It probably seems like bad news. No one wants to have a hysterectomy, but there may come a time when you have no alternative. You may have been diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer, or you may suffer from vaginal bleeding, fibroids, or endometriosis.

If a doctor recommends you have a hysterectomy, take some time to learn the facts.

Hysterectomy Basics

During a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed. In some cases the fallopian tubes and ovaries are taken out as well. There are different types of hysterectomies:

· In a partial hysterectomy, just the upper part of the uterus is removed.

· In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and the cervix are taken out.

· In a radical hysterectomy, the entire uterus is removed, including the tissue around the cervix and the upper part of the vagina. Usually, this is necessary when cancer is present.

If you and your doctor agree that a hysterectomy is the best course of action, there are some things you should know.

· If you haven’t entered menopause yet and you keep your ovaries during the hysterectomy, you will enter menopause earlier than other women. If your ovaries are taken out, you will enter menopause right away.

· You’re not alone. In fact, by the age of 60, one out of every three women has had a hysterectomy.

· Hysterectomies don’t have to be as invasive as they once were.

The Technology of da Vinci®

It may sound like science fiction, but it’s really here. Doctors performing hysterectomies can now use a robotic-assisted system called da Vinci®. No worries—a robot won’t be in control. Instead, your doctor will just use the da Vinci® Surgical System to help guide the process.

In a traditional hysterectomy, a doctor would make a horizontal incision, 15 to 30 centimeters, across the lower abdomen. But with da Vinci®, the doctor makes a series of much small incisions, and the surgery is less invasive.

Is the da Vinci® Surgical System right for you? Here are some potential benefits:

· You’ll lose less blood, so you’ll have less need for a transfusion.

· You’ll experience less pain and less scarring.

· You’ll have a lower risk of infection.

· Your stay in the hospital will be shorter.

· You’ll have a quicker return to your everyday activities.

If you have questions about da Vinci® and how this new technology can help you, contact Kendall Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-305-222-2200. We’re here to give you answers and help you weigh your options.

SOURCES
National Institutes of Health
da Vinci Surgery
Women’s Health

Anytime you’ve run up a flight of stairs, you’ve heard it: the familiar thump-thump of your heart beating. But what do you really know about your heart rate?

The average number of beats per hour is 50 to 100. However, many people suffer from arrhythmia, which is an irregular heart rhythm. In fact, in the United States alone, more than 800,000 people are hospitalized for arrhythmia each year. Although there are many tests and treatments, electrophysiology may be one of the best ways to zero in on the problem and determine a course of action.

Diagnosing Arrhythmia

An electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test that measures heart activity through wire electrodes that are placed in the heart. The goal of the test is to learn more about an arrhythmia, determine the risk for future heart attacks or other problems, and evaluate the need for a pacemaker or other therapy.

If you’re scheduled for an EPS, here’s how it works:

· You’ll probably have to refrain from eating or drinking 6 to 8 hours before the test. Your doctor will give you advice about that and what medications to continue taking or avoid.

· You’ll check in to a hospital lab facility, where nurses, doctors, and technicians will be on hand.

· Once you’re given a sedative, a doctor will place IVs in your groin area. Then catheters will be run through the IVs, into your body, and up to your heart. A doctor uses x-rays to guide the catheters and then place electrodes in the right spots.

· The electrodes can read the heart’s activity and provide a blueprint of problem areas.

· The test usually takes 20 to 60 minutes. During this time, you’ll be awake and aware of all that’s going on around you.

· You will probably need a ride home if you’re discharged that day.

Causes of Arrhythmia

What causes arrhythmia? A number of factors can contribute, including recovery from heart surgery or a heart attack, an electrolyte imbalance, coronary artery disease, or any change in your heart muscle. Some tell-tale signs include heart palpitations, fainting, dizziness, and general fatigue.

If you suspect you have an irregular heartbeat, contact Kendall Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-305-222-2200. Electrophysiology may help you on your way to recovery.

SOURCES
http://www.medicinenet.com/arrhythmia_irregular_heartbeat/article.htm
http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Electrophysiology/overview/adam20?fdid=Adamv2_003867

You want your kids to be active and enjoy sports. But how do you keep them safe? Every year, thousands of young athletes end up on the sidelines or in emergency rooms. The most common injuries are sprains and strains; however, children can also break bones and even suffer concussions.

Injuries can occur in nearly any athletic activity. Usually, more contact leads to more bumps and bruises. But no matter what the sport, there are ways to help prevent your children from ending up on the disabled list:

· Wear the right gear: Take time to put on the helmet, shoulder pads, shin guards, mouth guards, goggles, and other protective equipment. Be sure your children have all the recommended gear and wear it properly.

· Learn the rules: Most sports have rules in place that help kids play safe. For instance, no head-first sliding in baseball and softball, and no body-checking in ice hockey. Encourage your children to know the rules and follow them.

· Warm up and cool down: Be sure kids take the time before a game or practice to warm up their muscles. Light stretching and jumping jacks should do the trick. Then make sure they cool down after a workout.

· Take a break: During games and practices, young athletes should have a chance to rest and catch their breath.

· Work with coaches: Watch the coaches in action, and make sure they have the kids’ best interest in mind. Offer help if the coaches seem overwhelmed or have too many kids to supervise.

· If it hurts, stop! Let your kids know that if they get hurt, it’s OK to sit it out. No child should be pressured to play through pain.

· Take time to heal: If athletes have been injured, make sure they heal completely before taking the field again. Playing with a partially healed muscle can lead to reinjury. It can also place stress on the rest of the body, leading to additional injuries.

· Stay hydrated: Especially on hot days, it’s important for players to drink plenty of water.

· Keep it light: Sure, kids should play their best, but never pressure them to win at all costs. If coaches or other parents seem too serious, tone it down. Let your little stars know that they don’t need to overdo it. Having fun and being a good sport is a better result that a recording a W any day.

If you have questions about your child’s health or any potential injuries, contact Kendall Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-305-222-2200. The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be for game day.

Where would you go if you or a loved one was suddenly injured? What if it happened at two o’clock in the morning? In either case you would need the services of a prepared emergency room. Emergency rooms are there for you when you need medical care right away. They have medical personnel on site at all hours of the day who are trained in not only medicine, but in providing urgent care in a timely manner.

Knowing which emergency room will serve you best in advance, will help out when an accident happens. In many cases, you or a loved one can even instruct an ambulance driver on which emergency room you should be taken to. When deciding on the emergency room that is best for you there are some factors that you should consider.

What to think about when choosing an ER.

• Technology- In our homes technology provides new televisions to entertain us and and advanced security systems to secure our possessions. In an emergency room technology saves lives. If you are comparing two emergency rooms, find out which one is newer or was remodeled more recently. Technological advances happen as quickly with medical equipment a they do with personal computers. Make sure that your emergency room operates on the forefront of technological advancement. It should have X-Ray machines, a CT Scanner and an MRI Machine among other equipment.
• Certification- Emergency medicine is a quickly establishing field. While all doctors can provide adequate healthcare, emergency training helps prepare a doctor to work with emergency patients. It may be a good idea to ensure that your emergency room has some certified physicians on staff. Do not think that all ER employees must be certified, this is unrealistic.
• Transfer Care- Sometimes an emergency room will provide initial care but then have to transfer a patient to another facility. Find out where your ER will send you and make sure that these are care providers you trust. On the other side of the coin, make sure that your personal doctor will be granted permission to care for you in the event that you are admitted to the hospital from the emergency room. While it is common for private practice doctors to treat their patients when they are in the hospital, you must make sure that your doctor will be able to. This will ensure that you get the benefit of the hospital’s resources along with care from your trusted physician.
• Insurance- Health insurance will be there to help cover costs if you have to go to the emergency room. Check in advance to make sure that your chosen emergency room will accept your insurance. This can save a lot of stress after the fact.
• Quality- There are performance reports administered at both the state and local levels. Check out how the hospital that hosts your emergency room is rated. A well rated hospital usally signals a quality emergency room.

At Kendall Regional Medical Center, our emergency care facility is prepared to provide efficient and effective care in a hurry. You can view up to date emergency room wait times 24 hours a day here. Our entire facility has received been accredited by the Joint Commission, a nationally influential non-profit group which certifies quality healthcare establishments. We hope that you evaluate us in your search for an emergency room. We know that if you do, you will see that our facility is the most capable in the area of providing expert emergency care. If you have any medical questions, feel free to contact out Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-305-222-2200.

At some time in our lives, most of us have had an aching back. In fact, as many as 31 million people suffer from pain in their lower back at any one time, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

Posture is how we hold ourselves when we stand, sit, walk, drive, perform tasks, and even sleep. It has a significant effect on our health and well-being. Poor posture can not only cause back pain, but also headaches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort.

Your backbone and you

Many of us don’t think about how we sit or stand during the day. If we are hunched over or slumped in our seats, this is not healthy for the spine. It puts added pressure on what is essentially our body’s shock absorber and alignment system.

Poor posture over time can actually cause the spine to move out of alignment. This in turn can create muscle tension, which can affect the joints and ligaments, since they are all connected.

Signs of bad posture

People tend to stay in the same positions for extended periods of time, which can lead to poor posture and back pain. In addition to hunching and slumping, here are three more ways people can throw their spine out of whack:

• Sleeping without proper neck or back support
• Cradling a telephone receiver between the shoulder and the ear
• Wearing extremely high heels

Fortunately, posture is something that many people can improve. It begins by paying attention to the way they hold themselves, drive, sit at work and lift objects.

Cultivating good posture

Many companies realize that posture is important for employee productivity. They buy ergonomically-friendly office equipment such as computer monitors and keyboards, desks, chairs and footrests that can be adjusted to fit the employee. If your firm does not offer this, ask your Human Resources department to look into it.

The following are other ways you can improve your posture:

• When walking, keep your back straight and your eyes forward.
• Sit back in the seat while driving to allow support of the back and shoulders.
• Ensure your mattress and pillows provide adequate support.
• Bend the knees when lifting objects, not just your back.

Posture promoters

For people who do not exercise regularly, getting moving can help improve their posture.

Some find that the stretching and flexing of yoga is helpful because it relaxes both the body and the mind.

If you are not certain why your back hurts, call the KRMC Orthopedic and Spine Institute at (305) 222-2200.

For more information about posture and its relationship to back pain, or for a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-305-222-2200, or visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online.

When a person has a heart attack, he or she often experiences crushing pain or pressure in their upper abdomen or chest and shortness of breath. However, some people have other symptoms, like nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness.

There are a several varieties of heart attack. The most dangerous is ST-elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI. A STEMI occurs when blood flow to the heart is cut off because of a clot in an artery or in a chamber of the heart.

Speed is essential to treating STEMI, which is detected when the patient undergoes an EKG. If the blockage is not dissolved or removed quickly, a large area of heart muscle can die, causing complications, severe disability, or death.

Kendall Regional Medical Center has a STEMI team that is trained and equipped to handle these deadly heart attacks. In addition, the hospital is part of the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue STEMI Network.

STEMI and D2B Time

Medical experts stress that in order to save a STEMI patient and preserve their quality of life, he or she must have blood flow re-established to their heart within 90 minutes of arriving in the emergency room.

At KRMC, the average STEMI time is 54 minutes.

The following are additional terms associated with treating a STEMI heart attack.

• tPA: a clot-busting drug that is effective if given within soon after a STEMI.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention: a procedure in which a thin plastic tube called a catheter is outfitted with an inflatable balloon, PCI is used to unblock a coronary artery.
• D2B: Door-to-balloon. KRMC participates in a nationwide initiative called the D2B Alliance, which is working to decrease the time between when a STEMI patient arrives at a participating hospital and he or she receives PCI.

The most common form of PCI is angioplasty. In this procedure, the catheter is threaded through the patient’s groin up to the coronary arteries. When the balloon is inflated, it compresses plaque buildup that has narrowed the coronary artery and restores blood flow.

KRMC Catheterization Laboratory

PCI is performed in our catheterization lab, which is staffed with physicians, nurses and technicians who are trained and available to care for STEMI heart attack patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not all hospitals have a cath lab and therefore, cannot treat STEMI patients.

But catheterization isn’t just used to treat heart attack. Because it is minimally invasive, it’s an excellent diagnostic tool that allows physicians to find coronary artery disease and blockages before a heart attack strikes.

If you or a family member, friend or co-worker exhibits the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

For more information about STEMI heart attacks, diagnostic heart catheterization, or to get a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-888-256-7723, or visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online.

Summer time is here again. Longer days and plenty of sunshine give us all the opportunity to spend time outside. Whether it be for enjoyment or exercise, the season provides plenty of opportunity for sports. Summer sports provide an outlet for multiple activities, so there is one that will appeal to everyone. While they are fun and a great way to stay in shape, summer sports do come with injuries. Both acute traumatic injury, which basically just means that an injury comes about by way of a single blow (fracture, abrasion/cut, sprained ankle, bruise, etc) and chronic injury, those that develop over time (stress fracture) can be avoided. The warm weather allows a wider variety of sporting options, which increases the chance for people to engage in amateur or less supervised sports, thereby increasing chances for injuries.

By following a few tips and keeping safety in mind it is possible to go outside, have fun, exercise and not get hurt.

· Start off by stretching and warming up- Preparing your body and muscles for activity will pay dividends during and after the game.

· Remember to condition year round- Many injuries occur because people are either unprepared to meet the physical demands of the sport or they are prepared but over do it. While it may not be feasible to play summer sports in the offseason, it is possible to condition by way of regular exercise. If you keep your body in shape you will be far less likely to suffer a sports related injury.

· Be sure to wear any protective gear that might be needed- Helmets, cups and braces are important and can keep you free from sports injuries.

· Make sure you know the rules before you get you on the field- It sounds basic, but especially in contact sports, it is necessary to know which way the action is headed so that you do not end up injured. Even in an individual sport like biking, you must know how your bike works and how it will react to the terrain in order to avoid getting hurt.

· Do not play injured- This tends to lead to the chronic injuries mentioned earlier. Playing despite having a pre-existing sports injury can be dangerous. Not only does it impede the healing process, it can often make the injury worse.

· Drink plenty of fluids- Between the exercise performed while playing sports and the temperatures you endure while being outside, you are bound to sweat. If you forget to drink water or a sports drink then you run the risk of dehydration. Dehydration is a leading cause for emergency room visits in the summer months and one of the most common sports related injuries. Be sure that you stick with water or a sports drink. Drinks high in caffeine can further dehydrate you and sugar based drinks are counter-productive to the exercise you are getting while engaging in summertime sports.

With a little preparation and the intention to have fun safely, it is easy to minimize summer sports injuries. If you do unfortunately end up injured and it appears to be serious, do not delay. Seek the advice of a licensed physician. For answers to your summer safety questions, visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-305-222-2200.

Unless you are new to Florida, you know that it can get extremely hot and humid here this time of year. Temperatures often soar into the 90s, and even hit the triple-digit mark on occasion.

When the heat and the humidity skyrocket, the risk of hot-weather illness also goes up. This is because humidity interferes with the body’s ability to sweat, which is how humans keep cool when it’s hot outside.

Types of heat illness

The following are the most common heat-related ailments and their symptoms.

• Heat cramps: If you work out or are active in the heat, your muscles may tighten up. This condition goes away when you stop exercising and cool off. Massaging the muscles can also help relax them.
• Heat exhaustion: You feel dizzy and lightheaded and you may develop a headache. You may also feel clammy and sweat a lot. Tip: If you go to the bathroom and you notice that your urine is dark, that’s a sure sign of dehydration.
• Heat stroke: The most dangerous of the three, heat stroke occurs when the body’s cooling system stops working. You cease to sweat, your skin turns hot and dry, and your pulse becomes rapid and weak. You could become confused or even pass out. If your body’s temperature rises to 104°F or above, and isn’t brought back down quickly, it’s possible to suffer brain damage or die.

Beating the heat

Our hot time of year is just getting started. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can protect yourself from the sweltering summer sun.

• Stay home. This one may seem obvious, but there is one important exception. If you don’t have air conditioning in your house, you should head to a public place like a mall or a library. It will not only be cool, but also not as humid as a home without AC or being outside.
• Drink liquids. Consume water, or a sports drink that can replace the minerals your body loses through sweating. Don’t drink anything with alcohol or caffeine, as these can actually speed dehydration.
• Limit outside activities. If you must be outdoors, try to do it before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. If you work out of doors, do it in shifts and take frequent rest breaks. Also, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.

If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 and get them to a cool area and lay them down, then cover them with wet sheets or towels.

The Emergency Department team at Kendall Regional Medical Center has the training and experience to help keep you healthy during the hot summer months. Plus, our ER wait times average less than 20 minutes.

For more information about staying safe in the heat, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online.

One of the most popular ways to keep cool during a scorching Florida summer is by spending time in the water.

Kids amuse themselves in the pool playing Marco Polo and doing cannonballs. In the ocean, they body surf with boogie boards and float on rafts. Adults lounge in the pool, take dips in the bathtub-calm Gulf of Mexico, or bob in the waves of the Atlantic. Still other people refresh themselves in rivers and lakes.

A popular pastime

No matter where you do it, swimming is a great way to beat the heat. By following a few common-sense rules, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe in or near the water.

• Know how to swim. This may seem like a no-brainer, but not everyone can. There are numerous aquatics facilities in the Miami area that offer classes. They teach you not only how to swim, but how to recognize if someone is struggling in the water, and what to do.
• Watch children at all times. It only takes a minute of inattention for tragedy to strike. Keep your kids continually in your sight.
• Don’t drink and swim. When you consume alcohol, even if you are not legally intoxicated, your reflexes slow down and your judgment becomes impaired. This can make it difficult or impossible to save yourself – or someone else.
• Swim with a buddy. This goes for adults and kids alike. If one of you gets into trouble, the other can help – or find help.
• Know the water and the weather. This is critical with natural bodies of water. Don’t dive in areas of questionable depth, and get a weather report before you go swimming. If you do see lightning or hear thunder, get out! It can travel as far as 15 miles.

Swimming as exercise

Swimming isn’t only fun, it can be a fantastic workout. Here’s why.

• It’s aerobic: Your heart beats faster than usual and you breathe harder, which strengthens your heart and lungs.
• It strengthens muscles: They become more powerful and can endure more force.
• It strengthens bones: Your muscles push against your bones when you support yourself with your bones.
• It stretches you: Stretching improves your flexibility.

Of course, you should consult with a physician before starting any type of exercise program, just to be safe.

If you have questions about the swimming safety or the health benefits of swimming, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online.

One of the most popular ways to keep cool during a scorching Florida summer is by spending time in the water.

Kids amuse themselves in the pool playing Marco Polo and doing cannonballs. In the ocean, they body surf with boogie boards and float on rafts. Adults lounge in the pool, take dips in the bathtub-calm Gulf of Mexico, or bob in the waves of the Atlantic. Still other people refresh themselves in rivers and lakes.

A popular pastime

No matter where you do it, swimming is a great way to beat the heat. By following a few common-sense rules, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe in or near the water.

• Know how to swim. This may seem like a no-brainer, but not everyone can. There are numerous aquatics facilities in the Miami area that offer classes. They teach you not only how to swim, but how to recognize if someone is struggling in the water, and what to do.
• Watch children at all times. It only takes a minute of inattention for tragedy to strike. Keep your kids continually in your sight.
• Don’t drink and swim. When you consume alcohol, even if you are not legally intoxicated, your reflexes slow down and your judgment becomes impaired. This can make it difficult or impossible to save yourself – or someone else.
• Swim with a buddy. This goes for adults and kids alike. If one of you gets into trouble, the other can help – or find help.
• Know the water and the weather. This is critical with natural bodies of water. Don’t dive in areas of questionable depth, and get a weather report before you go swimming. If you do see lightning or hear thunder, get out! It can travel as far as 15 miles.

Swimming as exercise

Swimming isn’t only fun, it can be a fantastic workout. Here’s why.

• It’s aerobic: Your heart beats faster than usual and you breathe harder, which strengthens your heart and lungs.
• It strengthens muscles: They become more powerful and can endure more force.
• It strengthens bones: Your muscles push against your bones when you support yourself with your bones.
• It stretches you: Stretching improves your flexibility.

Of course, you should consult with a physician before starting any type of exercise program, just to be safe.

If you have questions about the swimming safety or the health benefits of swimming, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Kendall Regional Medical Center online.

Sources:

http://southfloridaprepares.org/locate-an-aquatics-facility.html?start=2

http://www.southfloridaprepares.org/aquatics/swimming-a-water-safety.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/water.html

http://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/matte/pdf/summmer_swim.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

http://www.kendallmed.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=%7b944FDB61-BB3D-43EC-907D-38025281D70D%7d

http://www.kendallmed.com/