Trick-or-treating is a memorable tradition to share with your children during Halloween holiday celebrations, but sometimes this classic activity can result in injuries, sickness, or accidents. When it comes to choosing a costume, a trick-or-treat route, and providing supervision when necessary, safety precautions can keep your trick-or-treaters healthy and happy, without detracting from their enjoyment of the night.

Costume Safety

The safest costumes are made with bright colors that will be readily noticed by drivers after the sun sets. Reflective materials attached to the costume or trick-or-treat bag will also protect your children from accidents on the roads. Costume ideas that encourage bright colors and flashy displays include clowns, fairies, race car drivers, or cheerleaders.

Ill-fitting costumes can cause children to stumble and fall while trick-or-treating. Make sure that shoes are the right size and pants or skirts don’t drag along the ground when your child walks.

Some costume accessories can turn dangerous. Be wary of long magical wands or sharp toy swords that your child might fall on if he trips during the night. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against masks that impair vision. Blind spots may cause a child to not notice cars or bikes on the road.

Planning a Safe Route

If you determine that your child is old enough to trick-or-treat without you present, you will need to help him devise a safe route for the evening. Consider these tips while mapping out a journey for your children:

• Stick to well-lit streets
• Choose roads with sidewalks or very light traffic
• Stay within neighborhoods you are familiar with
• Instruct your children to only approach houses with an outside light on
• Supply cell phones and flashlights to improve the safety of even the most well-planned routes

Treats

Even if your trick-or-treater is braving the night without you, it is best to discourage him from enjoying any treats before you can inspect them. Homemade goodies, except from neighbors you know well and trust, should be discarded. Even prepackaged candies should be looked over for signs of tampering before giving them to your child.

Plantation General Hospital can give you more information about protecting your children during the holidays and year-round. Call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362 today with your questions.

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If you are recovering from a serious injury or surgery, you might benefit from seeing an experienced physical therapist who can help you retrain your muscles, relieve pain, and recover quickly. Many patients wait for a recommendation from their doctor before scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist, but anyone who is struggling through his recovery or experiencing difficult movements could benefit from physical therapy. Sometimes physical therapy can even prevent the need for future surgeries.

Pain Elimination

For those wary of unnecessary medications, physical therapy is a natural and healthy way to relieve chronic pain. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy can effectively soothe pain in any area of the body, including common complaints such as lower back aches and joint pain. Physical therapy has been used as an alternative pain management method to supplement or replace medications for the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Musculoskeletal pain

Improved Lifestyle

Old injuries and surgeries shouldn’t haunt you longer than necessary. Restricted and painful movements do not need to be a permanent part of your daily life. If your daily life is compromised because of stiff, painful, or uncooperative muscles and joints, let a physical therapist help locate your problem areas and devise a plan to improve movement and quality of life.

Prevention

Athletes can use preventative physical therapy to help guard against common sports injuries that may occur during a game or practice session. The American Physical Therapy Association reports that physical therapy can lower your sports injury risk by 41 percent, when compared to athletes who only warm up before games.

Elderly Patients

As the body ages, it becomes susceptible to poor balance, falls, and broken bones. Preventative physical therapy can help your loved ones avoid these common problems as the years pass. Physical therapy for the elderly will improve strength, balance, and flexibility, enabling them to continue living an independent lifestyle even as the years take their toll.

The physical therapy department at Plantation General is here to help you reclaim your life after an injury or surgical procedure. If you have any questions or need a referral, please call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362.

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Flu season is right around the corner, and the last thing you want to deal with as the holidays approach and the academic year intensifies is a stuffed-up nose, sore throat, and pounding headache. As the seasonal flu begins to make its rounds through the office and school yard, go on the defense. Make sure you and your family are ready to take on flu season and come out on the other side healthy and thriving.

How the Flu Spreads
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is an airborne virus that can be transferred from person to person from distances of up to six feet. Most doctors believe that the virus most often spreads when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The flu can also spread from contaminated objects or surfaces. Avoiding contact with infected people and thoroughly washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of this extremely contagious virus.

The Flu Shot
The CDC recommends an annual flu shot as the most effective method for preventing the flu during its peak season. The shot is considered safe for most patients over six months old, with exceptions for those with allergies to eggs or who are currently experiencing flu symptoms. Flu shots take up to two weeks to become effective, and the shot becomes available in late September. Although it is best to get the shot as soon as possible, it is better to get vaccinated late than to skip the vaccination altogether.

Watch Your Hands
Pay attention to how you use your hands. How often do you wash them? Do you find them touching your eyes, nose, or mouth often? Making purposeful changes to these small habits can protect your health in a big way.

Haven’t gotten your annual vaccination yet? Let us help you get ready for flu season. Call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 to ask questions, make an appointment, or receive a physician referral.

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In recent years, carbohydrates have received a tainted name among dieters. Breads, pastas, and starchy vegetables get credited with weight gain and fatigue. Many people looking to lose weight follow fad diets that encourage total avoidance of carbs, opting instead for plenty of meats and salads. Has the long-standing food pyramid been turned on its head? Not quite. While it is true that certain types of carbohydrates are not the ideal food staples, carbs still deserve their place in your kitchen and on your dinner plate.

Good and Bad Carbohydrates
Just like there are good and bad types of fat for your diet, not all carbohydrates interact with your body the same. White bread, pastries, sugary drinks, potato chips, and white rice do not provide much nutritional value, and a diet based on these foods will typically result in some extra pounds and a fatigued body. On the other hand, good carbs such as whole-grain breads, brown rice, vegetables, and fruits are used as healthy fuel for your body.

The Purposes of Carbohydrates
Good carbohydrates serve several purposes for your overall health. Primarily, your body needs carbs for energy, according to the New York Times Health Guide. Carbs also improve the health of your brain and nervous system. Whole grains contain fiber, along with many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

Fiber
Harvard School for Public Health recommends that adults receive around 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. The majority of American adults only get up to 15 grams a day, which can eventually lead to constipation, diabetes, heart disease, or colon cancer. Low-carb diets may shed pounds quickly, but the long-term health concerns can cause severe damage.

It is important to speak with a doctor before making any changes to your diet. If you have questions about carbohydrates in your diet, or if you would like a physician referral, call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362.

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Nothing kicks off the beginning of the school year like … time off from work and school. Labor Day weekend is always a great time to catch up with family and friends one last time before everyone gets busy in the fall. However, if you’re not careful, it is easy for a fun holiday weekend to end badly. Here are some quick tips to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe this Labor Day weekend.

Driving:

• Wear your seatbelt.
• Drive cautiously.
• Be careful when driving in work zones.
• Follow the speed limits.
• Make stops frequently to stretch your legs and ensure alertness.
• Be respectful of other drivers.
• If you are out drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.
• Turn your headlights on before dusk or during bad weather.
• Be aware of the weather forecast for the duration of your trip.
• Be careful not to allow your gas tank to get too low.
• Make sure you alert someone to your destination, route, and when you should be arriving in the event that you have trouble on the way and fail to reach your destination.

Barbecuing:

• Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Check to make sure your grill is in good working order and that all hoses and connections are properly attached with no leaks.
• Position the grill away from the house siding, deck, or from under eaves.
• Keep children away from the cooking area.
• Make sure the grill is being attended at all times.
• Be careful if using lighter fluid and do not add it directly to the flames, as it could cause flashback.
• Carefully dispose of hot coals, hosing them down with water and stirring them until cool.
• Be sure to limit your alcohol consumption, and get a ride home if you have been drinking.

Camping:

• Make sure you camp only in designated camping areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings and don’t start a fire near low-hanging branches or shrubbery.
• Never use lighter fluid, gasoline, or any other flammable liquid on a fire, and keep your campfire small.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Watch children and pets carefully when they are near the fire.
• Douse your fire with water and dirt when you are finished, stirring it until it is cool.

Swimming:

• Make sure that all swimmers follow the rules at the beach and pool.
• Never let small children swim without supervision.
• Watch for signs about strong currents and other hazards.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply it every two hours and after getting out of the water.

If you follow these and other safety precautions, your holiday should be a fun one. The entire staff at Plantation General Hospital wishes you and your family a great Labor Day weekend!

Sources:
American Red Cross
Stay Safe This Labor Day Weekend

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July 4^th Family Safety

August is more than half over and you know what that means: time to send the kids back to school. Here are some tips to keep your child safe and healthy this fall.

Medical Checkups

While you may be prioritizing school supply shopping and carefully filling out permission forms, your child’s annual physical exam should be an important part of your back-to-school ritual too. Kids may need annual physicals to clear them to play sports or take part in physical education. You also need to ensure that your child’s immunizations are current. Make sure the school is aware of any allergies or medical conditions that your child has.

Backpack Selection

Choose a backpack that has wide, padded straps as well as a padded back. Try to organize the backpack using all of the compartments and packing the heaviest items closest to the center of your child’s back. It should not weigh more than 20 percent of her body weight. Discourage your child from carrying the backpack over just one shoulder, as it can strain muscles. You might also consider a rolling backpack if your child consistently carries heavy loads.

Nutrition

Because schools send lunch menu schedules home, you will know in advance when your child prefers a packed lunch over the provided meal. Talk to your child about making healthy food choices. Discourage her from consuming sugary drinks and instead encourage low-fat dairy products, water or 100 percent fruit juice.

Transportation

If your child is walking, make sure that the route is safe and that there are trained crossing guards at each intersection. If he is biking, make sure that he wears a helmet and knows the rules of the road, such as biking with the flow of traffic and using appropriate hand signals. If you are driving your child to school, make sure he is wearing a seat belt or is in an appropriate car seat or booster seat.

For questions or to schedule a medical examination for your child, please contact our Pediatric Department at 954-513-6070. You can also contact Consult-A-Nurse at 1-888-256-7724 for a physician referral.

Sources:
Healthy Children
American Academy of Pediatrics

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Summertime is one of the best times of the year for healthy eating because Mother Nature has produced a bounty of fresh, tasty fruits and vegetables. What’s even better is that so many of them are delicious pulled right from the vine, bush, tree, or ground, just as they are, with little need to add more flavor. For healthy eating in the heat, take advantage of what Mother Nature has prepared and keep cooking to a minimum. Reducing the amount that you cook during the summer months will keep your house cooler and save on energy. When you eat hot foods or heavy foods that your body has to work hard to break down and digest, you add heat to your body. Eating light, cool, fresh foods is not only healthy for you, but it also helps to keep your body cool.

Staying well hydrated is especially crucial during the summer. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, and so eating them helps you to stay hydrated. Don’t rely on fruits and vegetables alone for good hydration; make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. Try for 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour. Watch out for beverages that have a lot of sugar, alcohol, or caffeine, as those are substances that dehydrate the body.

Another benefit of summer eating is the opportunity for outside grilling, which can be a healthy way to cook your food and it keeps the heat out of the house. Here are some tips for keeping your grilling light and healthy:

· Choose lean meat and remove all visible fat before you throw it on the grill

· Choose fish or ground turkey in place of red meat and hamburgers

· Keep your portions small, about the size of your palm

· For flavor, use a dry rub that is low in sodium

· Choose whole grain buns

· Serve a side of fruits and vegetables rather than chips and fries

· Substitute water and herbal tea for soft drinks

By taking advantage of all the treats that summer has to offer, you can beat the heat, stay healthy, and enjoy easy meal preparation. If you have questions about nutrition and keeping your body healthy in the heat, please use our free Consult-A-Nurse service.

Sources:

The American Heart Association

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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You know it’s coming because the signs are always the same. It begins with that familiar throbbing on one side of your head that starts slowly and then explodes into pain. You guessed it, it’s another migraine headache.

Migraine headaches are a common form of headache, affecting about 12% of the U.S. population and are three times more common in women than men. Generally, a headache is defined as a pain in the head and neck region of the body. A migraine, a form of vascular headaches, is different in that the pain is throbbing and intense, and it includes a variety of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. The classic migraine is distinguished by an “aura” of light that is seen before the headache starts.

A series of events can trigger a migraine, which is believed to start in the brain. There are various ways to approach migraine management, including prevention, early intervention, and treatment. To keep it simple and start on the road to taking control of your migraines, remember to REST: Reduce, Expect, Stop, and Treat.

Reduce. See your doctor for various medications available to help reduce the number of migraines you experience. These medications are usually a daily regimen.

Expect. Make sure you know your “triggers” and work toward reducing those that lead to your migraines. Keep a journal to track frequency, severity, symptoms, and causes (i.e., food, stress, sleep). This information is also helpful to share with your health care provider.

Stop. There are some medications that can help stop migraines before they develop to full intensity. At the first sign of a migraine, try stopping it in its tracks by taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Talk to your health care provider about prescription strength medications that are effective in stopping migraines.

Treat. Don’t suffer the symptoms of your migraines. Make sure to take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room. Cold compresses can provide some additional relief. Your health care provider may be able to suggest medications that offer relief of symptoms such as nausea, pain, and emotional distress.

You don’t have to suffer through your migraines. If you have questions, be sure to talk to your doctor about your options. If you need a physician referral, call the Plantation General Hospital Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724.

Sources:

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Centers for Disease Control

Although a person’s outward appearance can provide important indications of health, doctors often need a more detailed look inside the body. An endoscopy is a procedure that allows a physician to maneuver an endoscope through the body to take a closer look. An endoscope is a very small camera attached to a long, narrow tube.

When Is an Endoscopy in Order?
A gastroenterologist uses the endoscope as a tool to examine the esophagus, stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. An endoscopy may be ordered to investigate unexplained symptoms or problems including pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, possible cancer or other concerns. The procedure not only allows a physician to help diagnose digestive problems and diseases of the digestive system, but, in some cases, an endoscopy can also be performed to help stop bleeding or remove polyps.

What to Expect
An endoscopy is a low-risk procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes, and is performed in an outpatient facility or hospital. Patients are often required to fast prior to the procedure, and are given a sedative to help relax. The endoscope is inserted in the mouth, and the patient may swallow to help move the scope along. While talking isn’t possible, the endoscope does not interfere with breathing. The patient will likely feel the pressure of the scope, but the procedure is not considered painful. While the doctor moves the endoscope, he or she is able to view images of the upper gastrointestinal area of the body sent by the camera and displayed on a nearby monitor. Some information may be available immediately, but other results including that of a biopsy take longer. Patients are commonly advised to take it easy for the remainder of the day, and then typically resume normal activities the day after undergoing an endoscopy.

At Plantation General Hospital, we offer endoscopic procedures through our outpatient surgery department. For more information, visit our website or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724 for a physician referral.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health

Plantation General Health Library

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The July 4^th weekend is a highlight of the summer that’s traditionally packed with family fun. Keep the following safety guidelines in mind so that the fun isn’t spoiled by sunburn or a trip to the hospital.

Sun Safety
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably one with an SPF of 15 or higher. Be sure to apply it before you head outside and re-apply it every two hours or after swimming. Also, make sure your sunscreen is not past its expiration date, which will make it less effective. For convenience sake, look for family-friendly sunscreen such as continuous sprays or wipes.

Heat Safety
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Steer clear of caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which will actually dehydrate you. Avoid being outside when it’s the hottest—usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some people are more prone to heat-related illness, including babies and young children, those older than 65, and people who are significantly overweight, but anyone can be affected. Some signs of heart stroke include dizziness, high fever, nausea, confusion, fainting, and shortness of breath. Get medical attention right away if you or a family member experiences these symptoms.

Swim Safety
When you hit the pool or beach, be sure to swim only where there is a lifeguard on duty. Use a buddy system and don’t swim alone. Ensure that weak swimmers wear flotation devices and are supervised at all times.

Insect Safety
Keep pests at bay by using an insect repellent when you’re outside. Choose one that that contains picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.These ingredients help prevent mosquito bites and may protect against the West Nile virus.

Fireworks Safety
The best decision about fireworks is to leave them to the pros. If you are considering taking on the task of fireworks, be sure you are using legal devices. Wear safety goggles, and use fireworks only according to directions. Accidents can cause blindness and burns. Wet down an area before lighting fireworks, and place all used fireworks in a fireproof bucket filled with water. And always keep water on hand in case of an emergency. Children should never light fireworks, and only children older than 12 years of age should be allowed to handle sparklers.

If you want to get out and see a great fireworks display, check out this listing from the Sun Sentinel and find the best spot for you. The entire staff at Plantation General Hospital wishes you and your family a safe and fun Independence Day!

Sources:

U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission

American Academy of Pediatrics

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