What to Expect from Our ICU

Calendar January 25, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

When a person has a life-threatening illness or injury, the intensive care unit (ICU) can provide the critical care that is necessary. If you or a family member is in this situation, you can count on the ICU at JFK Medical Center to offer the very best in round-the-clock attention and medical expertise.

Patients in an ICU may be experiencing complications from an accident, infection, or surgery, or they may have a serious breathing problem. To treat these issues, the medical team will utilize equipment such as intravenous (IV) tubes, catheters, feeding tubes, and ventilators to sustain the patients and help them heal.

At JFK Medical Center, our intensivists are specially trained to care for critically ill patients. These physicians help coordinate the efforts of respiratory therapists, nurses, and other staff to ensure that patients receive the treatment that they need.

The intensivists continually monitor and assess our ICU patients, so they will notice even the slightest change in a medical condition. This process helps them to immediately address any new medical issues or complications.

Our intensivists are sub-specialty trained in pulmonary and critical care medicine, and their expertise has many benefits for patients. These include:

  • shorter hospital stays
  • fewer complications
  • increased survival rates
  • improved patient and staff satisfaction

Research shows that an intensivist program can improve patients' survival rates by 40 percent, so JFK Medical Center is proud to be among the 10 percent of hospitals that offer such a program.

Being critically ill is a challenging time for both patients and their families. However, at JFK Medical Center, you can rest assured that our ICU will provide the compassionate care and attention that is appropriate for your situation. We understand what you are going through, so we also offer constant communication and updates for family members.

Have questions? Please visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-616-1927.

 

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Your Medical History: Have you Shared It with Your Family?

Calendar January 18, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Sharing your medical history with your family might seem an uncomfortable prospect, but it may wind up saving your life as well as theirs.

 

What Is Your Medical History?

Your medical history includes quite a bit. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services actively encourages investigation into family medical history. Do you know how your great grandparents died or what illnesses they experienced during their lives? Of course, the closer you come to your parents the more relevant the information may become. The family line leads to you, making your own medical history a topic of vested interest to your family. You should include cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, allergies and more when considering your medical history. The American Medical Association suggests creating such a history once you find you are going to have a child, but it is never too late to start one. The facts collected are relevant to your family’s health as well as your own.

 

Who Should Know?

You should make your children aware of your personal medical history, as well as that of their genetic family line. If diabetes runs in your family, for instance, it may be possible to create a diet plan to delay the onset of the disease. Your children may eventually wind up helping you with your health. The more they know, the better prepared they will be. You and your spouse should also share information on your health risks so that you can work together to stay healthy.

 

When Is Medical History Useful?

Understanding your health risks is the major benefit of sharing your medical history. The information should help you to create diet and exercise plans that contribute to better health. It will also encourage you to get screenings, based on the medical conditions you may be most at risk for. Emergency medical staffs need to know your medical history to help you safely and more efficiently. Your family members may find they are the ones who have to inform medical technicians on your behalf. If they are prepared, their assistance will be invaluable.

 

If you are concerned about key factors of your medical history, the team at JFK Medical Center can help. Use our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-616-1927 to find a physician or to make an appointment.

 

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Cyberknife Technology and How It Can Benefit You

Calendar January 11, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

CyberKnife is a fairly new technology that is designed to treat cancer on a localized basis. If you or someone you love is concerned about cancer treatment, see if CyberKnife could be the answer you're looking for. 

 

What Is CyberKnife?

Cancer cells are randomly dividing cells that do not contribute to your body’s overall structure. CyberKnife kills off the rogue cells with the goal of eliminating the unwanted growths. CyberKnife aims radiation at specific areas to kill cancer cells. Because the treatment is localized, other parts of the body ordinarily receive fewer side effects.

 

Advantages of Localized Therapy

While some cancer treatments affect the entire body, CyberKnife targets the exact location of the cancer. This is especially advantageous for cancers that are in the initial stages of growth. The procedure may target small cancerous growths such as intestinal polyps or cancers of the brain. Sensitive areas may benefit from localized therapy, minimizing the chance of undesirable side effects.

 

CyberKnife Benefits

Because the CyberKnife works with precision, targeting only the desired area, hospital visits are often shorter. CyberKnife is a non-invasive cancer-fighting technique that does not require surgical incision. X-rays determine the location of your cancer before the CyberKnife procedure. According to the Cancer.gov website, your doctor may also target areas to which cancer predictably spreads, making CyberKnife a useful tool in preventative therapy as well.

 

Is CyberKnife an Option for You?

A number of options exist for the treatment of cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which methods are right for you. If you have had cancer previously, that may influence which treatment options your doctor will recommend. Previous health issues can also play a part. If you are already receiving cancer treatments, ask your doctor if localized radiation therapy is a valid form of therapy for your condition.

 

JFK Medical Center is proud to offer CyberKnife treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact JFK Medical Center by calling our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-616-1927.

 

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Is 2012 Your Year for Weight Loss Surgery?

Calendar January 4, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

When dieting and exercise are not enough, you may need to search for other options in your battle against obesity. Take time to investigate weight loss surgery to see if it is the right option for you.

 

What Is Body Mass Index?

Body mass index, or BMI, calculates obesity based upon height and weight. It is a general guideline to determine whether or not you are overweight. Beyond certain levels, body fat threatens your health. The Centers for Disease Control offers a simple chart to determine if you might be at risk.

 

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?

Obesity poses increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases. Determining if bariatric surgery is right for you should be done with good research and a visit to your doctor’s office. Weight loss surgery intends to help those who have failed to lose weight by other means. According to an ObesityHelp.com article, candidacy begins when your BMI is too high and you are roughly 80 to 100 pounds overweight or more. Your doctor might also advise you that your weight is an immediate threat to your health.

 

Weight Loss Surgery Benefits

After bariatric surgery, you will probably feel full much faster, reducing your intake of food. Once you begin to lose weight, you may find you sleep better, snore less, and have more energy. Stress on your heart will lessen, and you may be able to enjoy a wider range of activities. Naturally, you will also look thinner, which could boost your self-esteem.

 

Choosing Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone. Remember that it is not a quick fix, but rather it is a the first step in a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Look into your bariatric surgery options and consult your doctor to find out more. If weight loss surgery is the right choice for you, 2012 might be your year to shed those unhealthy pounds.

 

To find out more about bariatric surgery, to find a physician, or to schedule an appointment, contact the team at JFK Medical Center using our free Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-616-1927.

 

 

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JFK Make Time for Exercise in 2012

Calendar December 28, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Exercise is a necessary component of good health. It strengthens your immunities while helping to keep you fit for life. Making a New Year's resolution to exercise more in 2012 can have huge benefits.

 

Cardiovascular Health

Your heart is perhaps the most important organ in your body. Keeping physically fit helps your heart stay healthy. PreventingHeartDisease.org states that the number of sedentary adults is roughly one in four, but you don't need to be part of that statistic. Exercise promotes the healthy flow of blood throughout your body and can help to prevent disease. Exercise also helps to reduce bad cholesterol, allowing the blood stream to clean itself of potential obstructions. Do your heart a favor and add exercise to your daily routine.

 

Preventing Obesity

You will find obesity on the list of risk factors for nearly every disease. Though dieting helps, exercise is also necessary to maintain a healthy weight. Most experts agree on about thirty minutes a day as a good benchmark. Start out with exercises that you are capable of doing. You can move on to more strenuous routines as you get stronger.

 

Fighting Diseases

Your cardiovascular system and your lymphatic system help to carry nutrients and clean impurities from your body. The National Cancer Institue tells us that exercise may help to reduce the risk of cancer, even in high-risk patients. Physical activity increases the rate that fluids travel through your system, allowing your body to work harder at making repairs and maintaining important functions.

 

Boosing Your Mood 

When you exercise regularly, you may find that your outlook will improve. In fact, research has shown that regular activity can help fight depression. The next time you are blue, don't reach for a snack or a drink. Instead, lace up your sneakers and go break a sweat. 

 

Regular Checkups for Prevention and Early Diagnosis

The time to strike back against disease is before it occurs. Exercise can help you to attain this goal. Getting regular checkups will add to your efforts to prevent disease, while early diagnosis of medical problems saves many lives. Be sure to add regular doctor visits  to your health routine so you can stay fit.

 

Do you have questions about your exercise goals? The staff at  JFK Medical Center can help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 800-616-1927.

 

 

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Nutritional Supplements: Are They Right for You?

Calendar December 21, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Dietary supplements receive praise from some, while others say they might not do much good. Whether or not you take nutritional supplements is a choice you should make after looking into the facts.

 

Are Nutritional Supplements Good or Bad?

A report by LiveScience.com suggested that some supplements may do little to advance good health. The report added that some vitamins, such as C, might help to prevent diseases before they are contracted but might also fuel those diseases if taken after you become ill. Another report on supplements reminds us that manufacturing processes differ, and just because it says “vitamins” on the bottle does not mean it will necessarily be healthy. Understanding which supplements to take and when to take them should be an important step in your health education.

 

Wise Choices for Nutritional Supplements

DoctorsNatural.com backs the use of vitamins, saying that 98% of Americans don’t get the daily nutrition they need. Diet and exercise are key to good health. You should try to get the natural foods you need to balance your system. If you still find you are lacking complete nutrition, you may want to add supplements. As with any product, read the label before buying. Some vitamin manufacturers might add chemicals you are not interested in consuming. Doing online research could help you to make your choice. Plenty of research results await your discovery. Give yourself a thirty-minute education before you go shopping.

 

Evaluate Your Diet

Are you eating right? Do you really consume the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods? Evaluating your need for nutritional supplements may be a good idea before choosing what to buy. If you are not getting the nutrition you need, it may be time to look into which vitamins are the right ones for you.

 

Your Doctor Can Help

Understanding your physical condition can boil down to guesswork in many cases. Allow your doctor to help you. He or she may be able to assist you in your choice of dietary additions. If you are considering nutritional supplements, get a checkup first to evaluate your health.

 

The team at JFK Medical Center wants to help you make healthy choices. For more information or to schedule an appointment, just call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-616-1927.

 

 

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5 Tips on How to Eat Healthy this Holiday Season

Calendar December 14, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

The holidays are usually synonymous with large parties, family time, spreading cheer and, of course, overeating and adding a few extra pounds. This year, make sure you’re ready to combat the holiday temptations and stay fit with this quick guide to healthy holiday eating.

  • Snack healthier. Time in your schedule may be tight, so remember to snack before you attend a party so you’re not starving when you arrive. Fresh and dried fruits, a granola bar, hummus and raw veggies are all delicious and nutritious anytime snacks.
  • Use fresh ingredients. When planning holiday meals, use fresh, organic ingredients instead of processed foods to cut down fat and sodium. Staying fresh means a healthy (and tasty) holiday experience.
  • Don’t reach for seconds or thirds. With so many delicious food items, it’s hard not to grab seconds or even thirds at dinner. Keeping track of your meal portions is a fantastic way to stay healthy during the holidays. Try to take one scoop instead of two and remember to eat slowly to avoid overindulging.
  • Lots of H20. Staying hydrated is incredibly important during the holidays. It prevents you from consuming too many alcoholic beverages and it reduces any temptations for late night snacking on leftovers. Drinking up to 10 ounces of water with each meal will help regulate your holiday diet.
  • Schedule your exercise daily. With the holidays comes shopping, dinner parties and stress. However, don’t let these events cut into your fitness routine. Schedule your physical activity each day to maintain weight control, increase cardiovascular health and give you that extra boost you need for those long shopping days.

Remember that you want to ring in the New Year the right way—with a healthy mind and body! Don’t put yourself through the ringer for that extra slice of pie; instead exercise daily, portion your food right and, above all, enjoy the time spent with family and friends. For medical questions or to contact a physician near you, please contact JFK Medical Center. Visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-616-1927.

 

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Do You Have the Holiday Blues?

Calendar December 7, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Holiday joy is an expectation you cannot always live up to. Finding ways to beat the holiday blues might help you make the holiday season a little bit brighter.

 

Missing Your Loved Ones

Missing loved ones during the holiday is a valid reason for the blues. Airline fees, driving distance and work constraints sometimes keep you from traveling to see your family and friends. If you are accustomed to spending the holiday with your family, being without them can create feelings of loss or sadness. You might want to call your family more often during the holidays to combat your depression. Creating a festive environment in your own home might also help. If possible, try to make the most of your current situation by enjoying local holiday events.

 

Social Tension during the Holidays

Friction among family members can make you feel that the holiday is “ruined.” Communications Current notes that criticism of the younger generation constitutes a large portion of holiday disagreements. Foregoing correction of the younger guests might help to minimize these social clashes. If an unkind comment has hurt your feelings, try to move past it. A critical individual might have larger problems than you do.

 

Unrealized Expectations

Perhaps the hardest part of coping with the holiday blues is overcoming the expectation that you should be happy. Holiday joy is not automatic. Hooah4Health.com suggests you keep in mind that it is not necessary to comply with the demand for holiday happiness. Let go of the idea that you must meet the advertised expectations of the holiday season.

 

Tips for a Happier Holiday

If you choose to experience some of the magic of the season, create new traditions to replace the ones you are missing. Spend time with nearby friends and share some holiday traditions with them. You might try buying yourself a gift or taking a small vacation.

 

Getting Help

You could be facing a holiday alone that your friends don’t know about. Tell them your situation and you might receive an invitation to spend the holiday with one of their families. If you feel your blues are insurmountable, keep in mind that you can seek out the help of a professional.

 

JFK Medical Center wishes you the best possible holiday season. To learn more about our Behavioral Health services or to make an appointment, call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-616-1927.

 

 

 

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Headed to the ER? What to Expect

Calendar November 30, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

While the emergency room might be the last place you want to be, it is also the last place you want to do without. Emergency services are a necessary and vital part of every community. If you know what to expect, your visit to the ER might be less stressful.

 

When to Go to the ER

The emergency room provides service as swiftly as possible to visitors. Individuals with life-threatening illness and injuries need prompt attention by medical professionals. To ensure that most critical injuries and illnesses receive care, it is important that emergency departments not get overloaded. Knowing when to go to the ER instead of a personal physician is key. Mild illnesses do not require emergency services. For instance, the flu is rarely a justification unless it develops complications. However, if you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and head to the ER. Never hesitate to take an injured or severely ill person to the hospital.

 

How to Prepare for a Potential Emergency Room Visit

First and foremost you should know the location of your community hospitals. The emergency room you choose should be as close as possible. Have the number handy, not just taped to the side of the refrigerator, but stored somewhere on your person, such as in a wallet or purse. You don’t want to try to find this information in the middle of an emergency. If you cannot get to the hospital on your own, dial 911. Keep a list of previous illnesses and current medications for you and your family, just for these kinds of situations. If you have time, bring a change of clothing, in case you suspect a longer stay at the hospital.

 

ER Wait times

Wait times will vary based on a number of factors. Larger communities ordinarily will have more people visiting the ER. Seasonal events can increase the number of visitors. The severity of your illness or injury will also play a part in how long you wait. At JFK Medical Center, we work to keep our ER wait times low. You can depend on us to provide fast and effective treatment.

 

Emergency Room Advice

Following directions given by the doctors and nurses in an emergency room can make your stay go smoother. Your hospital staff will help you to determine what type of care you need.

 

JFK Medical Center is ready to care for you when you have an emergency. For more information, visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-616-1927.

 

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If You Have Cancer, What Next?

Calendar November 23, 2011 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer may be one of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. Knowing where to go from there is crucial. Once you know you have cancer, it is time to take action.

Cancer Education

The primary step to take when you discover you have cancer is to learn about your condition. Studying about cancer, your type of cancer specifically, can help you to understand how to combat it and what actions you need to take next. You should learn what measures you can perform on your own and which ones will require the help of a physician. Having a good grasp of your situation will help.

Help for Cancer Patients

Another very important step is finding help. You will need support from your friends and family, so don’t be afraid to ask. You will also require specialists to help you with testing, further diagnosis, and various treatments. Often, a cancer patient will require more than one type of specialist. Finding a team that understands your condition is important. The hospital you choose should have a cancer treatment center.

Types of Treatment

Your physician will help you to sift through the many types of treatment for cancer. Aside from good nutrition, a number of options exist. The three most common are:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery

Lesser known therapies include:

  • Use of heat
  • Cutting off blood flow to tumors
  • Boosting the immune system
  • Hormone therapy
  • Bone marrow transplant

These are only some of the therapies that exist. Ask your doctor which form of treatment might work best for your specific cancer.

Don’t Wait to Tackle Your Cancer

The most important thing to do when you find out you have cancer is to take immediate action. The prospect of having cancer is intimidating, but don’t let this lead to hesitation on your part. The sooner you attack your cancer, the better your chances are of defeating the disease.

JFK Medical Center is prepared to help you in your battle against cancer. Contact us now using our Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-616-1927 to ask questions, find a physician, or learn about treatment options.

 

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