Do you find yourself longing for a moment of quiet shut-eye at inconvenient moments? Maybe you experience an afternoon slump every workday, or the need for a nap appears when you still have a mile-long to-do list for the day. Chaining yourself to a coffee machine and painfully pushing through each hour is no way to live your life. If you're getting enough sleep, chronic fatigue shouldn't be something you need to suffer through. Simple lifestyle changes can give you the energy to greet each day with the momentum and passion you need.

Change Your Diet

Food choices rank as a top cause of chronic fatigue. Whether you're skipping meals, overloading on sugars and white flour, or depriving yourself of a crucial nutrient, the foods you choose (and don't choose) can make your days feel long and tiring. To give yourself the most energy possible, try these diet tips:

• Eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein every morning. No exceptions!
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the entire day.
• Don't go longer than four hours without something to munch on.
• Choose whole wheat bread over white.
• Make sure you're getting plenty of fiber and omega-3s.
• Cut back on caffeine. It might worsen your fatigue initially, but as you break the addiction you will find you don't need coffee or tea to artificially boost your wakefulness.
• If you won't skip dessert entirely, at least save it for the end of the day.

Get Active

Many people who complain of fatigue lead a sedentary lifestyle. They sit at a desk all day, and spend their evenings in front of a television. Regular exercise, especially in the morning, will get your blood flowing and keep you awake all day.

Quick Tips

When you find yourself fading, try one of these instant fixes:

• Get up, stretch, and walk around.
• Splash your face with cold water.
• Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
• Talk to a friend.
• Eat a healthy snack.
• Turn on your favorite upbeat song.
• Clean up your workspace.

Are you experiencing unexplained periods of low-energy? Fatigue can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health concern. The staff at Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362 with questions or to receive a physician referral.

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There are few ailments more heartbreaking to witness as a parent than a child with an ear infection. You can see the obvious pain, and there seems to be little you can do to soothe your little guy's discomfort. Ear infections are often one of the first medical conditions you will encounter as a new parent.

According to KidsHealth, most children will experience an ear infection before turning two years old. They can seem incredibly frightening, especially when accompanied by a rising fever. With professional care, these infections are easily fought off. Learn what to expect and how treatment will be administered.

Symptoms

If you notice a combination of these signs on your child, he might have an ear infection. See your doctor for a final diagnosis.

• Pulling at his ear
• Abnormal troubles with sleeping
• Restlessness
• Fever
• Agitation
• Ear drainage
• Runny nose
• Excessive crying, especially when lying down
• Lack of appetite

Treatment

If the ear infection is caused by a virus, your doctor will only be able to help relieve the symptoms while the virus naturally runs its course. Pain relievers or decongestants might be recommended in the meantime, which could indirectly shorten the virus's lifespan. Pain relievers will help your child sleep, building up his immune system, and decongestants will dry up the mucus that provides a hospitable environment for infection.

Depending on the severity of your child's condition, doctors might prescribe an antibiotic if they believe the ear infection to be bacterial. Although there is some controversy about the overuse of antibiotics, their use is often recommended for children. Untreated bacterial ear infections could potentially lead to complications such as hearing loss or a growing infection, resulting in mastoiditis (an infection of a bone in the skull).

If you think you child has an ear infection, the team at Plantation General Hospital is here to help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362 for a physician referral. We are also available 24/7 to answer any healthcare questions you might have. For more information about our pediatric department, visit our website.

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If you are considering weight loss surgery, you probably have a million questions running through your mind. Any type of surgery is a big step to make, and many types of bariatric procedures will require commitments that extend far past your recovery period. It isn't wise to enter the operating room without a thorough understanding of what you've agreed to. Here are some common questions our patients ask before choosing weight loss surgery.

Am I Good Candidate?

Weight loss surgery is not for patients who are struggling to lose a few stubborn pounds here and there. Most doctors will only consider doing bariatric procedures on obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or those with health complications caused by their weight. Bariatric surgery might help people struggling with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or heart problems.

What Are My Options?

Plantation General Hospital offers four types of weight loss surgery:

• Gastric Banding
• LapBand
• Gastric Bypass
• Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Resection

Each patient will fit best with one of these approaches, depending on lifestyle and BMI. Consulting with a bariatric surgeon will help you decide which method will work best for you.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?

Although all surgeries carry some risk, weight loss surgeries are very safe procedures with low rates of complications. However, some procedures will require a strict diet and lifestyle change so the patient remains healthy after the procedure takes place.

How Will My Lifestyle Need to Change After Surgery?

Although some may call weight loss surgery an "easy way out," much effort is needed from patients after their procedure is complete. Eating habits often must be adjusted, not only to maintain their achieved weight, but to protect their health. Pregnancy might also need to be avoided for a certain amount of time. Before signing up for surgery, discuss with your doctor what kind of lifestyle changes your selected procedure will require, and determine whether you can make the commitment.

For more information about weight loss surgery at Plantation General, visit our bariatric department's website. If you have more questions, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-888-256-7724 at any time.

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There is rarely a time that calls for more responsibility and healthy living than during a pregnancy. Your decisions during this delicate time will affect another human being for the rest of his life. If you are struggling with an addiction, pregnancy will hopefully be the motivating event you need to break free. Most women shouldn't assume they can handle this kind of dependency on their own. At Plantation General, we offer a safe, private, and professional environment that will get you clean and keep your baby healthy.

Your Own Health

Coupling the effects of illegal drugs and pregnancy on the woman's body could lead to disastrous results. The Centre helps women avoid many pitfalls for herself, such as:

• Anemia
• Blood infections
• Heart infections
• Skin infections
• Hepatitis
• Various infectious diseases

Your Baby's Health

When you participate in drug use during a pregnancy, the chemicals will often travel through the placenta, resulting in a baby born with a drug addiction. Chemical dependency in an infant is harder on his organs than it would be for an adult. The baby is at risk for organ failure, a poor immune system, stunted growth, lack of weight gain, and in some rare cases, physical deformities.

The Centre

The Centre provides a private and judgment-free environment where you can seek both emotional and physical help as you take control of your addiction. Our professional staff  will supervise your progress as you break free from chemical dependency, working to keep you and your baby healthy and safe every step of the way. We will not only guide you through your pregnancy with quality medical care and supportive peer group sessions, but we help you transition into life as a new mom, responsible and devoted to your baby.

If you are pregnant and struggling with an addiction, please contact us immediately for help. To learn more about the The Centre at Plantation Hospital, visit our website or call our toll-free line at 1-877-730-STEP with your questions. We are available 24/7.

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With another season of dessert-filled holidays behind you, the New Year is the perfect time to think about healthy changes you can make to your lifestyle. Whether you want to lose a few pounds, you're trying to quit a dangerous smoking habit, or you just want to prevent future medical problems and enjoy your good health long into old age, 2012 is the year to take action.

Find a Nutritious Diet That Works for You

There are few medical problems that aren't in some way linked with an unhealthy diet. If you are primarily living off fatty, sweet, or salty foods, now is the time to start opening up your kitchen and palate to healthier recipes. Begin by taking small steps one at a time.  Try finding several nutritious recipes your love, rather than fixating on cutting out unhealthy favorites. This positive focus will promote a feeling of abundance, rather than deprivation. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled fresh produce and whole foods, rather than bags of chips and cartons of ice cream.

Fitness Resolutions

Gym membership numbers tend to spike every January – with good reason. Gyms provide accountability, focus, and encouragement while trying to establish an exercise routine. Many gyms also offer regular classes that will introduce you to new types of exercise, such as Pilates, water aerobics, or spin classes. On the other hand, gym memberships aren't the only way to achieve your fitness goals this year. If you aren't likely to get distracted while trying to exercise at home, investing in a few pieces of home gym equipment will save you money in the long run. You can also get a great cardio workout from running outside, joining a sports team, hiking, biking, or participating in water activities.

More Healthy Resolutions

What other promises can you make for 2012 to preserve your health? Here are some ideas:

• Quit smoking.
• Get enough sleep.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Switch to organic or natural cleaning substances.
• Pay attention to the recommended doctor appointments, exams, shots, and screenings for your age and gender.

Are you going into 2012 behind on your health screenings? Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional is available 24/7 to answer your questions or provide a physician referral.

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Bringing home your new baby may mark the biggest life transition that you will ever encounter. As you anticipate days of snuggling, cooing, playing, and photographing, you should also begin to prepare yourself for sleep deprivation, diaper changes, and messy rooms. These tips will help keep you sane while adjusting to life with your newborn.

First Week Preparations

Labor and delivery will leave you sore and exhausted. Don’t expect that you can take on everything on your own. If your partner is immediately returning to work, enlist a close family member or friend to stay with you for a few days while you physically recover and adjust to your new role. Stockpiling groceries and premade meals will also make the first weeks smoother, and don’t even worry about cleaning or other usual obligations. Care for your baby when he’s awake, and get some much-needed sleep while he’s napping.

Handling a Newborn

Babies are incredibly fragile in their first few weeks of life. KidsHealth.org offers these tips for handling a newborn safely:

• Wash and sanitize your hands before touching a newborn.
• Always support the baby’s head and neck while holding him.
• Learn how to properly fasten the baby into his car seat or stroller. He should be jiggled as little as possible.
• Never shake your baby.
• Although bouncing an older baby on your knee may be safe, newborns are not ready for this type of play yet.

Breastfeeding Tips

Many women struggle with breastfeeding in the beginning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your doctor or a lactation specialist. Warming your breasts with a heating pad or a wash cloth soaked in warm water will help milk flow, and cooling them with an ice pack afterward will relieve tenderness. According to Parents Magazine, it’s best to introduce bottles as soon as possible, if you plan to transition your baby to bottle-feedings after a return to work or other commitments outside the home. You can still use breast milk in a bottle by pumping it and storing it in the freezer.

At Plantation General Hospital, our staff is here to help you every step of the way. We offer a wide range of classes, including breastfeeding, baby care, and sibling classes. Also, our free Consult-A-Nurse® service is available to you 24/7. Don’t hesitate to call us day or night at 1-866-442-2362 if you have any questions about caring for your newborn.

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The holidays are here! Unfortunately, for some people this season is anything but relaxing. Many find themselves complaining of depression, anxiety, flu symptoms, or weight gain. It’s time to reclaim the holidays of your youth. Adulthood doesn’t have to mean giving up the carefree memories of nights around the fireplace, drinking hot apple cider, and counting your gifts under the tree rather than the calories you consumed. This year, devote yourself to a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season.

Fighting the Flu

Aim for a tissue-free winter vacation this December. Make it a regular habit to wash your hands before each meal, avoid close contact with people who are sneezing and coughing, take a daily multivitamin, and stick to a weekly exercise routine. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time.

Put Aside Your Stress

Holiday stress may seem inescapable, but these simple tips should keep your spirits high and worry-free: 

• Don’t say yes to every party invitation this season. Give yourself room to breathe.
• Allow yourself some weekly “me time” to relax. Aim for daily if you can.
• Put away your credit cards and shop with a reasonable budget. Holiday stress often stems from financial worries.
• Consider how many house guests you can really fit in your home, and for how long, before everyone starts getting a little crazy.
• Make time to just sit and talk with your spouse, children, or best friends.

Nutrition

Holidays get a notoriously bad reputation for widening waist measurements every year. Don’t fall into this unhealthy trap. Limit your snacking, your desserts, and your seconds at meal times. The moderate splurge is okay during special occasions, but don’t forgo your fruits and veggies in favor of chocolate fudge.

If you have questions about staying healthy this holiday season,  Plantation General Hospital is here to help. Just call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. We are standing by to answer your questions or supply a physician referral.

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While navigating your children’s mile-long gift wish lists, don’t let the holiday bustle and excitement distract you from your number one job as a parent: watching out for their safety. While modern laws keep today’s toys from many past hazards, children can still be endangered by toys that are not age appropriate for them.

Toy Shopping for Toddlers

The key to purchasing safe gifts for the toddlers in your life is avoiding toys that come with small parts. Even tiny pieces that seem firmly attached, such as beaded eyes or noses on a stuffed animal, could come loose. Children under three are prone to putting whatever they find in their mouths, nostrils, or ears. Avoid trips to the emergency room or risks of choking by only purchasing safe toys intended for toddlers. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends skipping presents with marbles, balloons, or small balls. Toys with sharp edges are also considered too dangerous for your youngest children.

Toy Shopping for Preschoolers

Durable toys are the safest choices for preschool-aged children. As kids’ strength grows, and they learn the art of the temper tantrum, poorly made toys can get broken, leaving dangerous jagged edges and small pieces that could be swallowed. If you are buying art supplies, make sure the crayons, paints, or other tools have been checked for toxicity. Safe art supplies should be marked ASTM D-4236.

Toy Shopping for Elementary Students

As your child reaches elementary school, he might begin asking for gifts such as bicycles, scooters, or rollerblades. Make sure you also purchase any safety equipment that should accompany these presents, such as helmets and pads for knees and elbows. Teach your children the rules of the road so they can bike and blade safely.

The staff at Plantation General Hospital wishes you a safe and joyous holiday seaon. If you are concerned about the safety of a toy your child has requested, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional is waiting to answer your questions.

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Paying careful attention to the recommended screenings for women is an important part of preventative health. Many serious illnesses can be easily treated if caught during the earliest stages. As you age, certain tests should become a regular part of your healthcare routine.

Cervical Cancer Screenings
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health recommends that women begin getting Pap tests once they turn 21 years old, or once they have been sexually active for over three years. Most doctors recommend a pap smear every one to three years, until a woman is 65 years or older.

Breast Cancer Screenings
Mammograms are typically recommended for women over 40 years old, although your doctor may suggest this screening for younger women at a higher risk for breast cancer. Most women should get a mammogram once every one or two years.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Women between the ages of 50 and 75 should also begin getting screened for colorectal cancer. Your doctor may suggest a variety of testing methods, and the frequency of testing may vary depending on your risk factors.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Annual screenings for various STIs should begin as soon as a woman becomes sexually active. Extra testing is advised if you find yourself at an increased risk, such as after unprotected sexual intercourse outside of a trusted, monogamous relationship. Some STI screenings, such as Chlamydia or HIV, are recommended for all pregnant women.

Other Screenings and Tests
Women should also add the following tests to their medical schedules:

• Blood pressure every two years
• Diabetes screenings for women with high blood pressure
• Bone mineral density test after age 65
• Cholesterol test for women with risk factors for heart disease

Are you up to date on your recommended health screenings? Talk to a doctor about what preventative health measures you might benefit from. At Plantation General Hospital, we’re here to help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 to receive a physician referral and set up an appointment today. 

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You’re counting calories. You select low-fat options at the grocery store. You’ve cut down on sugar. You’re watching out for cholesterol and carbs. You probably feel like you can’t fit another dietary restriction into your lifestyle – but the risk of too much sodium isn’t just weight gain. A salty diet often results in cardiovascular problems and other health concerns that can turn fatal.

Cardiovascular Complications
A diet oversaturated in sodium can wreak havoc on your arteries. Excess sodium will cause your blood pressure to rise, ultimately leaving your arteries hardened, thick, and prone to clots. Heart attacks and strokes are common complications that many patients could avoid if they watch their sodium intake.

High blood pressure will also affect your blood vessels, such as the ones running through your eyes or kidneys. When these vessels become thick and narrow, you could suffer from kidney failure or vision loss. Problems with your blood vessels may also result in an aneurysm. Limited blood flow in a weakened vessel could create a bulge that eventually ruptures, creating a life-threatening situation.

Don’t assume that a low blood pressure reading means your high-sodium diet isn’t affecting you. According to the Huffington Post, even if a sodium-filled diet does not result in high blood pressure, there is still a correlation between high salt intake and cardiovascular problems.

A Weakened Metabolism
A high-sodium diet can create several problems with your metabolism, commonly leading to weight gain, infertility, mood swings, or diabetes. Some untreated metabolism disorders can also lead to stroke or heart disease.

Stomach Problems
Salt can react harshly against your digestive system. Patients who consume too much sodium often find themselves struggling with chronic stomach ulcers, and in extreme cases too much salt has been linked with gastric cancer.

Compromised Mental Abilities
Extremely high blood pressure will weaken your mental facilities, causing patients to experience neurological symptoms such as memory loss. If you find yourself struggling to learn new material or adapt new habits, an excess of sodium may be to blame. Those with low-sodium diets often report better brain clarity and sharper mental abilities.

If you have questions about your diet, the team at Plantation General Hospital can help. Just call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional can help you determine healthy sodium levels that will protect you from high blood pressure, digestive problems, and other health concerns.

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