Plantation General Hospital

5 Tips for a Safe Summer

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:57:19 +0000

Keep your family safe and healthy as the weather warms up!

Are you ready for a great summer? As June approaches, you probably have plans for trips to the beach, barbecues in the backyard, or Sundays at the park. While summer can be filled with fun and memorable activities, there are a few safety concerns to keep in mind. Here are our top 5 tips for enjoying a safe summer this year:

Wear sunscreen. Even one serious sunburn can heighten your risk for skin cancer. Always slather on some sunscreen before you head out the door. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you use SPF 15 or higher, and that you make sure your lotion protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Stay hydrated. The summer heat will increase your body's need for liquids. If you're spending a lot of time outside, bring a water bottle.
Don't swim alone. Children should always be supervised when swimming, but the American Red Cross suggests that even adults should bring along a buddy at the beach. You never know when a cramp, rip current, or injury could put you in danger.
Practice grill safety. Don't get burned during your barbeque! Be cautious and keep a close eye on nearby children or pets. Avoid food poisoning by checking the internal temperatures of meats before serving them.
Drink responsibly. Hot weather can affect the way your body reacts to alcohol. Use moderation while you enjoy summer festivals and concerts. Taking the boat out for a spin? Keep in mind that alcohol is one of the most common reasons for accidents on the water.

If you need a physician referral this summer or if you have any summer safety health questions, our free Consult-a-Nurse® service can find you the right match. Give us a call at 1-888-256-7724.

Lifestyle Changes to Bring Down Your Blood Pressure

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:57:04 +0000

Many patients will find that they can keep their blood pressure under control with healthy lifestyle adjustments.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and several cardiac complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypertension presents in about 1 in 3 adults in America, totaling around 68 million cases. If your numbers are higher than a healthy 120/80, it's time to take action!

While medications are available, there are several lifestyle changes that may help you. While continuing to monitor your blood pressure and communicate with your doctor, try these methods:

Find an exercise routine that works for you. Whether you work best with personal goals, the accountability of a fitness class, or the enjoyment of high-energy activities such as swimming, kayaking, or hiking, you need to figure out how to make your commitment to exercise stick.

Rethink your diet. If you're getting too much sodium every day, your blood pressure will skyrocket. Cutting back on sodium means more than skipping the salt on your potatoes – it means choosing whole foods rather than processed ones.

Manage your stress. There is an undeniable link between your mental health and your blood pressure. If you are constantly feeling tense, your physical health will pay the price. When you can't avoid your stress triggers, learn how to manage them. Try breathing exercises, meditation, or going for a long walk. If you can't get a handle on these feelings by yourself, consider seeing a therapist you trust.

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Get your facts straight! If you have any questions about your blood pressure, from how to get it tested to how you can keep it under control, you can call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724.

Moms: Help Your Daughters Lead Healthy Lives

Plantation General Hospital — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:57:31 +0000

You have the power to shape your daughter's future; instill good health habits today.

Your daughters deserve the very best in life, and you have the power to give it to them. Some of the most important habits a mother passes on to her little girl will protect her health, enabling her to enjoy a comfortable, long, and satisfying life. Here are five ways you can encourage healthy living for your girls.

Show her how to have a healthy relationship with food. Teach your daughter what a nutritious meal looks and feels like. It is filling, it is colorful, and it is meant to be enjoyed. Don't let your teens view food as the enemy as they struggle to lose weight, or as an emotional crutch during stressful times.
Encourage her to participate in high-energy activities. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore if you find something you love. Help your daughter experiment with different sports and hobbies. If something ignites her passion now, it will stay with her for the rest of her life.
Teach her about her body. Young girls often feel embarrassed about their changing bodies, but ignorance about breast health, reproductive health, and sexuality can lead to problems down the road. Put your discomfort aside, and talk with your daughter about what she can expect from puberty and womanhood.
Help her manage her emotions. Unhealthy emotional habits could follow your daughter into her adult life, making it difficult for her to handle professional environments and mature relationships. If you can help her navigate her emotions during those angst-filled teen years, she'll transition into her 20s and beyond with ease.

When you need tips on raising healthy daughters, our online health library is a great resource. If you have any questions or need a physician referral, call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724. Our lines are always open!

Moms: Help Your Daughters Lead Healthy Lives

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:27:29 +0000

You have the power to shape your daughter's future; instill good health habits today.

Show her how to have a healthy relationship with food. Teach your daughter what a nutritious meal looks and feels like. It is filling, it is colorful, and it is meant to be enjoyed. Don't let your teens view food as the enemy as they struggle to lose weight, or as an emotional crutch during stressful times.
Encourage her to participate in high-energy activities. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore if you find something you love. Help your daughter experiment with different sports and hobbies. If something ignites her passion now, it will stay with her for the rest of her life.
Teach her about her body. Young girls often feel embarrassed about their changing bodies, but ignorance about breast health, reproductive health, and sexuality can lead to problems down the road. Put your discomfort aside, and talk with your daughter about what she can expect from puberty and womanhood.
Help her manage her emotions. Unhealthy emotional habits could follow your daughter into her adult life, making it difficult for her to handle professional environments and mature relationships. If you can help her navigate her emotions during those angst-filled teen years, she'll transition into her 20s and beyond with ease.

The Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:57:22 +0000

Want to increase your comfort during pregnancy and prepare your body for childbirth? Try prenatal yoga!

Sticking to an exercise routine during pregnancy can be difficult, especially as you reach your second and third trimesters. Yoga is a good way to keep your body moving, while enjoying a slow and healthy pace for your growing baby. Consider these benefits:

You'll find relief from back pain. As your stomach grows, your back may begin to ache. According to the American Pregnancy Association, prenatal yoga will train your body to carry your baby with minimal discomfort – no matter how big he gets.
You'll practice stretching muscles that help you during childbirth. Prenatal yoga doesn't just mean the poses are safe for pregnant women, it means that poses are chosen that will specifically help you on your big day.
You'll build strength needed for labor and delivery. Yoga is more about muscle building than you may think. Holding a challenging pose will get you strong and ready for labor.
You'll build your endurance. Childbirth is often long and tiring. You'll need all the stamina you can get, both physically and emotionally. Yoga prepares you for both.
You'll ease your nausea. Many women find that morning sickness symptoms are improved after a prenatal yoga class.
Your stress levels will decrease. Studies have shown that a regular yoga practice can remove stress from your life. If your emotions have been running wild during pregnancy, prenatal yoga could help you regain control.

Plantation General hosts a weekly prenatal yoga class lead by a certified prenatal instructor. Will you join us this Wednesday? Stop by our calendar for more information. You can also call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service with questions or for a physician referral at 1-888-256-7724.

How to Choose a Pediatrician

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:57:16 +0000

Choosing a pediatrician could be one of the most important healthcare decisions you make for your children.

You never realize how many decisions you have to make as a parent. Everything from your child's diet to your home's safety must be evaluated and researched. With the help of a trustworthy pediatrician, you can make the right choices without a lot of hand-wringing. Decide on the best pediatrician for your family with these simple pointers.

Ask family members or friends for suggestions. According to the American Pregnancy Association, your first step should be turning to the people you trust for advice. It's always helpful to get an honest evaluation from a current patient. You may also receive warnings about pediatricians who didn't work out in the past.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Treat your search for a pediatrician the same way you would treat a search for a nanny. See several candidates and have a list of questions ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests asking about their education, their hours of availability, their policy on returning phone calls, and their connections with local hospitals or specialists.

Watch the pediatrician interact with your child. Does he have a good rapport with children? Does he make your them feel safe and secure? If your child seems particularly uncomfortable around a certain pediatrician, you may want to keep looking.

We can recommend a great pediatrician for your family when you call 1-888-256-7724! Learn more about the pediatric department at Planation General Hospital's Children's Center.

Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:57:36 +0000

Don't let a drinking habit affect your family, friendships, or career.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. When consumed in moderation, alcohol can safely be included in a healthy lifestyle – but if you start to notice a regular pattern of binge drinking, blacking out, or memory loss, your drinking has gotten out of control. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, losing consciousness, nausea, and vomiting are all signs of alcohol poisoning, a dangerous condition that causes hundreds of fatalities a year.

In many cases, friends and family members will see signs of alcoholism in their loved one before he can see it in himself. Don't brush off concerned comments. If you have a problem, help is available.

Can You Help Yourself?
In some cases, alcoholics can quit drinking without professional assistance. This usually involves a lot of support from friends and family members. It is difficult to maintain self-control when living in isolation.

According to HelpGuide.org, breaking an alcohol addiction outside of a program requires a strong commitment to change, specific goals, and the strength to stay away from temptation. This means not keeping alcohol in the house, avoiding events with alcohol, and staying away from friends, family members, and co-workers when they are drinking.

When to Seek Professional Help
It is not always safe to break an addiction on your own. If you have been a heavy drinker for a long time, you may experience a dangerous withdrawal period. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need professional care as you detox.

Shaking
Sweating
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Elevated heart rate

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence, know that treatment is available. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 to ask any health questions or for a physician referral.

Help Yourself and Your Baby With Our Maternal Addiction Program

Plantation General Hospital — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:57:33 +0000

Pregnant and addicted to drugs? There is help.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has formed a task force to help reduce the number of babies born exposed to prescription drug addiction — a number that has “tripled since 2007.”

One of the task force’s recommendations is to encourage pregnant women with addictions to seek treatment so babies can remain in their care. Plantation General Hospital’s skilled healthcare professionals can help if you or a loved one who is pregnant and addicted to drugs.

Here’s how.

What It Is
The Centre at Plantation is an exclusive, medically supervised, hospital-based treatment program for pregnant mothers who are looking out for their own health as well as that of their developing babies. It is a safe and nurturing environment staffed by specially trained and experienced physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals who are very supportive of their patients.

Who It Treats
This 21-day program focuses on substance addiction and offers chemical dependency treatment to expectant mothers. Treatment is tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs. The focus is on providing a new lifestyle. We work to impart dignity to our patients, love of others and a sense of self-esteem. Learn more about our treatment philosophy online.

How To Get Help
The first step is to call us at 1-877-730-7837 for a confidential initial evaluation involving a brief personal and medical history. After that, we schedule an appointment for a full assessment and register you for admission into the program. Our staff members are compassionate and strive to take the stress and fear out of getting help.

To learn more about our Maternal Addiction program, visit us online. Neither you nor your baby need to suffer; help is available. A new baby is a reason for a new start. Call us now at 1-877-730-7837.

SIDS Risks: What to Know About Crib Bedding

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:57:48 +0000

Is your baby safe in his crib?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 4,500 infants die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in America every year. Many of these cases are linked with improper bedding for a baby. Your child's crib should be a safe haven for them to rest comfortably in. Make sure you are making the best decisions while picking out your baby's bedding.

A firm mattress is best. Pick a mattress that is made for a baby's crib. Don't use an old mattress for your baby – safety standards have changed in recent years and you need something that meets the most current recommendations.
Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet in the right size. Don't use a sheet that can be easily pulled loose.
Don't use loose bedding or pillows. You don't want anything that can get wrapped around the baby's neck.
Keep toys out of the crib. Play time should be reserved for other areas of the house while your baby is under close supervision. The American SIDS Institute says the baby should be the only thing in the crib.
Don't use any special tools to keep the baby on his back. Back-to-sleep is important, but Consumer Reports claims that many of these sleep positioning products are just as dangerous.
Never allow smoke around the baby's crib or bedding. The Norris Cotton Cancer Center warns that third-hand smoke, the smell that lingers on fabrics, is most harmful to infants. Since your baby will spend a lot of time with his nose close to his bedding, it should be carefully guarded from any harmful toxins. If you can smell smoke on it, toss it in the washer immediately.

If your child ever needs medical care, you know you can trust the skilled physicians at the Plantation General Hospital Pediatric Department. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 to set up an appointment or for a physician referral.

What is a Level 3 NICU?

Plantation General Hospital — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:58:45 +0000

Find out why many women choose to give birth at a facility with a Level 3 NICU.

Unfortunately, not all babies are born in perfect health. When a newborn needs extra medical attention, he or she will be placed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A NICU is staffed with expert doctors who specialize in newborn healthcare. A Level 3 NICU is equipped to care for babies who need the most attention, whether they are premature or very sick. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, designating universal levels of care for all NICUs has proven itself effective since 1976. This is why sub-levels also exist for all Level 3s.

March of Dimes advises parents to familiarize themselves with the NICU and the care their babies receive to provide a sense of control and reduce stress in highly-emotional situations. Learn more about each type of Level 3 NICU:

Level 3A – Equipment is available that can be safely used on premature infants of 28 weeks or older that weigh over 1,000 grams. Minor surgeries and mechanical ventilation are possible at this level.
Level 3B – Premature infants born at any viable age can be cared for at this level, but some complicated surgeries may require additional resources.
Level 3C – This is the highest level of NICU care available. At this level there is access to the latest technology and the staff will be trained to perform the most complicated procedures.

Plantation General Hospital's Level 3 NICU is the only Florida hospital with the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for premature care. Your bundle of joy is in safe hands here. Visit our website for more information, or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 to receive a physician referral.