Thursday, April 30, 2009

Let’s Go Girls! Group Puts Fun Into Fitness

It’s Monday morning again and I know I can count on my most dedicated group of women to get me going!! That’s right: these ladies motivate me every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8-9 a.m. Exercising for this group is a way of life.

“So what motivates you to get here bright and early most days of the week to exercise,” I asked.

Their answers were as diverse as the women in the class: We feel great when we are finished; it helps me keep my weight off; it gets my day started; it’s my “warm- up” before tennis; it keeps my joints feeling better; it’s part of my life; I always feel more energized. I could go on and on, but these are just some of the reasons why my girls show up faithfully.

I am here to tell you that my girls really do have to “fit” exercise into their schedules. A majority of them are retired and are busier now than they were in their pre-retirement years. They play golf and tennis, provide charity work, sit on planning committees, do Meals on Wheels deliveries and all sorts of other activities. And then there’s Stacy – a full-time student and mother of three little ones. She fits exercise into this busy schedule three to five days per week. She studies while she walks on the treadmill and then joins the class.

My girls come from all walks of life. The common point is that each one considers exercise to part of the day not an “add on.” Exercise routines generally start as work but quickly become part of the day and for many a “fun” part of their lives. I want to be like these girls when I grow up!

--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Rehabilitation Can Help You Protect Your Joints and Live with the Pain of Arthritis

We are frequently reminded through the media and friends about how to protect our identity, how to protect our loved ones – but one of the most important things we can protect are our joints.

If you are someone who is VERY familiar with “Art” and “Ben” – otherwise known as “arthritis” and “Ben-Gay” – then you are one of the 46 million people who suffer from arthritis. That’s nearly one in every five adults. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is second to heart disease as a main cause of work disability.

Arthritis can impact your ability to perform everyday activities because of pain, and is responsible for loss of motion and strength of your fingers, wrists or shoulders. In addition the hobbies you LOVE to do may be contributing to more added pressure, force and damage to your joints than you know.

The good news is that there are ways to support and protect your joints, which can decrease the rate they deteriorate. They can also temporarily alleviate your pain, assist with gaining flexibility and enhance your ability to perform not only the daily tasks you “have to do” but those you “love to do.”

Occupational therapists are health care professionals who can assist in guiding you toward maximizing your abilities while learning ways to protect your joints. Often, occupational therapists will fit you with a custom splint that will assist in immobilizing your painful joint – so that you can carry on your daily routine with less or no pain or, while preventing further stress and damage to your joints.

This occurs most frequently with our thumbs or wrists. Tasks such as cutting, writing or knitting can often become things we begin to dread because of pain. Learning to live with arthritis and learning alternative ways to perform some of our your routine or habitual activities (such as wringing out a cloth, turning a key in the ignition, closing snaps or buttons, cutting food or opening containers), as well as utilizing adaptive equipment (that can change the lever of force or degree of stress it provides on our joints) can make those dreaded activities seem once again effortless.

In addition, the use of modalities such as ultrasound, fluidotherapy and paraffin, as well as other equipment and individually prescribed exercises, can help potentially gain some flexibility and strength that over time you have lost.

Martin Memorial has six outpatient locations that offer this service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our central scheduling department at (772) 223-2811. Your physician can write a prescription for occupational therapy and for a custom splint as needed.

--Lynne Mello,
Occupational Therapist

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Read All About It: Web Site Provides Info to Help Men Improve Their Health

Father’s Day is still several weeks away, but this April Martin Memorial is partnering with the Palm Beach Post to provide information that can help dads – and all men – lead healthier lifestyles.

Martin Memorial submitted four articles to the Palm Beach Post’s “Ask a Local Doctor” segment on the health page of its Web site. The focus was on men’s health – common illnesses that men face, tips on preventing disease and important screenings for guys of all ages.

Follow this link to read the first article from Jeffery Crick, DO, a family practitioner with Martin Memorial, who discusses important methods of maintaining and improving health. Thanks to the Palm Beach Post for working with us on helping provide information that can help men stay healthy.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Martin Memorial Celebrates Medical Fitness Week With Open Houses April 23

Going to a fitness center for some people simply means working out to get fit or lose weight. But for people who utilize a medical fitness facility, the emphasis is placed on overall health rather than just looking good in front of a mirror.

In 2008, Martin Memorial enhanced the level of services at its health and fitness centers by implementing medical fitness standards and guidelines. Medical fitness centers generally provide a higher level of medical resources and monitoring of health conditions than traditional fitness centers.

This week, the Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Centers are celebrating Medical Fitness Week, a national initiative created to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages and to highlight the medical fitness difference.

On April 23, an open house will be held at all five Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Center locations, featuring information on medical fitness, opportunities for reduced membership fees and tours of the facilities. Non-members who join with the health and fitness centers during this week and pay in full will receive $50 off any membership six months or longer; non-members who sign up with a payment plan can waive the enrollment fee.

Healthy snacks will be available from 7-11 a.m. and from 4-7 p.m. Martin Memorial has fitness centers located in Hobe Sound, south Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and St. Lucie West. For more information, call (772) 781-2722 or visit mmhs.com for addresses and directions to specific centers.

“We are excited to provide medical fitness to residents of the Treasure Coast,” said Kate Stemle, corporate director of Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Centers. “This program allows us to continue the continuum of care for members who are also medical patients, while giving us the necessary tools to help prevent disease and promote fitness for the general population.”

Martin Memorial Health and Fitness members have access to highly trained staff dedicated to improving and sustaining individual well-being through fitness. That includes programs designed to improve disease management and to integrate clinical care already being given.

Members can receive medical fitness profiles that will help them identify potential problems and highlight areas that can be worked through with assistance from Martin Memorial’s clinically trained personnel.

Health and fitness personnel at Martin Memorial have undergone special training and obtained advanced certifications to ensure members get the best possible instruction, personal training, fitness assessments and other services. The health and fitness centers are also overseen by a health and safety committee, led by medical doctors and clinical personnel. The committee provides guidance and recommendations for programming at the fitness centers.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Treasure Coast Health and Fitness Center to Remain Open During Renovations

We are excited to announce that beginning April 18, the Treasure Coast Health and Fitness Center will undergo renovations that will bring improved and enhanced facilities to our members and guests.

The renovations will provide members with an expanded workout area, more equipment, updated locker rooms, a new customer service desk, fresh paint and new carpet. The renovation will be broken into phases to allow for the least amount of disruption to our members’ fitness regimens.

Phase one will begin April 18 and continue through May 31 and will impact those who use the locker rooms, showers and pool area. The locker rooms will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. The restrooms located near the free weight area will remain open. The pool will close on Monday, April 20. Members who utilize the pool and aquatic classes are welcome to use the aquatic facilities at South Stuart Health and Fitness Center.

Phase two will occur from May 4 through May 31. On Monday, May 4, the main fitness and child care area will close. Throughout phase two, we ask members to please enter the facility through the main entrance of the building (where the physician offices are located) and enter the fitness center through the kitchen area – signs will be posted. All scheduled aerobics classes will continue and access to cardiovascular training and free weight equipment will remain available.

On June 1, the pool, locker rooms, child care and main fitness area will reopen. At this time, tentative plans for phase three renovations are being evaluated, which may include improvements to the aerobics and free weight rooms. Please watch for more updates as plans are finalized.

Please note that the health and fitness centers in Palm City, South Stuart, Hobe Sound and St. Lucie West will be available for use while the renovations take place.

During your next visit to the Treasure Coast Health and Fitness Center, please view our design board to learn more about the renovations and show your support by signing the demolition wall. Information on a grand re-opening celebration will be forthcoming. We sincerely appreciate your patience and value you as our customer.

For more information, please call (772) 223-5683.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Martin Memorial Honors Physicians With National Doctors’ Day Festivities

Martin Memorial recently celebrated National Doctors’ Day by honoring physicians from the health system’s medical staff for their dedication and service.

A total of 158 people attended the event, held at Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. That included members of Martin Memorial’s medical staff, board of directors and executive team.

Michael C. Romano, MD, a hospitalist, was named 2008 Physician of the Year, as voted upon by the Martin Memorial Medical Staff. Steven A. Lofton, MD., a pathologist, was named 2008 Physician Citizen of the Year as voted upon by Martin Memorial associates. Paul A. Gaeta, MD, an internist, was named the 2008 24/7 award winner as voted upon by the associates in Martin Memorial’s two emergency departments.

Five physicians were saluted for their 25 years of active service on staff at Martin Memorial: Lillian I. Avner, DO, an emergency medicine physician; Allan J. Birnbaum, DO, an internist; Alan S. Collin, MD, an oncologist; David B. Mordes, MD, an endocrinologist; and Mark L. Perlman, MD, an anesthesiologist.

The Martin Memorial Medical Staff includes approximately 350 physicians in numerous specialties, ranging from primary care to oncology, cardiology to pulmonology, neurology to podiatry. They not only help provide care when people get sick, but they are active in preventative care as well. Some are involved in clinical trials designed to help provide new treatments and preventative methods.

Things have changed significantly since Martin Memorial opened its doors 70 years ago with just three physicians on staff. But one thing that hasn't changed is the passion, compassion and dedication shown by the physicians who provide care at Martin Memorial.

So from all of us at Martin Memorial – thank you!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

How Can Golf Save Lives? Play the Associates with Heart Tournament

Grab your golf clubs and help us provide technology that can potentially save lives.

Martin Memorial will host the third-annual Associates with Heart Golf and Dinner Gala on Saturday, April 18 at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart.

Golf begins with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., with the dinner gala kicking off at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a golf ball drop, music, silent auction, raffle prizes and more. The price for golf and dinner is $100 for associates, $125 for golfers not employed by the health system. Non-golfers can still participate by attending the dinner gala. Tickets for the dinner gala alone are available for $50 for associates, $75 for non-associates.

“There are nearly 2,900 Martin Memorial associates who live and work in Martin and St. Lucie counties, so we know how important it is to ensure the health system has access to sophisticated technologies,” said Kim Brisky, event co-chair. “Every day, our associates see first hand the difference it can make.”

Proceeds from the event go toward the purchase of the Arctic Sun Temperature Management Systems for the Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South emergency departments. Patient temperature control/hypothermia therapy is a promising new treatment for limiting neurological damage in a wide range of critically ill patients by lowering their body temperature.

The treatment is becoming the standard of care in many hospitals throughout the United States and utilization of these vests could be beneficial to patient outcomes in Martin Memorial’s emergency departments.

“This new technology could make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients who come to our emergency departments,” said Diana Nolan, event co-chair. “The Associates with Heart event is a great opportunity to help the community while having an enjoyable day of golf, food and fun.”

For more information, or to register for the tournament, please call (772) 223-2885.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Reduce Risk of Developing Colon Cancer with Screenings, Modifying Risk Factors

Colorectal Cancer Awareness month came to a close on March 31, but it’s always beneficial to understand what screening and treatment recommendations are available for this type of cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Last year approximately 150,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 50,000 people died as a result of the disease. Over the past two decades, both colorectal cancer incidence rates and mortality rates have been declining due primarily to early detection and improved treatments.

What can you do to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer?

Modify factors associated with increase risk when possible. That includes obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red meat and limited intake of fruits and vegetables.

Get screened! If you are 50 years of age or older (the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age), schedule routine screening colonoscopies. Colonoscopy can result in the detection and removal of polyps before they become cancerous, and can also detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. African-Americans tend to develop colorectal cancer earlier and should begin screening at age 45 as a result. Anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer, a family history of a genetic condition that ensures the growth of polyps in the colon, or who has a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease should consult a physician for a recommendation about when to begin screening.

Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation may be recommended. With treatment the one- and five-year survival rates for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 82 percent and 64 percent respectively. When detected at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate increases to 90 percent.

Clinical trials are exploring the use of new targeted therapies for colorectal cancer. Our research department at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center is currently enrolling patients in two such trials, including one for Stage III and one for Stage IV disease.

To improve your chances of remaining colorectal cancer free, talk to your doctor about risk factors and screening. For additional information on colorectal cancer or clinical trials, call me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 3739.

-- Judith Johansen, RN, BSN, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Rehabilitation Plays Key Role in Getting Stroke Patients Back on Their Feet

It was a typical day for “John” and although he had a light headache, he took an aspirin and went to the gym anyway. As he was walking on the treadmill he felt dizzy, so he stepped off. Suddenly, he passed out.

The paramedics came within minutes and he was rushed to the emergency department. He awoke in the ambulance with the realization he could not move his right side and could not speak. John was told he’d had a hemorrhagic stroke that affected the right side of his body and he was admitted to Martin Memorial for continued care.

When John awoke the next day, he knew his life would never be the same. He was still unable to move his right arm and leg; he couldn’t understand or formulate speech and was unable to see from the right eye.

It was apparent that John was going to need to relearn the skills of everyday living. Physical, occupational and speech therapy began almost immediately in the hospital setting to evaluate his needs. John made gains every day and was soon able to sit on the edge of the bed and feed himself. After a while, he was able to stand with a walker, take a few steps and communicate his needs verbally.

John still has more work ahead of him as he continues rehabilitation outside the hospital. But without the team of skilled rehabilitation team members who helped him immediately after his initial treatment, John would not have progressed as well as he has.

Unfortunately, John’s case is not unique – stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. But with the proper treatment and care following a stroke, patients can continue to live happy, productive lives.

--Tara Anstensen
Physical Therapy Assistant