The Martin Memorial Auxiliary Thrift Shop will be relocating to the Ocean East Mall in August.
To help prepare for the move, the Auxiliary is holding a “super moving sale” until Saturday, Aug. 7 at its current site, located at 2195 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in the Smithfield Plaza in Stuart. There will be great deals available on gently used merchandise, ranging from clothing to home furnishings and much more. Many items are marked at 50 percent off . The shop is open during its summer hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The telephone number is (772) 223-5619 for more information.
The thrift shop will open Aug. 18 at its new site, located at 2328 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in the Ocean East Mall just two shops down from Milam’s Market in Stuart.
The thrift shop provides funds that the Auxiliary uses to help Martin Memorial deliver care for the community. In 2009, the Auxiliary completed its $1 million pledge to the Frances Langford Heart Center, in part through funds it raised through the thrift shop. And each year, the Auxiliary provides $40,000 in scholarships for local students who are seeking degrees in health care related fields.
Martin Memorial has one of the largest hospital Auxiliaries in the state, featuring more than 800 volunteers who provide nearly 200,000 hours of service each year.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Understanding Signs and Symptoms of Stroke Can Help Get Necessary Care Fast
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and one of the most common causes of disability.
However, the damage can often be minimized if medical care is provided quickly by highly trained clinical staff. To help ensure that patients who suffer from stroke receive the best treatment possible, Martin Memorial is certified as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission.
Receiving immediate care is critical to limiting the amount of damage the brain suffers following a stroke. That’s why understanding the signs and symptoms of a stroke are so important.
Below are the most common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 right away. Treatment is most effective when started immediately.
Symptoms may be sudden and include:
• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
• Problems with movement or walking
• Severe headaches with no other known cause
All of the above warning signs will not necessarily occur with each stroke. Do not ignore any of the warning signs, even if they go away — take action immediately. The symptoms of stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Other less common symptoms of stroke may include the following:
• Sudden nausea, vomiting or fever not caused by a viral illness
• Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures or coma
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, which can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. However, TIA symptoms are transient and last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours.
Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded by TIAs.
However, the damage can often be minimized if medical care is provided quickly by highly trained clinical staff. To help ensure that patients who suffer from stroke receive the best treatment possible, Martin Memorial is certified as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission.
Receiving immediate care is critical to limiting the amount of damage the brain suffers following a stroke. That’s why understanding the signs and symptoms of a stroke are so important.
Below are the most common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 right away. Treatment is most effective when started immediately.
Symptoms may be sudden and include:
• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
• Problems with movement or walking
• Severe headaches with no other known cause
All of the above warning signs will not necessarily occur with each stroke. Do not ignore any of the warning signs, even if they go away — take action immediately. The symptoms of stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Other less common symptoms of stroke may include the following:
• Sudden nausea, vomiting or fever not caused by a viral illness
• Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures or coma
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, which can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. However, TIA symptoms are transient and last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours.
Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded by TIAs.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Martin Memorial and VGTI Florida Collaborating on Another Research Study
In November 2009, Martin Memorial and the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute Florida announced the first research collaboration between the health system and the life sciences organization.
In June 2010, the two began working on a second study, in partnership with Florida Blood Center. That study was highlighted in a recent article in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
The purpose of the first study is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control flu epidemics, HIV and other chronic infections.
The second study involves the withdrawal of white blood cells from volunteers in a process called leukapheresis, which is somewhat similar to giving blood. Those white blood cells are then sent to VGTI Florida, where scientists can use them in studies involving the human immune system.
More studies could be in the works as well between the two organizations. You can learn more here about other clinical trials available at Martin Memorial, including numerous oncology trials at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.
In June 2010, the two began working on a second study, in partnership with Florida Blood Center. That study was highlighted in a recent article in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
The purpose of the first study is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control flu epidemics, HIV and other chronic infections.
The second study involves the withdrawal of white blood cells from volunteers in a process called leukapheresis, which is somewhat similar to giving blood. Those white blood cells are then sent to VGTI Florida, where scientists can use them in studies involving the human immune system.
More studies could be in the works as well between the two organizations. You can learn more here about other clinical trials available at Martin Memorial, including numerous oncology trials at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Knowing Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack Can Be a Lifesaver
In 2007, Port St. Lucie resident Barry Lombard experienced discomfort in his upper chest and thought it was merely indigestion. When it began to worsen, he immediately went to Martin Memorial Health Services at St. Lucie West, where he learned he was having a heart attack. The very next day, interventional cardiologist Stephen McIntyre, MD, performed stent placement surgery on Lombard at the Frances Langford Heart Center at
Martin Memorial.
Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether chest pain is simply indigestion or a heart attack. For Lombard, seeking medical care at the onset of symptoms helped avoid complications. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, and knowing how to respond, could save a life.
These symptoms may appear in men and women:
• Chest pain, pressure or squeezing
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Tightness in the chest
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw
• Heartburn or indigestion with or without nausea and vomiting
• Sudden dizziness or brief loss of consciousness
These symptoms are more common in women:
• Indigestion or gaslike pain
• Recurring chest discomfort
• Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
• Sense of impending doom
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Discomfort or pain in the arms, stomach, jaw, neck or between the shoulder blades
• Difficulty sleeping
• Cold sweat
If you or someone you are with has one or more of these symptoms, don’t delay. Call 911 immediately. Lombard’s ability to recognize the signs of a heart attack helped him receive quick treatment, which allowed for a faster recovery and a better outcome.
“After the surgery, I felt great,” Lombard recalls. “The doctors, nurses and everyone in between were always one step ahead. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience considering the severity of the situation. The staff at the heart center made a very difficult time seem easy.”
Lombard’s trip to the heart center was also a learning experience. Now, at age 68, Lombard shares with family, friends and neighbors the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and he assures them that they will receive excellent care at Martin Memorial.
“Since visiting the heart center, I’ve had other unrelated health concerns,” says Lombard. “When I was faced with the choice of where to have my knee surgery, it was an easy decision. I went to Martin Memorial.”
Note: This article originally appeared in Martin Memorial’s “For Your Health” magazine. For more on this and other health related topics, visit mmhs.com.
Martin Memorial.
Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether chest pain is simply indigestion or a heart attack. For Lombard, seeking medical care at the onset of symptoms helped avoid complications. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, and knowing how to respond, could save a life.
These symptoms may appear in men and women:
• Chest pain, pressure or squeezing
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Tightness in the chest
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw
• Heartburn or indigestion with or without nausea and vomiting
• Sudden dizziness or brief loss of consciousness
These symptoms are more common in women:
• Indigestion or gaslike pain
• Recurring chest discomfort
• Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
• Sense of impending doom
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Discomfort or pain in the arms, stomach, jaw, neck or between the shoulder blades
• Difficulty sleeping
• Cold sweat
If you or someone you are with has one or more of these symptoms, don’t delay. Call 911 immediately. Lombard’s ability to recognize the signs of a heart attack helped him receive quick treatment, which allowed for a faster recovery and a better outcome.
“After the surgery, I felt great,” Lombard recalls. “The doctors, nurses and everyone in between were always one step ahead. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience considering the severity of the situation. The staff at the heart center made a very difficult time seem easy.”
Lombard’s trip to the heart center was also a learning experience. Now, at age 68, Lombard shares with family, friends and neighbors the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and he assures them that they will receive excellent care at Martin Memorial.
“Since visiting the heart center, I’ve had other unrelated health concerns,” says Lombard. “When I was faced with the choice of where to have my knee surgery, it was an easy decision. I went to Martin Memorial.”
Note: This article originally appeared in Martin Memorial’s “For Your Health” magazine. For more on this and other health related topics, visit mmhs.com.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ditch Those Old Summer Snacks for Some Healthier Alternatives
School’s out for summer. That means the kids are around the house, and friends and family visiting more often, which makes it harder to stay away from the sweet treats. It’s easy to keep cookies, cakes and chips around the house to share with the family. But it may not be the best option for your waist line or your health because it’s easy to add extra calories to your diet (and pack on extra pounds) when you’re munching away on potato chips.
So trade in those traditional treats for one of these healthier alternatives:
• For a simple treat try grilling fresh pineapple, mangoes, or peaches.
• Freeze grapes or blueberries for a refreshing icy treat that’s always on hand.
• Try snacking on fresh sliced veggies and low-fat cheese. They can easily be bought already chopped and in serving size containers – or for a cheaper alternative, cut them yourself.
• Switch to a whole-grain cracker like Triscuits. Whole grains contain more vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains.
• Serve with store-bought, low-fat dip or try making your own to control the salt. Use blended ricotta cheese, low-fat yogurt, cream cheese, mayo, or sour cream. Then add dill, pepper, garlic, minced onion and/or other herbs to your taste.
• For a fruit dip try low-fat cream cheese or blended ricotta with a no-calorie sweetener, like Splenda, and a little flavoring like caramel extract.
• Remember, Splenda can be substituted for sugar to cut back on unnecessary sugars and calories.
You can find ideas for healthy snacks at Web sites like eatingwell.com. Here’s an example for frozen chocolate covered bananas.
Cut a large banana into thirds and then insert a popsicle stick into the end of each banana piece. Dip into melted semisweet or bittersweet chocolate and then sprinkle with finely chopped nuts. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.
They contain approximately 120 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams added sugars, 2 grams protein, 2 grams fiber.
-- Stephanie Ashmore
Foods and nutrition major at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio
Student Intern at Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
So trade in those traditional treats for one of these healthier alternatives:
• For a simple treat try grilling fresh pineapple, mangoes, or peaches.
• Freeze grapes or blueberries for a refreshing icy treat that’s always on hand.
• Try snacking on fresh sliced veggies and low-fat cheese. They can easily be bought already chopped and in serving size containers – or for a cheaper alternative, cut them yourself.
• Switch to a whole-grain cracker like Triscuits. Whole grains contain more vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains.
• Serve with store-bought, low-fat dip or try making your own to control the salt. Use blended ricotta cheese, low-fat yogurt, cream cheese, mayo, or sour cream. Then add dill, pepper, garlic, minced onion and/or other herbs to your taste.
• For a fruit dip try low-fat cream cheese or blended ricotta with a no-calorie sweetener, like Splenda, and a little flavoring like caramel extract.
• Remember, Splenda can be substituted for sugar to cut back on unnecessary sugars and calories.
You can find ideas for healthy snacks at Web sites like eatingwell.com. Here’s an example for frozen chocolate covered bananas.
Cut a large banana into thirds and then insert a popsicle stick into the end of each banana piece. Dip into melted semisweet or bittersweet chocolate and then sprinkle with finely chopped nuts. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.
They contain approximately 120 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams added sugars, 2 grams protein, 2 grams fiber.
-- Stephanie Ashmore
Foods and nutrition major at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio
Student Intern at Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
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