Brandon Regional Hospital

Make It a Safe Summer

laicos — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:56:45 +0000

Have fun in the sun and skip the injuries and mishaps with these tips.

School is out. The kids are just itching to spend the summer to doing anything fun. Each year, about one in four kids under the age of 14 suffer an injury that requires medical attention. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, about 40 percent of those injuries take place between May and August. Keep your kids out of the ER this summer with these tips.

Play it safe
Let your kids expend pent up energy with lots of outside playtime. Keep these helpful hints in mind before letting them head out the door:

Prevent sunburns by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents carefully inspect the playground equipment on which their children play and make sure supervision is provided at all times. Also, kids should always wear shoes on the playground.
Stay hydrated by having water or other drinks readily available.

Safety on wheels
Use these precautions if your kids are on bikes, skateboards or scooters:

Riders need a helmet every time. Make sure the helmet fits properly.
Show your children where they can safely ride. Set boundaries.
If your still needs training wheels, leave them on.

Leave the fireworks to the professionals
Even though they are a Fourth of July tradition, fireworks are dangerous causing burns, scars and disfigurement. Thousands of people suffer firework-related injuries each year. On average, two out of every five victims are children under the age of 15. The AAP strongly urges parents to take the family to community firework displays and avoid home use.

In the event your child takes a spill or has any other accident, the emergency medicine physicians and pediatricians at the Pediatric Emergency Department of Brandon Regional Hospital are ready to help. Our department is decorated with a calming and inviting ocean theme, and is dedicated to the emergency care of children. You can also call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636 with any questions or for a physician referral.

Is BRCA Gene Testing Something I should Look Into?

laicos — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:56:14 +0000

Before considering BRCA gene testing, look at family history and other factors.

In light of Angelina Jolie's recent announcement about her preventative double-mastectomy and BRCA gene testing, there has been considerable public attention brought to the topic — and many women have questions regarding the testing.

We spoke with one of our surgeons here at Brandon Regional Hospital, Dr. Jason Hechtman, about who benefits most from BRCA testing and whether women who test positive should consider preventative mastectomy.

When should a woman consider being tested for the BRCA1 gene?

A woman should be tested for BRCA1/2 if:

a. They have breast cancer younger than 50 years of age
b. Ovarian cancer at any age
c. Two primary breast cancers themselves
d. Male breast cancer
e. Triple negative breast cancer (Breast cancer with no estrogen/progesterone/HER2-Neu receptors on the cancer cells surface)
f. Pancreatic cancer with a history of breast or ovarian cancer
g. They are of Ashkenazi jewish ancestry with a hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome associated cancer (pancreatic, ovarian, breast)
h. They have two or more relatives with breast cancer, at least one being less than 50 years of age
i. They have three or more relatives with breast cancer at any age
j. There is a previously identified BRCA mutation in the family

If they test positive, should they consider a single or double mastectomy?
If a woman is a carrier of the genetic mutation, this puts both breasts at a 60 to 80 percent lifetime risk of cancer. A double mastectomy should be considered.

What are the medical guidelines for mastectomy if a woman tests positive? What are the implications, if any, for the mastectomy?
The medical guidelines would involve a close discussion with the patient, consisting of risk assessment (60-80% breast, and 40% ovarian cancer), child-bearing desires, breast-feeding desires and adjust accordingly. If they are not planning for more children in the future, bilateral mastectomy with bilateral oophorectomy would be recommended. If the patient doesn't want to be pushed into menopause, then bilateral mastectomy with close follow up consisting of yearly trans-vaginal ultrasound, yearly ovarian tumor markers, and biannual bimanual pelvic exam with a licensed gynecologist is recommended. If the patient wants children, yearly mammogram and MRI, with biannual exam by a breast specialist in addition to yearly trans-vaginal ultrasound and tumor markers and biannual visit to gynecologist, then after children there should be an operative intervention.

Is reconstruction a possibility after?
Immediate reconstruction is usually the norm not the exception. A multitude of options are available for reconstruction, and in-depth consultation with a plastic surgeon and breast surgeon are recommended.

Is there an age to consider testing?
If BRCA mutation is found in the family, I would recommend testing other females in the family when menstrual cycles start.

With breast cancer, early detection is key. If you are looking for more information on breast cancer or BRCA Gene Testing, please visit our Breast Care Center online. Walk-ins are welcome at our Breast Care Center, or you can call 813-315-2080 to schedule an appointment. To receive a physician referral, please call our Consult-a-Nurse Service at 1-888-327-2636.

6 Habits of Healthy Men

laicos — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:56:29 +0000

Find out how healthy men ward off illness with these habits.

Men's Health Week urges all men to focus on their health through awareness of preventable problems as well as early detection and treatment. Celebrate Men's Health Week by adopting these habits of healthy men.

Healthy men wear sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the number one cancer in men over the age of 50, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. This is attributed to men's propensity for outdoor activity and failure to use sunscreen. Health-conscious men use a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin before going outside.

Healthy men have a waistline of 40 inches or less.
This rule of thumb helps men understand the importance of a healthy weight. A larger waistline and higher than normal body weight can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and other health issues.

Healthy men exercise regularly.
The key word here is "regularly". An occasional round of golf doesn't count. Healthy men engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes, five days at week. Consistent exercise will strengthen your heart and better your chances of maintaining that waistline.

Healthy men get enough sleep.
Whether you want to admit it or not, you need sleep. In fact, adult men need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to ward off illness, maintain a healthy weight, think more clearly and improve overall mood. If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have a sleep disorder.

Healthy men visit the doctor.
The best way to maintain good health is with regular doctor visits for routine screenings and preventive care. That's what Men's Health Week is all about!

The staff at Brandon Regional Hospital is ready to get you on the path to good health. To make an appointment for a check-up, request a physician referral or to have your health questions answered, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Manage High Blood Pressure

laicos — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:57:55 +0000

Learn how to control your blood pressure with simple lifestyle choices.

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month and one out of every three Americans has high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the pressure on the vessel exerted by circulating blood.

Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to artery damage, stroke, heart attack, kidney damage and vision impairment. Thankfully, high blood pressure can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.

Eat a healthy diet. Say yes to the veggies! Consume a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean meat. Remember to avoid foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 10 pounds can lower blood pressure. Keeping your BMI (body mass index) in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9 can help control blood pressure.
Exercise. Get moving! You don't have to run a marathon. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week will do.
Limit alcohol intake. Try not to exceed one drink per day for women, and two per day for men.
Manage stress. Don't let stress get the best of you. Try meditation or yoga to calm down.
Quit smoking. Smoking alone injures blood vessels. When done in conjunction with high blood pressure, the bad health effects are compounded.

In addition to lifestyle changes and any medication, regular blood pressure screenings are important in controlling blood pressure. To schedule a blood pressure screening at Brandon Regional Hospital, or to learn more about your risk, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636 for a physician referral.

Preparing Your Home for a Potential Hurricane

laicos — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:59:44 +0000

Before the 2013 hurricane season begins, make sure you know how to prepare for a storm coming your way.

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. In advance of the season, National Hurricane Preparedness Week gives you the opportunity learn how to prepare your family and your home if a potential hurricane is heading to your area.

Get the family organized
Preparing for natural disaster starts with getting everyone in your family on the same page. The American Red Cross recommends:

Creating an evacuation and communication plan.
Make sure you have an alternative place to find refuge during a mandatory evacuation.
Learn about your community’s evacuation shelters.
Have important documents like driver’s licenses, property inventories and medication lists available to take with you during an evacuation.

Get the supplies
Preparing for a natural disaster like a hurricane requires obtaining all of the right supplies. The American Red Cross recommends the following items to be included in an emergency kit:

Water – at least a 3-day supply with one gallon person per day
Food – at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable items
Flashlights and batteries
Battery – operated radio
Medications – a 7-day supply
Sanitation and hygiene items
Cell phone and chargers
Extra cash
Maps of the area

Get the house read
If a potential hurricane is predicted to affect your area, get your house ready with the following steps.

Close your windows and doors.
Close your hurricane shutters. If your house doesn’t have hurricane shutters, protect the windows and doors with plywood.
Clean up the yard and bring in items the wind can pick up like bikes and patio furniture.
Decrease the temperature in your refrigerator so it can retain as much coldness during a power outage.
Install straps to secure your roof to the house’s frame.
Clear clogged rain gutters.

If you would like to learn more about hurricane preparation in your local area, visit the Hillsborough County Office Emergency Management online. To learn more about managing your medications and health during a natural disaster, call Brandon Regional Hospital’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636 for a physician referral.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

laicos — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:56:49 +0000

Discover the difference between an expected level of anxiety and what qualifies as an anxiety disorder.

Everyone feels anxiety from time to time. Perhaps it’s an intense nervousness before speaking in public or an anxious feeling during a stressful day at work. In these situations, sometimes your heart races, you become sweaty or even feel a little dizzy. However, when anxiety is prolonged and affects your ability to lead a normal life, anxiety disorder could be the diagnosis. Learn more about anxiety during Mental Health Month.

Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of the adult population each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A person could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when the anxiety:

Occurs without an external threat
Is unreasonable or excessive for the threat
Has a prolonged negative effect on the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

Panic disorder: reoccurring episodes of terror that may feel like a heart attack. Panic attacks can lead to people to avoid situations that could trigger the attack.
Specific phobias: the intense fear of a certain object or situation, like spiders or flying.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): prolonged anxiety or fearful thoughts following a traumatic incident, like being the victim of violence or the unexpected death of a loved one.
Social anxiety disorders: an overwhelming fear of interacting with people in everyday situations.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): unwanted and repetitive thoughts and behaviors. The sufferer uses compulsions or rituals to combat their own anxiety. The result is that the rituals take over the person’s life, hindering their ability to function.
Generalized anxiety disorder: chronic, exaggerated worry about day-to-day life.

Anxiety disorders interfere with a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. The mental health professionals at Brandon Regional Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center focus on diagnosis, intervention and stabilization, allowing those with anxiety disorders to get their life back.

If an anxiety disorder is interfering with your life, you or your physician can call the Behavioral Health Center at (813)-653-1065. Staff is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to assist you.

How-To: Selecting & Applying Sunscreen

laicos — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:58:36 +0000

Wearing sunscreen is a big part of preventing skin cancer; so let’s do it right.

As the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer affects one in five people. May is National Melanoma/ Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, calling attention to the simplest form of prevention- wearing sunscreen.

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a good SPF
Sun protection factor (SPF) is the first qualifier for a good sunscreen. SPF measures your sunscreeen’s ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, which are ultraviolet rays from the sun associated with sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher will provide you with enough protection from sunsburn.

The other qualifer of a good sunscreen is “broad spectrum” protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause long-term skin damage, skin aging and skin cancer.

Use enough at the right time
For fool-proof sun proctection, apply two tablespoons of sunscreen all over your body 30 minutes before going outside. When applying, don’t forget your hard-to-reach spots:

Back
Neck
Ears

More is best
Once you are out in the sun, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Reapplication is also neccesary after swimming, toweling off and sweating excessively. “Water-resistant” sunscreen may sound like a way around the reapplication. However, water-resistant is not exempt from reapplication rules.

When to get a new bottle
Don’t take your perfect sunscreen for granted. If the expiration date is past, pitch the bottle. Also, if the consistency of your sunscreen has changed or if it smells bad, get a new bottle.

Sunscreen is only effective when the proper type is selected and is applied correctly. Learn more about the causes, risks and treatment options for melanoma in our online Health Library. For health questions or physician referrals, call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-327-2636.

Getting Ready for Weight Loss Surgery

laicos — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:58:27 +0000

Bariatric surgery is not a magic pill for weight loss, so prepare yourself for the road before and after surgery.

The decision to have bariatric surgery (commonly known as weight-loss surgery) is life-changing. When making such a substantial change, it is best to learn more and be prepared.

Do you qualify?
Bariatric surgery is not an option for those looking to lose 20 lbs. Your doctor will determine if you fit the criteria for surgery. Qualifiers include:

Having failed multiple times to lose weight by nonsurgical means
Having a BMI over 40
Having a BMI over 35 with health issues related to weight problems

Research
There are two main types of weight-loss surgery:

Restrictive procedures which creates a smaller stomach pouch to limit food intake
Malabsorptive procedures which shorten the small intestine to reduce the surface where caloric and fat absorption takes place

Each type of weight-loss has various surgical options. Take it upon yourself to research, and then talk your physician about which option would be best for you.

Make some friends
Bariatric support groups are a valuable resource for those who are considering the surgery. Members can relate to your journey and explain how the surgery has impacted their lives. Bariatric surgery requires a dramatic change in eating habits after surgery. Brandon Regional Hospital hosts a Weight Loss Options Support Group. Meeting times and locations can be found on our events calendar.

Getting ready for surgery
Once you and your physician choose and schedule the right type of bariatric surgery for you, take the following steps to get ready for the big day:

Have you home life in order. Do the tasks you won’t be able to while healing from surgery.
Quit smoking prior to surgery.
Don’t drink alcohol in the days leading up to surgery.
Follow your doctor’s pre-surgical instructions regarding food and drink intake.

If you are interested in learning more about the surgical options for weight-loss, Dr. Keyur Chavda will host a discussion at 6pm on Wednesday, May 8, at the Oakfield Medical Plaza. To register for this event, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636.

Stroke Myths vs. Facts

laicos — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:57:13 +0000

Learn more about strokes by debunking the myths and examining the facts.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly one in 18 deaths.

There are two types of strokes. Ischemic strokes, the most common type, occur when an artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. Hemorrhagic strokes happen when an artery in the brain ruptures, and the excess blood creates pressure which damages the brain cells.

Let’s look at the facts and untruths.

Myth: Strokes can’t be prevented.
Fact: Strokes are largely preventable. Like many ailments, prevention begins with reducing risk factors. Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. This in turn reduces the risk of stroke.

Myth: Strokes cannot be treated.
Fact: Strokes require emergency treatment. If you suffer an ischemic stroke, emergency doctors can administer clot-busting medication to restore blood flow. Surgical intervention could also be an option in treatment to relieve symptoms or prevent further strokes from occurring.

Myth: Strokes are only suffered by the elderly.
Fact: Strokes can occur at any age. Although the risk for stroke increases as you get older, strokes can occur at any age, according to the CDC.

If you or someone you know appear to be having a stroke, call 911 right away. The Stroke Center at Brandon Regional Hospital is staffed with highly skilled physicians, surgeons, neurologists, nurses and other medical professionals poised to respond quickly to the needs of all stroke patients. To learn more about The Stroke Center, visit us online or contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636 with your questions or for a physician referral.

Our Top Picks: Health Apps You Should Download

laicos — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:57:45 +0000

Mobile apps can help improve your health or even save your life.

We use our smartphones for driving directions, budgeting, gaming and much more. So, why not utilize technology in the name of good health? Here are our top picks for healthy apps you should download.

MyFitnessPal. Maintaining a healthy weight is a cornerstone of good health. MyFitnessPal can keep you on the right track. This free app allows you to track calories consumed and burned through food and fitness journaling. Food journaling helps you identify eating habits, both good and bad. MyFitnessPal is equipped with a database containing the caloric content of more than 2 million foods.

Fooducate. Ok, so you are tracking your food with MyFitnessPal, but you are still unsure of which foods to eat. Fooducate takes all the confusion out of nutrition labels. Equipped with a barcode scanner, this free app deciphers the nutritional content of foods, giving each one a grade from A to D. The grade is based on an algorithm designed by scientists and dieticians.

C25K (Couch to 5K). Next is an app designed to get you moving. C25K, another free app, allows you to build the endurance and strength to run a K through an 8 week training program. While listening to your own music, C25K will instruct you to walk and then run in intervals. Over time, the periods of walking get shorter; and, before you know it, you are running a K without stopping or walking.

iTriage. Designed by two ER doctors, the iTriage app has many capabilities from symptom checking to directions to the closest healthcare facility. It also allows you to look up your specific symptoms and matches those symptoms with possible diagnoses and lists of physicians who can help. In the case of possible diagnosis requiring ER treatment, iTriage will give you directions to Brandon Regional Hospital as well as the estimate ER wait time.

If you need more help with weight loss, visit Brandon Regional Hospital online. If you have any other health questions or need a physician referral, contact our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-327-2636.