Understanding Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Calendar May 16, 2012 | Posted by laicos

If you or someone you know is living with arthritis, you understand that this chronic condition can be incredibly painful and make even the easiest daily tasks seem daunting if not impossible. The Arthritis Foundation reports that more than 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases exist, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common.

What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, which means that bones begin to rub against one another. Lack of cartilage causes stiffness and pain that makes movement difficult. OA generally occurs in the knees, hips, hands and shoulders, but other joints can also be affected.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis and an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s own immune system attacks the tissues that line joints. Fluid builds up in the joints as a result, and pain and inflammation occur. RA can occur throughout the entire body, and although flare-ups—or intense bouts of pain—can come and go, RA generally gets worse over time.

Arthritis Awareness Month
JFK Medical Center applauds the Arthritis Foundation, a national nonprofit organization, for spreading the word about these and other conditions during National Arthritis Awareness Month. The organization reminds us that May is a great time to raise arthritis awareness and help raise funds for research. Considering that the Centers for Disease Control reports that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and the number of adults diagnosed with the condition is expected to climb to 67 million by the year 2030, we urge you to take a moment to understand arthritis and help explain it to others.

Suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis? The Orthopedic Institute at JFK Medical Center offers a leading-edge comprehensive approach to arthritis, joint replacement and other orthopedic conditions. Learn more about the Orthopedic Institute online or contact us by phone at (561) 548-3460 or (800) 449-8961. We would love to help answer your questions and address your concerns. To learn more about other departments and services offered at JFK, visit our website or call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-616-1927.

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Top Tips for Preventing Osteoporosis

Calendar May 9, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Chances are, you’ve seen commercials or magazine advertisements for osteoporosis prescriptions. This medical condition makes bones weak and therefore more likely to break, and it can affect anyone at any age; however,  it is most common in women over the age of 50. In fact, the National Institutes of Health report that up to half of all women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Heredity, race, gender and age all play a role in the development of osteoporosis, but other risk factors are within your control. Because the month of May has been designated National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), we encourage you to help us spread the word to mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and other loved ones in your life.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors Within Your Control
These three lifestyle changes may help you lower your risk of developing osteoporosis:

  • Get enough calcium. Calcium is a nutrient that helps strengthen bones. It is suggested that most men and women under consume 1000 milligrams of calcium each day while women over 50 and men over 70 consume 1200 milligrams of calcium per day. Calcium can be found in milk and other dairy products such as cheese or yogurt; dark green leafy vegetables like spinach; salmon; tofu and other soy products; and calcium-enriched cereals. If you are unable to consume enough calcium with food, a calcium supplement may be beneficial.
  • Get enough vitamin D.  Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Sunlight provides adequate vitamin D for most people, but if you use sunscreen or are indoors most of the time, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement. You can also look for foods that have been fortified with vitamin D.
  • Exercise regularly. A combination of strength training and weight-bearing exercise can also help strengthen your bones. Strength training can help improve bone strength in the arms and upper spine while weight-bearing exercises like walking or jogging can help improve bones in the lower half of your body.

Learn More About Osteoporosis
You can read more about osteoporosis or other medical conditions at JFK Medical Center's Health Library, and you can download informative National Osteoporosis Awareness Month tools to share with others on the NOF website

To learn about orthopedic services offered at JFK Medical Center, visit us online or call our free  Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-616-1927. Our nurses and referral specialists would happy to answer general health questions and help you find a doctor who is just right for you.

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Top 10 Ways to Prevent Stroke

Calendar May 2, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Did you know? Stroke affects millions of Americans each year. This condition, which is sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel, which disrupts the blood flow to the brain. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and it's the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. But there is good news: the National Stroke Association reports that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.

How can you prevent a stroke? Here are 10 ways:

  1. Monitor your blood pressure. If your numbers are too high, work with your doctor to get them down.
  2. Check your cholesterol. Know your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels, and if they are too high, talk to your doctor. You can lower your numbers though diet, exercise, and medication.
  3. Quit smoking. If you smoke, it's important to stop. If you've tried before and failed, get professional help to succeed.
  4. Get active. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you're not doing your body any favors. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Find something you enjoy and stick with it!
  5. Lose weight. Extra pounds put extra pressure on your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight and devise a plan to reach that goal.
  6. Watch your diet. Focus your meals on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This approach will help you manage your weight and keep your cholesterol low.
  7. Limit sodium. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. Try to consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day, or less than 1,500 mg if you already have high blood pressure. Be sure to check the labels for all the foods you eat. Need more direction? Try the DASH diet.
  8. Manage diabetes. If you live with diabetes, follow your doctor's orders regarding diet and make sure you monitor your glucose levels.
  9. Consider aspirin. Doctors may sometimes recommend a daily aspirin regimen for preventing heart attack and stroke. There is mixed research, so ask your physician if it is right for you.
  10. Limit alcohol. Heavy drinkers are at increased risk for stroke. Men should should have no more than two alcoholic drinks a day, just one for women.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and at JFK Medical Center we want to help you prevent stroke and stay healthy. Be sure to visit our Stroke Center online to learn about the warning signs and the available treatment. Questions? Just call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-616-1927. Our staff can answer general healthcare concerns and provide you with a physician referral.

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Understanding Whiplash

Calendar April 25, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Car accidents can occur at any time without any warning. Whiplash is often the result of a sudden acceleration-deceleration in a motor vehicle accident. The term whiplash was first used in 1928; previously, it had been known as railway spine due to injuries sustained in train accidents.

What Is Whiplash?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, whiplash is a non-life-threatening injury that refers to damage of the bone structure and soft tissue, resulting in a neck strain or sprain. Whiplash associated disorders can involve more severe and chronic conditions. 

What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs most often when a person in a non-moving vehicle is hit by a moving vehicle from behind. A rear impact forces the head and neck suddenly into hyperextension then into a hyperflexed position. This leads to damage of the tissue or bone of the vertebrae.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
If you are in an accident that results in whiplash, you may experience:

  • Stiff neck
  • Neck or back pain
  • Headache
  • Shoulder pain or stiffness
  • Arm pain or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Pain in the jaw
  • Visual disruptions
  • Ringing sound

Chronic whiplash disorders can also lead to:

  • Anxiety
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress syndrome
  • Sleep problems

What Is the Diagnosis and Treatment for Whiplash?
Your doctor will examine your neck and may take X-rays or do an MRI to look for any severe damage. The treatments for whiplash vary depending on the situation. You may wear a special neck collar to keep your head and neck secure and stable for a short time. Range-of-motion exercises early on may decrease symptoms and speed recovery time, so your doctor may suggest physical therapy. Recovery can take as a few days or up to a few months.

The Orthopedic Institute at JFK Medical Center can diagnose and treat whiplash, as well other orthopedic conditions. We are a full-service program that provides education, prevention information, recovery programs, and a full team of certified surgeons, physicians, and other staff members who really care about our patients. Visit us today or call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-616-1927 to get a physician referral. 

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The Benefits of Talk Therapy

Calendar April 18, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Don’t bottle it all up inside–you’ll explode. This may seem like another cliché, but it has truth and value. Talking about your feelings can really help. Talk therapy has many benefits for people with a variety of problems.

Who Can Benefit from Talk Therapy?
Research has shown that talk therapy can be as affective as taking antidepressant medication. People with any of the following problems may benefit greatly from talk therapy:

  • Depression (at least 16% of adults in the U.S.)
  • Anxiety (at least 11% of adults in the U.S.)
  • Stress at high levels
  • Eating disorders
  • Addiction
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bi-polar disorder
  • Relationship problems
  • Grief or bereavement
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Physical illness or impairment

What Happens at Talk Therapy?
The Mental Health Foundation explains that talk therapy is a positive approach to working out your problems. For the best results, you should commit to talk therapy with a trained therapist for a minimum of 7 weeks. You do not need any sort of diagnosis from a doctor to benefit from talk therapy. You will deal with negative thoughts and feelings and turn them into positives. Even if your problems are temporary or minor, talk therapy can be helpful. Your therapist will help you look at your thoughts and feelings to see how they actually affect your mood and actions. A therapist will help you find patterns of behavior that can be changed for the positive. Many types of talk therapy are offered one-on-one. Some are provided in a group setting so you can benefit from seeing how others cope. Talk therapy sessions for couples and families are also available. You will learn to better control your own life, which will lead to more confidence and fewer negative feelings.  

Why Talk Therapy Works
If you keep your worries in your mind, they grow. Talking helps identify specific problems and gets to the root of the issue. When you know the real problem, you can set better goals to resolve it. Talking strengthens bonds with other people and builds stronger relationships. While talking to a friend, family member or other trusted person can help you deal with day-to-day stressors, a neutral party in the form of a talk therapist is most helpful for more serious issues. An impartial perspective may provide you with insight into your own life that is hard to see from the inside.

JFK Medical Center offers a variety of talk therapy choices in our Behavioral Health Care unit. For more information, visit us online or call (561) 548-2673 to speak to the intake department. 

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What an Occupational Therapist Does

Calendar April 11, 2012 | Posted by laicos

The medical world is full of doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians who work hard for your health. One special job in the medical field is occupational therapist. April is Occupational Therapy Month, so this is a good time to learn more about this profession.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, an occupational therapist might work with children, adults, or the elderly. They help people who have been in an accident, sustained an injury, suffer from a disease, or were born with a birth defect. Occupational therapists help people who have physical disabilities, developmental delays, emotional problems, or cognitive impairments. Their job is to help people regain independence doing daily tasks. They might help people with dressing, grooming, cooking, and eating at home. They might help kids at school to move around, complete their assignments, and participate in social events. In the workplace, an occupational therapist might help reorganize and modify the work area and equipment for the job so a recovering person could return to work.

Occupational therapists might help with:

  • holding and releasing toys and school or work supplies
  • hand-eye coordination for playing with a ball or taking notes
  • anger management skills
  • using a computer or improving handwriting
  • modifying the work or home environment to make it easier to manage
  • using special equipment like wheelchairs, communication aids, and other special tools for completing daily tasks
  • attention and focus or social and communication skills

Occupational therapist could work:

  • in a hospital
  • at a school
  • in a rehabilitation facility
  • at a mental health center
  • in a private practice
  • at a children’s clinic
  • in a nursing home

The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that an occupational therapist will need a master’s degree or higher degree to begin. The next step is to attend an academic program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).  The educational program must include a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork. After the program has been completed, the future occupational therapist must take the national certification exam. Once a person is certified in occupational therapy, he or she must contact the state licensing board to find out about any other qualifications or requirements for that specific state.  

JFK Medical Center offers a variety of outpatient programs including occupational therapy. Visit us online to learn more or call Consult-A-Nurse for a referral at 1-800-616-1927.

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Diagnosing and Managing Epilepsy

Calendar April 4, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

The human brain is a delicate computer that can be affected by a variety of health problems. People who suffer from epilepsy experience seizures and convulsions due to disrupted brain activity. Epileptics will experience changes in attention and behavior.

Symptoms of Epilepsy
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but here are some common signs:

  • Staring spells
  • Violent shaking and seizure
  • Decrease in alertness

An aura such as tingling sensation, smelling an odor not actually present, or change in emotional state may precede a seizure

Types of Seizures
Seizures fall into these main categories:

  • petit mal: absence seizure
  • grand mal: generalized tonic-clonic seizure
  • focal: partial seizure

Diagnosing Epilepsy
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms, a physician will likely use the following tools for evaluation:

  • Physical exam of the brain and nervous system
  • EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure electrical activity in the brain
  • An EEG recorder, worn for a few days to measure brain activity during normal daily activities
  • Blood chemistry test
  • Blood sugar test
  • Complete blood count
  • Kidney function test
  • Liver function test
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
  • Infectious disease testing
  • CT or MRI scan of the head

Treating Epilepsy
There are a number of ways to treat and manage epilepsy. Your doctor may suggest a combination of strategies: 

  • Surgery may end seizures due to tumor, abnormal blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain.
  • Medication, such as anticonvulsants, can limit the number of future seizures.
  • If multiple medications fail to control epilepsy, the patient may undergo surgery to remove abnormal brain cells.
  • A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) can be implanted through surgery; it works like a heart pacemaker to reduce seizures.
  • In children, a ketogenic diet or the Atkins diet may be helpful.

People with epilepsy should wear medical alert identifiers so the proper care can be given in case of a seizure. Those with epilepsy that is not well controlled should not drive, operate machinery, or participate in activities that have a higher risk of injury if a seizure were to occur.

Visit JFK Medical Center online to learn more about specific treatments available for epilepsy. If you think you or someone in your family may suffer from epilepsy, call Consult-A-Nurse for a physician referral. JFK Medical Center will walk you through diagnosis and treatment until your epilepsy is well controlled and manageable.  

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What You Should Know about Concussions

Calendar March 28, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

A hit to the head is no joke. Any time your noggin gets knocked, you need to take it seriously. Whether you are hurt in an accident or on the playing field, a concussion can be very dangerous.

A concussion is caused any time the brain is bounced against the skull. Even a severe shaking or sudden stop can lead to concussion. A head injury can result in internal bleeding in the brain, which can cause irreversible brain damage.

Recognizing a Concussion
People can experience head injuries in different ways, but pay attention if you notice these symptoms for yourself or someone you are with.

  • Moderate to severe headache
  • Alertness levels that decrease or change
  • Losing consciousness
  • Memory loss or holes in your memory
  • Impaired judgment 
  • Reflexes are weak
  • Change in speech patterns
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden changes in sleep pattern
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bright or flashing light
  • Ringing noise in ears

Severe concussions may be also include:

  • Convulsions
  • Seizures
  • Weakness of the muscles
  • Coma
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Changes in pupil size
  • Unusual eye movement
  • Difficulty walking around

Treating a Concussion
According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should consult a doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a concussion. Only a physician can safely determine the severity of a concussion and check for internal bleeding. A mild concussion can be treated with acetaminophen (like Tylenol), not aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Stick to a lighter diet and abstain from alcohol and exercise for a few days. A person suffering a concussion needs to be monitored during the first 24 hours. He or she should be woken every 2 to 3 hours and asked a few simple questions such as name and date. Consult with a doctor again if any symptoms worsen. It may take a week to ten days to fully recover from a mild concussion. Some complex and severe concussions can have effects lasting a few months or longer before recovery is complete. During recovery, do not participate in any sports or physical activities that might result in further injury to the head. During recovery, someone with a concussion may experience irritability, impaired concentration or dizziness.  

Preventing a Concussion
The best way to prevent a concussion is to protect your head. During sports and other physical activities, you should wear a helmet and other safety gear. Be aware and safe while driving to avoid a head injury due to a car crash. Make use of railings and other safety equipment around you to avoid a slip or fall. If you recover from a concussion, make it a priority to prevent another, since subsequent concussions can be more drastic and dangerous.

Want to learn more? Consult the online resources at JFK Medical Center. If you suspect that your or a family member may have a concussion, don't hesitate to take advantage of our Emergency Department. You can count on low wait times and high-quality care. 

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Can What You Eat Help You Manage Your Arthritis?

Calendar March 21, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20% of Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. Painful, inflamed joints are not pleasant. However, there are many ways to treat arthritis and reduce pain. There are also many claims about diets that help manage arthritis. Some are proven while others are not supported by any evidence.

Foods that Help Arthritis
Can foods really reduce your symptoms? Evidence is mixed.

  • Vegetarian diet: In one-month studies, some arthritis symptoms improved, and over years the improvement continued gradually. You can experiment with a vegetarian approach and see how it works for you.
  • Alternative fats: Omega-6 fatty acids can make inflammation worse. Replace meat and poultry with fish like sardines, mackerel, trout, and salmon, which have omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
  • Certain oils: Extra-virgin olive and flaxseed oil are full of “good” monounsaturated fat that contains antioxidants called polyphenols to protect the body. Try to use those instead of other oils.
  • Green tea: The polyphenolic compounds in green tea have been shown to improve rheumatoid arthritis in mice, but human studies have not been conclusive.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: These foods contain boron, which can reduce arthritis symptoms.
  • Fish oil: It can help relieve arthritis pain.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects.
  • Antioxidants: Foods rich in vitamin C, selenium, carotenes, and bioflavonoids can decrease inflammation.
  • Diet supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin may be most effective when taken together.

In addition, any diet that results in weight loss can take pressure and strain off the joints and reduce arthritis pain.

Not all dietary restrictions to reduce arthritis pain are supported by studies. If you try other diets, monitor your health carefully, and eliminate one food at a time to isolate the results. Some foods that people think should be eliminated to decrease arthritis pain include dairy products, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggplant, and other nightshades like potatoes and peppers.

Have questions? Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your condition. The team at JFK Medical Center is ready to help. If your symptoms are hard to control, consult our Orthopedic & Spine Center to get relief. 

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How Nuclear Medicine Works

Calendar March 14, 2012 | Posted by JFK Medical Center

Nuclear medicine may not sound like a pain-free technology, but in fact it is. Nuclear medicine is a technique used to produce images of the body to diagnose and treat diseases. This technique is generally painless, safe, and cost-effective. The images from nuclear medicine give information about the structure and function of various body parts to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses sooner.

How Does Nuclear Medicine Work?

Radiopharmaceuticals are used to gather information in nuclear medicine. Only a small amount of the radioactive material is used, similar to an X-ray. A special camera is connected to a high-tech computer that creates detailed images of the organ being examined. The radiopharmaceuticals can be injected, swallowed, or inhaled. These special substances are attracted to specific organs, tissues, or bones. Radioactive emissions are captured as images at the molecular level. Nuclear medicine diagnoses diseases based on biological changes, unlike other X-ray tests, which look at changes in anatomy. Nuclear medicine can diagnose neurologic, oncologic, orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and renal problems, among others. Nuclear medicine has also been used to treat some cancers and conditions affecting the thyroid gland.

What to Expect with Nuclear Medicine

Before you schedule you exam, meet with your doctor. Women who are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding should inform their doctor and examine the risks and benefits. Inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, including herbs and vitamins. During the exam, you should remove all jewelry and other metallic accessories. You may wear a hospital gown or your own clothing, depending on the type of exam. Nuclear medicine imaging may be done in a hospital or as an outpatient procedure. You will need to sit very still while the camera takes its images. It may rotate around your body or remain stationary, depending on the images being captured. After the exam, a radiologist or other doctor will interpret the results and share them with you.

Benefits of Nuclear Medicine

  • It is safe (including for children).
  • It is painless (anesthesia not required).
  • It is non-invasive.
  • Procedures are cost-effective.
  • It can provide an earlier diagnosis for many diseases and conditions.
  • It can provide images of any part of the body.
  • it offers an accurate diagnosis based on biological changes.
  • Images can be combined with CT scans or MRI images to get a precise picture.

JFK Medical Center has a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging center that uses nuclear medicine among other techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. Your health is our top priority. We want to give you accurate results and diagnose problems early in a safe and painless way. Questions? Call our Consult-A-Nurse service to get a physician referral. 

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