Preventing Common Knee Injuries

Calendar January 24, 2012 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Running, jumping, playing, and competing all require good strong knees. Many common knee injuries can be prevented with a little knowledge and planning. The knee joint is the largest in the body. Knees allow your body to bend, swivel, and straighten out while providing flexibility and stability. The knee is made up of cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Damage to any of these areas can be painful and dangerous.

Common Knee Injuries

Sprains: stretched or torn ligament, damage to the ACL and/or MCL

Symptoms include popping or snapping, pain inability to put weight on leg, swelling, fluid behind the kneecap, feeling loose or unstable

Strains: partial or complete muscle or tendon tear

Symptoms may be the same as sprains in addition to possible bruising

Tendonitis: inflamed or irritated tendon caused by over use

Symptoms include pain or tenderness when moving knee

Meniscal Tears: common in sports injuries, caused by changes in speed or side-to-side movement

Symptoms include tenderness, tightness, and swelling

Fractures and Dislocations: broken, cracked, or shattered bones are diagnosed by X-ray

Symptoms include severe pain and difficulty moving the bone, abnormal bulging, and inability to walk

Cartilage Injuries: a piece of bone or cartilage breaks off and leads to long-term knee pain

Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, inability to move leg, popping sensation

Chondromalacia, Bursitis, and Osgood-Schlatter Disease are other specific knee injuries you could sustain.

Prevention Tips:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to remove extra stress on the knee.
  • Wear proper safety gear including pads, guards, and shields for all sports and physical activity participation.
  • Choose shoes with the right support for your activity.
  • Be sure to warm up properly and always cool down after your activity.
  • Build up intensity slowly to avoid injury.
  • Participate in strength training and flexibility exercises to protect your ligaments and tendons.
  • Continue to maintain your muscles during the off season with regular light workouts.
  • Prevent knee injuries by bending your knees when landing from a jump.
  • If you cut laterally or pivot you can crouch at the knees and hips to avoid ligament injury.

If you do get injured, remember to Rest, Ice your injury, apply Compression, and Elevate the injury. The Orthopedics department at Regional Medical Center has advanced diagnostic equipment to help begin treatment for any knee injury. Our 1.5 Tesla MRI machine provides highly detailed images that help in diagnosing injuries, including soft tissue injuries to the knees. The orthopedic department at Regional Medical Center can help you recover and get back out on the field to win your next game!

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Guide to OTC Pain Relievers

Calendar January 17, 2012 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

A pain in the head, back, neck, or stomach can really put a damper on your day. Not every ache and pain requires a trip to the doctor. There are many common ailments you can treat with over the counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Know before you go:

  • Symptoms you are experiencing
  • Any medications you are currently taking including dosage (prescription or OTC)
  • Allergies or health issues
  • Medicines you have previously used to treat this problem

Find the right aisle:

Pain relief

  • Advil: ibuprofen; most popular pain relief medication
  • Tylenol: acetaminophen for pain relief
  • Aleve: naproxen for pain relief
  • Bayer: aspirin; may be difficult for children to digest and can cause internal bleeding in very extreme cases
  • Pain relievers labeled for migraine relief usually contain the same ingredients as their regular counterparts so be sure to compare labels to ensure you get what you need for the best value.
  • Other brands may contain a combination of the above ingredients, and generic forms are available for all types.
  • All medications can have side effects including: gastrointestinal, kidney and liver problems.

Cough, Cold and Allergy

  • Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Elixir: Brompheniramine
  • Chlor-Trimeton: Chlorpheniramine
  • Dramamine: Dimenhydrinate
  • Benadryl Allergy, Nytol, Sominex: Diphenhydramine
  • Vicks NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine: Doxylamine
  •  Alavert, Claritin: Loratadine
  • Zyrtec: Cetirizine
  • There are few side effects associated with antihistamines other than drowsiness.
  • Children and adults rarely have problems with antihistamines while older people with health problems may have cause for concern and should consult with a doctor.
  • Antihistamines may be combined with pain relievers or decongestants so make sure you are only medicating the symptoms you have.

Other

  • Methyl salicylate can provide topical pain relief when used correctly. Keep these medications out of reach of children.
  • Compound creams are not evaluated by the FDA and may not be safe or effective.
  • Check the active ingredients and possible side effects.

Choose your form:
Most medications come in a variety of forms from pills to caplets to gel capsules to sweetly coated tabs to liquids. They vary in size. Some people feel that gel caps work more quickly. In general, all forms are equally effective; just choose your preference.

Read Carefully:
You need to read all “drug facts” written on the side of the medicine container. Check the active ingredients to make sure you are not already using it in another form of medication. Review the purpose of each active ingredient to see if you need relief for that problem. Only choose medicine that treats the symptoms you have. Do not medicate for something you are not experiencing. Read the warnings to see if there is any reason to consult your doctor before taking the medication. Read the dosage information for adults and children. Do not exceed recommended amount or frequency. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking any medication.

You can search for Drug Information in our Health Library to find out more about specific medications you may take. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is here to help you whenever you need us. Call our free Consult-a-Nurse service if you have any concerns about medication or drug interactions.

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Folic Acid & Your Pregnancy

Calendar January 10, 2012 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

National Folic Acid Awareness Week is January 8 – 14. Whether the idea of a baby is a joyful thought or a scary one, all women should know about folic acid. Folic acid is very important for women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Folic acid (folate or vitamin B9) is essential in the development of DNA for a new baby. Folic acid is an essential vitamin for your body as well.

Benefits of Folic Acid

  • May prevent  birth defects of the brain and spine
  • Up to 70% of neural tube defects can be prevented
  • Lowers the risk for cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart defects
  • There are many other general health benefits for women

How much folic acid do women need?
Many foods contain B-vitamin or folic acid. However, most women do not get enough in their regular diet. All women should take a vitamin supplement to reach the 400 mg/day necessary for a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Who needs folic acid?
All women of childbearing age should get enough folic acid, as many pregnancies are unplanned or unexpected. Women should get the 400 mg before conception and during early pregnancy for it to be effective at protecting against birth defects. Women of Hispanic and Latin heritage are especially likely to have low folic acid and should make efforts to get the recommended dosage.

Sources of folic acid and folate

  • Lentils
  • dried beans,
  • dark, leafy, green vegetables
  • citrus fruit and juice
  • Your body absorbs folic acid in vitamin form best, so always take a supplement in addition to a healthy diet

Remember that you’re eating to enrich two lives, even before you get pregnant. All women should get plenty of folic acid. Regional Medical Center is here to help you live healthy for yourself and your future family; visit us online to read more about folic acid.  Call our free Consult-a-Nurse service if would like more information about pregnancy and folic acid.

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Tips for Staying on Track With Your New Year’s Resolutions

Calendar January 3, 2012 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Santa is done making lists. Now it’s your turn to list your New Year’s Resolutions. Many people resolve to make the new year better in many ways. A long complicated list of resolutions can be overwhelming and tough to stick to. Use these tips to make New Year’s Resolutions you can keep.

To make your resolutions last:

  • Set achievable goals that can be broken down into increments.
  • Don’t choose the same resolutions you’ve been unsuccessful with in years past.
  • Create a specific plan for how to achieve each goal.
  • Get your loved ones on board to support you or even join you in your efforts.
  • Don’t set too many goals. Focus on a few key goals instead.
  • Be honest with yourself

Healthy Diet
If you’re going to aim for getting your meals balanced, use the My Plate website from the USDA to help you plan your meals. Include more fruits, vegetables, diary, protein, and whole grain. Cut down on the fats, sugars, sodium, and carbohydrates. Make finding new recipes fun. Host a healthy food party for the new year so everyone can get some inspiration. Eating at home allows you to save money and control the ingredients in your meals.   

Exercise & Weight Loss
Set manageable goals. You won’t be able to lose 50 pounds right away. Start with daily a heart pumping workout of 30 minutes or more. Schedule your workout like you would any other important event in your day. Combine your workout with healthy eating and you’ll start to feel better and get to go shopping for smaller clothes!

Less Stress
Stress comes from all corners of life: work, home, the economy, family, and your own mind. Take time each day to focus on something good. Cut out stressors that you can live without. Learn to compromise with stressful people you can’t avoid. De-stress before bed with a good book, warm bath, calming music, or relaxing aromas. Get plenty of sleep so you can wake up to a stress-free day.

Quit Smoking
Many people resolve to quit smoking but are unable to. Meet with your doctor to investigate medications. You can try patches, gum, or smokeless cigarettes to taper off your cravings. Whatever you do, just don’t give up. Think of the extra time you’ll get with your loved ones when you live a healthier life.  

Regional Medical Center wants to help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions. Visit our website and check out the section Reduce Stress: Fit Fitness Into Your Life for ideas and tips on a happier new year. Call our free Consult-a-Nurse service if you have questions about how your New Year’s Resolutions may impact your health and safety.  

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Helping a Loved One After Stroke

Calendar December 27, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

If a loved one has had a stroke, you may be feeling lost, alone, confused, or scared. Learn about how to help your loved ones recover, so you’ll feel empowered and strong. There are many things you can do to make stroke recovery smooth and successful for the ones you care about.

Managing emotions
Stroke patients will often feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Be sensitive to these spikes and drops on the emotional roller coaster. Try to be encouraging and positive at all times. As caregiver, you will need to be firm to ensure the stroke patient is sticking to the recovery plan, but do so with sensitivity and compassion. Stroke patients are prone to feelings of depression, poor judgment, and low self-esteem. Be a cheering section for your loved one. Provide encouragement without being patronizing. Take the concerns of your stroke patient seriously and talk about them together. 

Modifying the home
Stoke patients may have lost feeling in half of their body and then forget to attend to that side during daily life. You can make simple adjustments to remind patients to wash, shave, and care for their weaker side. Leave little notes or set up grooming supplies in a way that will remind them. Narrow bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells may cause problems for stroke patients when they return home. Provide grab bars in showers and hallways. Move all the patient’s bedroom items to the ground floor so there is no need for the patient to go up and down stairs. Electric devices in the kitchen and bathroom can also help make daily tasks easier.

Daily living activities
Allow the stroke patient to be in control of as many choices as possible. With limited mobility and control, a stroke patient needs to feel that he or she can still make some decisions such as when to do certain tasks, instead of being told.

Exercise and rehabilitation
Stroke patients will need to complete rehabilitation exercise each day. There are outpatient programs at the hospital, through physical therapy offices, or even those that come into your home to work with the stroke patient. The exercises can be stressful and challenging, so keep up positive motivation. Try to schedule exercise when the patient is feeling his or her best. Most stroke patients will have a certain time of day when they feel strongest. 

Physical changes
Stroke patients are likely to have communication problems due to aphasia (loss of brain function) or physical weakness of facial muscles. Be patient and positive when communicating. Encourage the patient to express him or herself as much as possible. Stoke patients may experience loss of bladder or bowel control. Explain that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about and provide reassurance. Consult with a doctor if those issues occur.

Nutrition
If your loved one has lost his or her appetite after a stroke, make sure to monitor food intake. Patients can often be tempted to eat softer foods or food with strong flavors that may overcome a decreased sensitivity to taste or smell. Help your stroke patient plan the menu then prepare it together. The strain of shopping and cooking can lead to stroke patients skipping meals. Stroke patients need all their strength, so work together or contact a local meal delivery program in your area.

Medication and pain management
Stroke patients do not always feel pain accurately. Keep a careful watch for any injury to the body that the patient might not notice including broken bones after a fall or bedsores. Encourage daily movement even if the patient is in pain. You don’t want muscles to freeze up and become stiff and unusable. Encourage patients to work through the pain.

Regional Medical Center has a Stroke Care center that will help you every step of the way from diagnosis and treatment prevention and support. Call our  Consult-A-Nurse® service today for information on how you can help your loved one get back to living life.

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Rao Musunuru, M.D. Elected President of Pasco County Medical Society

Calendar December 20, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Cardiologist Rao Musunuru, M.D. has been elected 2012 President of the Pasco County Medical Society.  Dr. Musunuru has been serving residents of Pasco and Hernando Counties since 1981.  Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions in the medical community including Chief of Medicine, Chief of Staff, Chairman of Continuing Medical Education and Chairman of Board of Trustees at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Dr. Musunuru received the Florida Board of Medicine Chairman’s Recognition award in 2006.  He also received the 2010 Outstanding Physician Award presented by president of Florida Medical Association in recognition of exemplary medical, scientific, humanitarian, advocacy, educational and philanthropic contributions at local, state and national levels for three decades.

He also served on national leadership committees for American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at NIH (National Institutes of Health). He is the recipient of National Physician of the Year recognition from American Heart Association in 2005.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

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Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

Calendar December 20, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

It is time to jingle the bells and deck the halls. The holiday season is a time of joy, peace, and giving, but there can be dangers lurking under the winter wonderland. Consider these safety tips to make your holiday season safe and happy.

Decorations
Going up on the rooftops may look easy for Santa and his reindeer, but you need to be careful when stringing lights and other holiday decorations. Use a sturdy ladder and safety gear such as a helmet or harness when necessary. If you have small children, make sure ornaments or other small Be careful with candles as well, keeping them out of reach of children and pets. Consider using battery operated candles.

Cooking
Make sure you cook all food items thoroughly and according to packaging directions. When preparing food for a large group of people, you also must be careful that it is kept hot until all of it is served. Clean and sanitize counters and cooking equipment between preparations. Meats and eggs may leave bacteria behind and under cooked food can lead to illness.   

Germs
With all the meeting and greeting during the holiday season, colds and the flu can spread quickly. Wash up with soap and hot water or instant hand sanitizer frequently to protect your family from illness. Dress for the weather as well. Cold weather can make you susceptible to illness or cause other health problems, particularly for the very young or elderly.

Driving
Stay safe on the road this holiday season with a few smart choices. If you are traveling out of state and up north, watch out for icy patches on the road. Drive carefully around snow banks to avoid hidden dangers. If you choose to drink alcohol, always have a designated driver. Never drive after you have had an alcoholic drink. You can always leave your car and take a cab. The penalties for drunk driving can include heavy fines, jail time, and can lead to accident, injury, or death.

Stress
Don’t let the holidays weigh you down with stress. You can dial down your stress level this year by focusing on what really matters: spending time with loved ones. Choose to go simple over decadent. Plan ahead so you won’t feel rushed whether it’s shopping for gifts or whipping up a dish.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point wants you to have a safe holiday season. Regional Medical Center wants to make the holidays safe and happy for everyone with Community Holiday Gift Baskets. Be safe this holiday, but if an accident does occur, our Emergency Care Center is here for you. 

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5 Steps to Overcome Chronic Pain

Calendar December 13, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Chronic pain has the ability to hold you back from living your life, but effective pain management is available to you if you find the right method and determinedly stick to it. Unmanaged pain often keeps people from spending time with their friends, playing with their children, or enjoying the activities they used to love. Dedicate yourself to overcoming this obstacle and grabbing your life back.

  1. Consult your doctor. The first step to pain management is knowing where your discomfort is coming from. If you haven’t already, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discover the root of your chronic pain. With an accurate diagnosis you can determine the most effect method of overcoming your daily discomforts.
  2. See a physical therapist. Regular appointments with a physical therapist will help your body recover faster and overcome painful obstacles. With professional guidance, your physical therapist can help you improve your quality of life and better manage painful symptoms.
  3. Change your habits. A physical therapist will also help you make lifestyle changes that will keep chronic pain at bay. There may be simple alterations to your regular movements and routine that are magnifying your discomfort. Pinpointing these spots could guide you to easy solutions for pain-free days.
  4. Reevaluate your medicinal treatment. Discuss your current medicine regimen with your doctor if you feel it is not effective.  As pain progresses you may need a different prescription, a higher dosage, or your doctor may recommend a surgical solution for your pain.
  5. Consider alternative methods. Acupuncture, meditation, and other alternative forms of pain management could all effectively supplement your current pain management techniques. Before starting any new treatment plans, consult your doctor to verify that an alternative approach is safe and complementary with any medications you are already taking.

At Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, we want to help you overcome your chronic pain conditions. Join us on the third Wednesday of every month for an American Chronic Pain Association meeting. Our next gathering will happen on December 21st at 6:30 pm. 

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Radiology A to Z

Calendar December 6, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

A picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say. In the medical world, a picture is essential for diagnosing health problems, but the picture needs to be taken of the inside of the body. Diagnostic imaging is the name for the many various types of technological devices that can be used by doctors to view the inner workings of the human body.

CT Scans
Computed tomography scans use X-ray (see below) technology along with advanced computing systems to see images of broken bones, blood clots, cancer, internal bleeding, and any signs of heart disease. This test is also painless and fairly simple. A mechanism will pass over your body as you lie on a table. You may need to ingest or be injected with a contrasting agent, a colorless solution that allows various parts of your body to show up more clearly.

MRI scans
Magnetic resonance imaging is a tool that utilizes large magnet and radio waves. The organs and structures inside the body can be seen in order to find torn ligaments, tumors, and other problems, especially of the brain and spinal cord. You will be slid into a tube or tunnel. The test is painless, but is quite loud and requires you to remain still for an extended time. It is important to tell your MRI technician if you are pregnant or have metal or electronic devices in your body. You may be injected with a contrasting agent to better differentiate organs or blood vessels. 

Nuclear medicine scans
Radioactive substances are used to image structures and show functions within the body. A specialized camera is used to measure energy from the radioactive tracer, injected before the test. This test looks for cancers, injuries, infections, and the functioning of the heart and lungs. The tests vary in length while you lie on a scanning table. The dosage of radioactivity is small, and the benefits generally outweigh the risk. 

Scopes
A procedure called endoscopy uses a microscopic camera attached to a long, flexible tube that can be moved through the body. You doctor is able to see inside an organ, down body passageways, and even into the colon to assist in removing polyps during surgery. Different types of scopes are used for viewing: joints, abdomen, esophagus, large intestine, lungs, pelvis, stomach, and urinary system. 

Ultrasounds
An ultrasound uses sound waves of high-frequency to view organs in inner structures of the body. A mechanism called a transducer is moved over certain areas of the body and sends out signals as the waves bounce off various body tissues. The waves that are sent out and bounced back are sent to a computer that creates images. The heart, blood vessels, kidney, liver, and uterus are most commonly viewed with an ultrasound. Doctors examine the fetus during pregnancy using an ultrasound. There is no exposure to radiation with an ultrasound. An echocardiogram is one type of ultrasound that looks at the heart.

X-rays
An X-ray is a machine that uses a high energy radiation to create images of the inside of the body. A film called a radiograph records the images. X-rays can be used to look for bone breakage, lung or abdomen problems, issues with teeth, breast lumps, and other abnormalities. There is no pain associated with an X-ray. The process is quick and simple. Radiation exposure is minimal.  If your physician needs a copy, a CD will be provided.

If you have a health concern that can’t be seen from the outside, diagnostic imaging will allow your doctor to examine and diagnose your problem accurately before beginning treatment. The Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology Department at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has the latest in diagnostic technology. Tests such as MRI, CT scan, Echocardiography, Ultrasound, Diagnostic Plain  Imaging, Interventional Procedures, 64 Slice CT, Nuclear Studies, and Fluoroscopy are available to you. We utilize a computer system called PACs instead of film, to store your images and we can provide a CD copy upon request. Call Consult-A-Nurse® to make an appointment today. 

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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Announces the Appointments of Shalin Shah as Chief Operating Officer and Tom Lawhorne as Chief Financial Officer

Calendar December 6, 2011 | Posted by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

December 6, 2011 – Hudson, Florida – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced the appointments of Shalin Shah as Chief Operating Officer and Tom Lawhorne as Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Shah has been appointed COO  from his position as Chief Financial Officer at RMCBP, a position he held since 2007.  Mr. Shah is a 22 year veteran of HCA.  He brings to the position an established rapport with staff and physicians and an acute awareness of the market RMCBP serves.  Mr. Shah holds an MBA and Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

Tom Lawhorne comes to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point from LewisGale Hospital, Pulaski.  Mr. Lawhorne has worked in various positions throughout the HCA’s healthcare system since 1993.  He has a reputation for not only focusing on the business aspects of hospital operations, but also on the vital role that the hospital plays within the community.  He has always been involved in various aspects of the communities in which he serves.  Mr. Lawhorne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.  He and his wife, Andrea, and their 2 children now live in Hudson.

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