How’s the New Year’s Resolution to stop smoking going? That bad, huh?
Well, I’m here to help.
Martin Memorial Health Systems has a smoking cessation program called “Living Tobacco Free.” It’s a six-week program that consists of meeting weekly to discuss different topics, such as coping strategies, identifying triggers, exercise, nutrition and more. Each week we have a guest speaker and time to reflect on your pros and cons for the week, thereby helping your fellow future non-smokers.
Having been a smoker myself for more than 20 years, I decided that the time had come when I wanted to quit. Smoking was no longer “working” for me (as if it ever really did). The Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing decided to start a smoking cessation program and I was in the first group in January 2007. Well, it’s been over two years since I’ve had a cigarette and I feel great!
Other people have had similar results as well. Our program has an 80 percent quit rate – that’s eight out of 10 people who quit smoking for good when they decided enough was enough and joined Martin Memorial’s Living Tobacco Free program. They did it, I did it, and so can you.
It’s important that you want to quit – don’t join because someone else wants you to. This is your decision to make, no one else’s. So let 2009 by your time to shine and live tobacco free.
If you’re ready, call the Health and Healing Department at (772) 223-4916 and sign up for the next Living Tobacco Free program.
--Maureen Daniello, RN, CDE
Program Coordinator, Diabetes Education
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Therapy Can Help Treat Lymphedema
What is lymphedema? It is swelling of a body part that doesn’t typically go away with elevation or exercise. Your body is made up of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that all work together to filter harmful material, move excess fluid from beneath the skin and produce antibodies for healing.
If the body has had an injury, whether chronic (such as continuous leg swelling), or acute (such as surgery or cancer), an excess of lymph fluid is present in the affected area. Lymphedema can occur following cancer treatment (for instance, breast or prostate), following cosmetic surgery (such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation/reduction, face lift), recent hip or knee surgery, or for those that have chronic swelling in their legs. These medical conditions can benefit from the treatment for lymphedema. Symptoms of lymphedema include, but are not limited to, swelling of a part of the trunk, swelling of an extremity (or sometimes both extremities if legs are involved), frequent skin problems/wounds, but not typically pain.
Lymphedema treatment consists of good skin care, specific exercises based on individual needs, gentle massage of skin and compression wrapping of the affected body part. The treatment time is approximately one hour and the swelling can be reduced in as quickly as two weeks depending on the individual. Some of the benefits of treating lymphedema include: healthier skin, improved mobility, improved wound healing and improved self-esteem and comfort. This treatment can be continued at home after being trained by the therapist.
Martin Memorial has four locations that offer this comprehensive treatment for lymphedema. Please contact our central scheduling department at (772) 223-2811 to get further information about our locations or for answers to general questions. Your physician can write a prescription for lymphedema therapy.
--Kristin Montgomery
Lead Occupational Therapist,
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
If the body has had an injury, whether chronic (such as continuous leg swelling), or acute (such as surgery or cancer), an excess of lymph fluid is present in the affected area. Lymphedema can occur following cancer treatment (for instance, breast or prostate), following cosmetic surgery (such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation/reduction, face lift), recent hip or knee surgery, or for those that have chronic swelling in their legs. These medical conditions can benefit from the treatment for lymphedema. Symptoms of lymphedema include, but are not limited to, swelling of a part of the trunk, swelling of an extremity (or sometimes both extremities if legs are involved), frequent skin problems/wounds, but not typically pain.
Lymphedema treatment consists of good skin care, specific exercises based on individual needs, gentle massage of skin and compression wrapping of the affected body part. The treatment time is approximately one hour and the swelling can be reduced in as quickly as two weeks depending on the individual. Some of the benefits of treating lymphedema include: healthier skin, improved mobility, improved wound healing and improved self-esteem and comfort. This treatment can be continued at home after being trained by the therapist.
Martin Memorial has four locations that offer this comprehensive treatment for lymphedema. Please contact our central scheduling department at (772) 223-2811 to get further information about our locations or for answers to general questions. Your physician can write a prescription for lymphedema therapy.
--Kristin Montgomery
Lead Occupational Therapist,
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Event Provides Information About the “Heart of a Woman”
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in Americans, killing 870,000 people in the United States each year.
That includes more than 459,000 women, despite a common misconception that men are more likely to be affected by heart disease.
To provide women with education on the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of heart disease, Martin Memorial is hosting the third-annual “Heart of a Woman” event.
The event will take place Friday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart.
“It is critical that women learn not only what the treatment options are for heart disease, but equally important is how they can help prevent it from occurring,” said Susan Kujawa, a registered nurse in the Martin Memorial cardiology department and a co-chair of the Heart of a Woman committee. “That knowledge could mean the difference between life and death.”
The event will feature an informative presentation from interventional cardiologist Stephen McIntyre, M.D., who will speak on heart disease and preventative measures women can take. There will also be a presentation from pediatrician Genon Wicina, M.D., who will discuss childhood obesity and the effect it can have on heart disease in adulthood.
There will also be a live fashion show, courtesy of the Shoppes of Harbour Bay, that will preview spring fashions. Raffle items and a “shopping passport” with many discounts will be provided for all who attend.
“Women are often the caregivers in families, so it is important that they understand how heart disease can impact not just themselves, but their loved ones as well,” said Nancy Vagedes, cardiology manager at Martin Memorial and a co-chair of the event. “Through the Heart of a Woman event we want to provide women with tools to reduce the risks of heart disease, while at the same providing an enjoyable atmosphere.”
Tickets for the event are $75 per person, with proceeds going to the Martin Memorial Foundation, and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
That includes more than 459,000 women, despite a common misconception that men are more likely to be affected by heart disease.
To provide women with education on the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of heart disease, Martin Memorial is hosting the third-annual “Heart of a Woman” event.
The event will take place Friday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart.
“It is critical that women learn not only what the treatment options are for heart disease, but equally important is how they can help prevent it from occurring,” said Susan Kujawa, a registered nurse in the Martin Memorial cardiology department and a co-chair of the Heart of a Woman committee. “That knowledge could mean the difference between life and death.”
The event will feature an informative presentation from interventional cardiologist Stephen McIntyre, M.D., who will speak on heart disease and preventative measures women can take. There will also be a presentation from pediatrician Genon Wicina, M.D., who will discuss childhood obesity and the effect it can have on heart disease in adulthood.
There will also be a live fashion show, courtesy of the Shoppes of Harbour Bay, that will preview spring fashions. Raffle items and a “shopping passport” with many discounts will be provided for all who attend.
“Women are often the caregivers in families, so it is important that they understand how heart disease can impact not just themselves, but their loved ones as well,” said Nancy Vagedes, cardiology manager at Martin Memorial and a co-chair of the event. “Through the Heart of a Woman event we want to provide women with tools to reduce the risks of heart disease, while at the same providing an enjoyable atmosphere.”
Tickets for the event are $75 per person, with proceeds going to the Martin Memorial Foundation, and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Think You’re Too Old for Exercise? Tell That to This 92-Year-Old Gym Fanatic
“If you rest, you rust.”
These are Ken’s “words to live by.” Ken Fichter is 92 years young and probably one of our most fit and active members. Looking for motivation? Just watch Ken go.
We first met Ken when he joined South Stuart Health and Fitness Center in 1997 at the age of 80. By the way, most members who have met Ken comment that he looks “70 at most.” Ken has always been active. He played football, baseball, basketball and track in high school.
He continues an active lifestyle which he attributes to “saving my life.” Heart disease runs in his family and in 2003 Ken suffered a
heart attack and underwent a triple bypass.
Soon after recovery, Ken was back in the gym. A typical daily regimen for Ken starts at home in Indiantown where he starts with 50 pushups (unless “I’m tired,” he says. “Sometimes I do 40.”) His regimen also includes floor exercises and stretches – all before breakfast.
Three times a week, Ken drives to the South Stuart Health and Fitness Center where he runs through a free-weight routine, walks on the treadmill at a vigorous pace (“no strolling”) for at least 50 minutes then continues strength training on the equipment. This man is strong.
“If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you,” stresses Ken. He eats a healthy diet and is dedicated to his health. He is a motivation to others at the gym and people are absolutely stunned as they watch Ken work out. He certainly does not look 92!
“Age is not an excuse,” says Ken.
And he is proof that it is never too late to start and you are never too old to begin a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. See you at the center…
--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness
These are Ken’s “words to live by.” Ken Fichter is 92 years young and probably one of our most fit and active members. Looking for motivation? Just watch Ken go.
We first met Ken when he joined South Stuart Health and Fitness Center in 1997 at the age of 80. By the way, most members who have met Ken comment that he looks “70 at most.” Ken has always been active. He played football, baseball, basketball and track in high school.
He continues an active lifestyle which he attributes to “saving my life.” Heart disease runs in his family and in 2003 Ken suffered a
heart attack and underwent a triple bypass.Soon after recovery, Ken was back in the gym. A typical daily regimen for Ken starts at home in Indiantown where he starts with 50 pushups (unless “I’m tired,” he says. “Sometimes I do 40.”) His regimen also includes floor exercises and stretches – all before breakfast.
Three times a week, Ken drives to the South Stuart Health and Fitness Center where he runs through a free-weight routine, walks on the treadmill at a vigorous pace (“no strolling”) for at least 50 minutes then continues strength training on the equipment. This man is strong.
“If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you,” stresses Ken. He eats a healthy diet and is dedicated to his health. He is a motivation to others at the gym and people are absolutely stunned as they watch Ken work out. He certainly does not look 92!
“Age is not an excuse,” says Ken.
And he is proof that it is never too late to start and you are never too old to begin a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. See you at the center…
--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
When It Comes to Prostate Cancer, a Little Information Can Go a Long Way
Martin Memorial is holding two events in February that can help men learn about their risks of prostate cancer. A prostate cancer screening will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 and an informational forum is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 28.
This year, an estimated 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 28,000 men will die of the disease.
It is recommended that black males between the ages of 40 and 80 years of age, and white males between the ages of 50 and 80 receive annual screenings for prostate cancer. Men at a higher risk for developing the disease, including those with a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, should be tested between the ages 40 of 80.
The screening is by appointment only on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, located at 501 E. Osceola Street in Stuart. Only men who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer are eligible.
To schedule an appointment, call (772) 223-5945, ext. 3736.
The prostate cancer forum on Saturday, Feb. 28 will provide the latest prostate cancer research and allow participants to ask questions of a panel of physicians, including developments in the detection and treatment of the disease. The forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive in Stuart.
To RSVP for the cancer forum, call (866) 361-HOPE (4673).
--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator
This year, an estimated 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 28,000 men will die of the disease.
It is recommended that black males between the ages of 40 and 80 years of age, and white males between the ages of 50 and 80 receive annual screenings for prostate cancer. Men at a higher risk for developing the disease, including those with a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, should be tested between the ages 40 of 80.
The screening is by appointment only on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, located at 501 E. Osceola Street in Stuart. Only men who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer are eligible.
To schedule an appointment, call (772) 223-5945, ext. 3736.
The prostate cancer forum on Saturday, Feb. 28 will provide the latest prostate cancer research and allow participants to ask questions of a panel of physicians, including developments in the detection and treatment of the disease. The forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive in Stuart.
To RSVP for the cancer forum, call (866) 361-HOPE (4673).
--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Lung Cancer Trials at Martin Memorial Help Provide Insight Into the Disease
The clinical research team at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center is now able to cover nearly the entire gamut of lung cancer stages (with the exception of stage IA) with clinical trials.
We’re excited to be able to offer a range of clinical trial options to our patients. Without clinical research, advancement in cancer therapies would come to a halt. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and new treatments must be trialed to become available to the general population.
For patients who had surgery and are stage IB-IIIA, we can offer the MAGRIT vaccine trial. Recently however, we’ve acquired studies that may offer patients additional treatment options for their lung cancer diagnoses. The first of the trials is a phase three trial of drug therapies followed by a maintenance program. To qualify for the trial, patients must have stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer of non-squamous histology.
The second trial is a first-line treatment involving radiation. Patients will be randomized to receive standard dose radiation therapy or high-dose radiation therapy. They will also receive concurrent and consolidation chemotherapy. To qualify for this trial, patients must have newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer, stage IIIA or IIIB.
Last, but not least, is a second-line treatment trial for non-small cell lung cancer, stage IIB/IV, or recurrent (non-squamous).
Patients will be screened and must meet the eligibility criteria before being enrolled in a clinical trial. Patients will be closely monitored by the study staff throughout the entire process.
To find out about these clinical trials and others available at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, please call the research department at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.
--Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
Genetics Nurse Educator
We’re excited to be able to offer a range of clinical trial options to our patients. Without clinical research, advancement in cancer therapies would come to a halt. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and new treatments must be trialed to become available to the general population.
For patients who had surgery and are stage IB-IIIA, we can offer the MAGRIT vaccine trial. Recently however, we’ve acquired studies that may offer patients additional treatment options for their lung cancer diagnoses. The first of the trials is a phase three trial of drug therapies followed by a maintenance program. To qualify for the trial, patients must have stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer of non-squamous histology.
The second trial is a first-line treatment involving radiation. Patients will be randomized to receive standard dose radiation therapy or high-dose radiation therapy. They will also receive concurrent and consolidation chemotherapy. To qualify for this trial, patients must have newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer, stage IIIA or IIIB.
Last, but not least, is a second-line treatment trial for non-small cell lung cancer, stage IIB/IV, or recurrent (non-squamous).
Patients will be screened and must meet the eligibility criteria before being enrolled in a clinical trial. Patients will be closely monitored by the study staff throughout the entire process.
To find out about these clinical trials and others available at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, please call the research department at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.
--Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
Genetics Nurse Educator
Monday, February 2, 2009
Play Dodgeball and Fight Cancer: Sign Up for Second-Annual “Dodge for the Cure”
If you think your dodgeball playing days were over in high school, think again.
The second-annual Tom Vadas Memorial “Dodge for the Cure” – which benefits the Martin Memorial inpatient oncology unit – will return in May, giving rusty dodgeball warriors the chance to practice their skills in the sport’s four D’s: dodge, duck, dip and dive.
Because team reservations for last year’s inaugural tournament went so quickly, this year event organizers are doubling the size of the field and holding a kickoff party for teams interested in registering early. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, players interested in participating in the tournament can register their teams and be ensured of reserving a spot in the field.
The kickoff party will be held at the Martin Memorial Medical Center conference room, located at 200 S.E. Hospital Ave. It will take place in two sessions, with the first going from 6-7 p.m., followed by a second session from 7-8 p.m. During each session, team captains can tour the inpatient oncology unit to see how their donations will help benefit Treasure Coast cancer patients.
The registration fee for each team is $100.
The tournament will be held Saturday, May 9 in the Jensen Beach High School gymnasium. The youth division (fifth through eighth graders) will kick things off at 3 p.m., with the adult division (ninth grade on up) beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each team includes six to eight players.
The “old school dodgeball tournament” is expected to feature approximately 60 teams in two divisions, squaring off to beat each other – and cancer. Funds from the tournament go to the inpatient cancer unit at Martin Memorial. For many cancer patients and their families, the unit becomes a home away from home as they battle the disease. The goal of the tournament is to raise funds to purchase amenities that will help their sometimes lengthy stays more comfortable. Last year’s event raised more than $11,000.
The tournament was created in memory of Tom Vadas, who fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 16 years before passing away in 2007. Tom spent most of the last year of his life in the cancer unit at Martin Memorial, and he wanted to create a place where patients and their families could feel upbeat and motivated to continue their fight against cancer each day.
For more information on the event, visit dodgeforthecure.blogspot.com.
--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator
The second-annual Tom Vadas Memorial “Dodge for the Cure” – which benefits the Martin Memorial inpatient oncology unit – will return in May, giving rusty dodgeball warriors the chance to practice their skills in the sport’s four D’s: dodge, duck, dip and dive.
Because team reservations for last year’s inaugural tournament went so quickly, this year event organizers are doubling the size of the field and holding a kickoff party for teams interested in registering early. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, players interested in participating in the tournament can register their teams and be ensured of reserving a spot in the field.
The kickoff party will be held at the Martin Memorial Medical Center conference room, located at 200 S.E. Hospital Ave. It will take place in two sessions, with the first going from 6-7 p.m., followed by a second session from 7-8 p.m. During each session, team captains can tour the inpatient oncology unit to see how their donations will help benefit Treasure Coast cancer patients.
The registration fee for each team is $100.
The tournament will be held Saturday, May 9 in the Jensen Beach High School gymnasium. The youth division (fifth through eighth graders) will kick things off at 3 p.m., with the adult division (ninth grade on up) beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each team includes six to eight players.
The “old school dodgeball tournament” is expected to feature approximately 60 teams in two divisions, squaring off to beat each other – and cancer. Funds from the tournament go to the inpatient cancer unit at Martin Memorial. For many cancer patients and their families, the unit becomes a home away from home as they battle the disease. The goal of the tournament is to raise funds to purchase amenities that will help their sometimes lengthy stays more comfortable. Last year’s event raised more than $11,000.
The tournament was created in memory of Tom Vadas, who fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 16 years before passing away in 2007. Tom spent most of the last year of his life in the cancer unit at Martin Memorial, and he wanted to create a place where patients and their families could feel upbeat and motivated to continue their fight against cancer each day.
For more information on the event, visit dodgeforthecure.blogspot.com.
--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator
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