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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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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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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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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Aging can be a difficult process, especially for those who are far away from family, or who have already lost their spouse and closest friends. Behavioral health conditions are common for older adults – a Surgeon General report states that nearly 20 percent of adults over 55 are experiencing a mental illness. Unfortunately, the older a person is, the more likely their symptoms will remain trivialized and undiagnosed. Family or caretakers are often quick to consider unusual behavior patterns to be a natural part of the aging process. 

Depression
As a person reaches the twilight years of his life, he is likely to encounter an increasing amount of daily challenges. His spouse might die, along with his closest friends. He may have to give up high-energy activities that he enjoyed in the past. Financial or medical problems may begin to weigh down on his mood. Although temporary and natural periods of grief, worry, frustration, or loneliness are not a sign of mental illness, many older adults will find themselves dealing with untreated clinical depression that persists for several years. 

Alzheimer’s Disease
Forgetfulness is a natural sign of aging, but if occasional memory loss starts to become a daily occurrence, along with confusion, aggression, or hallucinations, Alzheimer’s disease might be the culprit. There is currently no cure to Alzheimer’s, and patients with this condition will need increasing levels of special care as the disease progresses.

Anxiety Disorders
The Surgeon General reports that 11.4 percent of adults over 55 have some kind of anxiety disorder, ranging from phobias to OCD. The most common anxiety disorder for older adults is agoraphobia, which often results in patients who are uncomfortable in places other than their home or the homes of their loved ones.

If you suspect that an aging family member may have a behavioral health condition, call UHMC at 954-724-6502 for a free assessment with no future obligation. We can provide resources and referrals for professionals who can help. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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Treatments for Depression

When it comes to mental illness, one of the most underdiagnosed demographics is older adults. Around 20 percent of those over age 65 are struggling with a mental disorder, and an estimated 60 percent are not receiving the behavioral healthcare they need. Older adults tend to respond well to treatment, and they can go back to living full and happy lives if their family and loved ones notice the signs and get them the care they need.

Signs of Depression

As people age, they begin to experience many losses as spouses, family, and friends begin to pass away. Although grief is natural and healthy, many older adults will settle into an indefinite period of depression. Some signs of depression to look for include:

· Change in sleep patterns

· A loss of interest in usual daily activities

· Difficulty concentrating or holding a conversation

· Complaints about a physical pain with no known cause

· Regular talk of hopelessness or guilt

· Isolation

· Increased consumption of alcohol

Signs of Anxiety Disorders

More than 11 percent of adults over age 55 suffer from an anxiety disorder. Although it is normal to feel occasional moments of stress during certain life circumstances, an unwavering routine of nervousness that disrupts daily life calls for professional behavioral healthcare. Signs might include:

· Irritability

· Inability to sleep through the night

· A long-term pattern of headaches or stomachaches

· Fatigue

· A constant fear of death or mental illness

· Shaking

· Chest pains

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Veterans of war, or older adults who have experienced an intense crisis first-hand, commonly suffer from PTSD. Those who need behavioral healthcare will often feel haunted by strong memories of the past, complain about restless sleep or nightmares, or experience flashbacks and moments of confusion and panic when they think they are experiencing a trauma again.

Other Mental Disorders

Older adults can also struggle with a panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Although some of these are more likely to be diagnosed earlier in life, younger patients might slip through the cracks or the disorder can uncharacteristically develop later in life. Any time you notice an unexplained change in your loved one’s behavior, especially if it seems to be disrupting his or her usual life, it could be a sign that behavioral healthcare is necessary.

For more information about behavioral health services at University Hospital, please visit our website or call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 954-724-6502.

Sources:

Mental Health Needs and Older Adults (CapeFearHealthyMinds.org)

Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly (HelpGuide.org)

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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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For most people in Tamarac, this is the most calorie-heavy time of year. It seems like as soon as the Halloween candy is finally gone, the Thanksgiving feasts begin and you don’t stop until you have had a calorie-filled glass of champagne for New Years. As important as it is to enjoy your life and the holidays, you must also pay attention to your diet. It isn’t hard to do both; you just have to think about what you are doing and stay focused.

• Treat Buffets Like Bank Accounts- You won’t maintain financial “health” without budgeting, right? Apply the same concept to the buffet line at your holiday parties. It sounds a little silly, but just think about eating like spending money. If you limit yourself to a particular calorie count on a daily basis, then make your decisions wisely. If you want the red velvet cake, then you should have it. Just realize that you won’t have that many more calories to spend, so have the lean meat and vegetables for your entrée and skip the fried and bacon-wrapped appetizers.
• Go to Parties to Party- Every holiday party has food, but you are going to see family and friends more than you are to eat. Remember that and have a sensible meal based on fresh fruits and vegetable, lean meats and whole grains before the party. Then you won’t be as tempted to gorge on the calorie filled dips and cookies at the party. Party food generally doesn’t constitute a meal anyways, so take care of hunger at home and socialize at the party.
• Sweat it Out- The holidays arriving does not meant that you should stop your exercise regimen. Find time for the gym, your elliptical machine or a run with your dog in between the parties. You won’t find yourself making an extraordinary resolution about weight loss at the end of the year if you stick to your work-outs in the months that lead up to it.
• Talk to Your Server- You will probably have some extra meals out during the holidays. Restaurants can make some delicious food, but in reality you have little knowledge of how much butter or salt they use. Ask your waiter for healthy suggestions that are on the menu. If they don’t appeal to you, ask if your meal can be cooked in a healthier manner or if they have any off-menu entrees that might help you eat a little leaner. If you do go for a calorie-filled selection eat slowly and take some home for a different day. Asking for sauces on the side and salad dressings that are based in oil and vinegar is another good way to cut fat out of restaurant meals.
• Drink for Hydration-Alcohol might be inevitable for a lot of holiday partiers. Limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Also choose diet and low-sugar mixers, as opposed to regular soft drinks. You can also take the alcohol out of the drink altogether. A soda water and lime is perfectly acceptable and it doesn’t taste too bad either.

We hope that you holidays bring you great times with family and friends. If you would like to find out more about health feel free to visit us online. If you have any medical questions that you would like answers to right away or need to locate a physician call 1-866-442-2362 for answers and free physician referrals.

Sources:

MSN

MedicineNet

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You know from reading our posts earlier this month that The Pavilion at University Hospital offers patients a tranquil setting and access to a wide variety of mental health professionals along with high-quality care.

At The Pavilion, we provide inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care for adult, child and adolescent patients. We care for such problems as alcohol and drug abuse; anxiety disorders like post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and separation anxiety; mood disorders like bipolar and depression; and schizophrenia. We offer crisis intervention, family counseling, marriage counseling, individual counseling, group counseling, recreation and art therapy, and referrals to community support groups.

We are also proud to offer a very special kind of complementary therapy that has proven benefits for all patients: pet therapy.

Pet therapy programs have been used successfully for years in hospitals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the many health benefits for patients.

Visiting with an animal lowers a patient’s blood pressure, and decreases anxiety, depression and loneliness. It provides a welcome distraction from pain and illness. An animal also improves a patient’s interaction and responsiveness. Animals motivate patients to look, speak and reach out to make contact.

So, why does pet therapy work so well?

Acceptance

Animals accept you without qualification. They don’t care how you look or what you say. They are forgiving. Their acceptance is nonjudgmental and a welcome respite for many patients.

Mental Stimulation

Animals’ presence brightens the atmosphere and increases amusement. The positive distraction often goes a long way toward decreasing a patient’s negative feelings and increasing their engagement.

Outward Focus

Patients coping with mental illness focus on themselves. Animals help them change focus. Patients stop thinking about themselves and their problems and start watching, talking and interacting with the animals.

Physiological

Patients relax in the presence of animals, especially when petting them. Numerous studies have shown a marked decrease in blood pressure.

Rapport

Animals can improve communication between a patient and a mental health professional. They help create an atmosphere that is emotionally safe and may break down a person’s initial resistance. Children are especially likely to connect with an animal.

Socialization

Studies have shown that when animals come to visit a facility, there is more laughter and interaction than at any other event. Animals encourage socialization among clients, staff, family and visitors.

Touch

Much has been written about the correlation between touch and health. Patients who live without touch don’t develop healthy relationships. They often fail to thrive and grow. Having an animal to hold can make a world of difference to people who might otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.

The Pavilion at University Hospital offers the care and expertise that patients need to overcome their mental illness. If you think you may be at risk for depression, please take this short self-assessment test and then visit The Pavilion website for more information. We can help.

Parents can often easily diagnose children’s medical problems like a fever or head cold, but they may have more trouble spotting mental health concerns. A pediatric mental health specialist can help families with the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health problems in children and teens. Specialized care from a health care provider trained in pediatric care is essential.

Different Needs

Although children and adolescents may face some of the same mental health issues as adults, such as depression and anxiety, they are also more prone to other disorders that affect adults less often-or differently:

• Behavior disorders (also sometimes called conduct disorders)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disorders
• Autism
• Eating disorders

Mental health providers who work primarily with adults may not be as attuned to the signs and symptoms of pediatric mental illness. A pediatric mental health care provider is specifically trained to address the mental health needs of children, which frequently differ from those of adults.

Different Self-Expression

Children and teens often express their emotions differently than adults do. This is especially true for younger children who may not yet have to language to articulate their needs and feelings. Depending on their condition, children may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Hostility, aggression, or destructive behavior
• Unexplained withdrawal
• Change in eating, sleeping, or personal hygiene habits
• Uncharacteristic trouble at school, either academic or behavioral
• Frequent crying or emotional outbursts
• Expression of constant worry or fear, beyond the fears of a normal child
• Poor concentration or inability to make decisions

Children’s unique forms of self-expression mean that it can be more difficult to diagnose mental illness. A child or teen may not directly tell anyone how he or she is feeling, but rather act out the emotions instead. A pediatric mental health care professional can recognize these signs and tailor an age-appropriate treatment plan.

If you are searching for pediatric mental health care, contact The Pavilion at University Hospital. Visit us online or call 954-724-6502.