bean sources are found in tofu, peanuts, black, and baked beans.
5. Fish. Canned fish, such as salmon and sardines, contain adequate sources of calcium and can be consumed on a weekly basis to ensure you are receiving a sufficient amount of calcium.
6. Corn tortillas. Calcium is added to corn tortillas during the preparation process, and for many cultures, this food is a major source of calcium.
7. Nuts. Almonds are a particularly good source of calcium, with approximately 15 almonds providing up to 40-50 mg of calcium. Walnuts and hazelnuts are also fairly good suppliers of calcium.
8. Brown sugar. Though not the best source, brown sugar can be an additional source of calcium.
9. Sesame seeds. Not only a great snack, sesame seeds are also a fairly good way to sneak extra calcium into your diet.
10. Blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap molasses can be a great source of calcium, as just two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will meet 11.8% of your daily calcium requirements.

For more information about nutrition and healthy eating, contact us at Northwest Medical Center. Visit us online or call 1-888-256-7720 for answers to your questions and free referrals to physicians in the Margate area.

Sources:

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium (National Institutes of Health)

Sources of Calcium in Food (Spine-Health)

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You are probably like many active adults today, looking to put their healthy lifestyles first. University Hospital and Medical Center offers a unique opportunity for community members to do just that while engaging with other like-minded individuals. H2U, a health and wellness membership program, offers insight to preventative healthcare, access to valuable medical resources and invitations to interesting events on the Hospital campus. Here is what member can expect:

Insightful publications. Members receive a quarterly magazine and a monthly newsletter with current medical news and updates.

Discounted medical needs. Prescriptions, medical merchandise, services, and meals at the UHMC cafeteria are all discounted.

Access to health library resources. An online health library gives members access to thousands of searchable medical information pages, videos of medical procedures, diet and exercise plans, health calculators, and personal assessment tools.

Invitations to hospital sponsored activities. Members will enjoy free physician seminars and meetings, evening classes and fitness programs.

Free health screenings. Regular health screenings and flu shots are offered to members.

Monthly member meetings and social activities. H2U offers regular meetings, trips and other social activities to its members.

If you would like to join H2U, you can do so for only $15 a year. Please call UHMC at 954-721-2200 or visit our website for detailed membership information.

Sources:

Member Benefits and Discounts (H2U)

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It takes a professional staff of medical experts to run a hospital smoothly, but it takes a core group of hard-working volunteers to bring the heart of the surrounding community into that hospital. Volunteers are essential to any medical center as they contribute on a variety of levels. Here some reasons why hospitals need volunteers to function smoothly.

Connect to the Community

The most important benefit volunteers can bring to a hospital is their connection to the surrounding community. Whether volunteers are high school students or retired citizens, these volunteers bring the spirit of the community into the hospital every day. Patients also get to interact with people other than hospital staff which brings them comfort and a reconnection to everyday life.

Support the Staff

Volunteers are able to assist and augment a staff member’s daily responsibilities. A volunteer’s hard work is invaluable to the hospital as staff work to multi-task a variety of expectations on a daily basis.

Give Time

Volunteers have the luxury of time to give. Whether it is quietly reading a child a story, bringing meals and conversation to a patient, or sharing resources with families – volunteers are able take the time to truly connect with patients.

Share Community Outreach

Often times, volunteers can bring programs to the hospital that provide various valuable, free services. These programs often comfort patients and offer them a more enjoyable stay.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at University Hospital, please visit our website or call 954-724-6100.

Sources:

About Hospital Volunteers (EHow)

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Busy schedules are the norm nowadays, and making room for any additional activities can seem virtually impossible. However, exercise and healthy diet choices should be pushed up the priority list and squeezed into every person’s daily routine somehow. Before you protest this possibility, consider some of these suggested tips for including a healthier diet and exercise routine in your week.

Eat breakfast. Eating breakfast restarts your metabolism after an all-night fast. Once your metabolism is on the move again, your body will work harder to burn calories throughout the day.

Make the time. Finding time for exercise is often a matter of making the time. Whether that’s setting your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier to fit in a brisk walk or shuffling your work schedule to join a Zumba class, make exercise a priority.

Have healthy snacks on the go. During your day, keep snacks such as almonds, cheese strips, a healthy protein bar or a bag of carrot sticks accessible to keep hunger at bay. Once it is mealtime, you will be less likely to eat as much. And don’t forget that drinking water will keep you feeling full, too.

Play with the kids. Instead of watching the kids play on the playground, join in. Play tag or start a family game of soccer. That way you can accomplish two goals at once: family time and exercise.

Walk at lunch. Grab a workmate and plan regular walks on your lunch break. Having another person exercise with you helps keep you both accountable for your routine.

Find exercise in your day. Take the stairs, park far from the store, walk to lunch instead of drive–get creative and efficient with your time as you find new ways to stay active during your day.

Don’t buy junk. Go to the grocery store well-fed. That way you won’t be as tempted to buy junk food and sabotage your healthy eating habits throughout the week.

Join a team. By joining a team, your teammates depend on your participation and keep you motivated. Plus, team sports can be so fun that you forget you are actually doing exercise. Busy parents, consider finding a family kickball team that meets over the weekends so childcare is not an issue and the whole family stays active.

Set goals. Whether it’s finishing a future 5K or working towards a certain weight, create goals for yourself to keep yourself motivated.

Be realistic. Don’t start a new exercise routine only to wear yourself out after the first week. Set realistic goals and, as you reach those, increase those expectations of yourself gradually.

If you have any questions regarding nutrition, diet or exercise, please contact us at University Hospital and Medical Center. Visit our website or contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® service any time of day at 1-888-256-7728.

Sources:

Make Exercise Work for You (American Cancer Society)

Healthy Diet Goals (American Heart Association)

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