A child’s first bike is a cherished memory for parents and kids alike. It is a sign that your son or daughter is growing up, is getting more independent, and is capable of learning new skills. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can occur when the child is improperly taught or not following important safety rules. Follow these tried-and-true tips to keep your children safe and preserve their bikes as treasured childhood memories.

Bicycle Gear
A bicycle helmet is a mandatory piece of gear that every child should wear when enjoying a ride, whether coasting down a busy street or just around your cul-de-sac. In the state of Florida, bicycle helmets are required by law for all children under 16. Make sure the helmets fit well and instruct your children to keep them on and strapped under their chins at all times. Unfastened or improperly sized helmets can fall off during an accident or fall, leaving the head exposed.

Elbow or knee pads are sometimes used to prevent scrapes during bicycle accidents. These may be necessary for your children while they are first learning to ride without training wheels.

Bicycle Check-ups
Periodically check your child’s bicycle to make sure it is in good working order. Check the tire pressure, the brakes, and look for any broken parts. Tell your child to come to you if he notices anything odd about his bicycle. Even the safest bicyclist could find himself hurt or stranded thanks to an ill-working bike.

Road Safety
Children can get farther than you realize on a bike, so make sure you have established some clearly defined boundaries on where they can and can’t ride. Always avoid busy streets without sidewalks or bike lanes. Younger children should be advised to stay in your neighborhood or subdivision, and parents of early elementary students should consider staying near them during their bicycle trips. If you do allow your child to take unsupervised trips, go over the following safety tips with them:

• Keep two hands on the handlebars as much as possible, and never try to bike with no hands.
• Look out for potholes, gravel, glass, animals, bottles or cans, pedestrians, and other bicyclists.
• Look both ways before the crossing the street.
• Don’t try to fit two people on a bike.
• Always stay observant.
• Never ride at night or during heavy rain storms.

Do you have any questions about your child’s safety or healthcare? The staff at Plantation General Hospital is here to help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 anytime, day or night.

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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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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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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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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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We all know the dangers of smoking, but no one will deny the challenge of quitting once an addiction takes hold. The cravings may seem impossible to fight, but putting your cigarette habit to rest is doable if you are motivated to see the process through, even when the temptations seem irresistible.

Why Quit
The strongest motivation to quit comes from knowledge of the dangers you face each time you light up a cigarette. The risk of lung cancer is well publicized, but according to the American Cancer Society, smoking can also lead to several other types of cancer including:

• Sinus cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Nose cancer
• Throat cancer
• Larynx cancer
• Esophagus cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Leukemia

Other health problems linked with smoking include heart attack, stroke, vision problems, blood clots, and lung disease.

Immediate Results
Although you won’t actually observe your risk for lung cancer or other health complications decreasing, there will be some rewards you can immediately begin noticing. These observations can help keep your motivations high. Some results you may notice are:

• Whiter teeth
• Better-smelling breath
• Improved sense of smell
• Improved sense of taste
• Fading of yellow-colored fingertips or fingernails
• Improved physical abilities
• Better breathing

 Your Quit Day
The American Cancer Society recommends choosing an official “quit day” that gives you enough time to prepare, but not so much time that you’ll talk yourself out of it. You will need to plan your strategy before the quit day approaches. Some quit cold turkey, while others gradually decrease the amount of cigarettes they smoke per day. You might want the assistance of gum or patches to curb any cravings. Preparing for your quit day might also include talking to your doctor, getting a prescription, or starting recommended medications.

Tips for Quitting
Once your quit day approaches, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay active and hydrated
• Avoid places or situations where you know temptation will be stronger
• Change your routine so that you won’t be reminded of the times that you usually took smoke breaks
• Join a support group for encouragement and accountability

 Plantation General Hospital wants to help you quit smoking. Let us get involved or provide support. For questions or recommendations on local support groups, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. 

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If you have received a recent diagnosis of diabetes, learning to live with your condition may seem impossible. Your doctor is probably encouraging several lifestyle changes. You might have to remember to start taking a daily medication and adjust your diet. And you may even worry about possible health complications. Those who have been living with diabetes for years will assure you: it won’t always be this difficult. Your routine will change, but soon this lifestyle will come naturally to you, and you’ll learn the preventative measures to keep your condition under control.

Reshaping Your Priorities
As a diabetic, you will likely need to shift around your daily schedule and priorities to accommodate your new medical needs. You might need to adapt to a medication schedule, or you may need to set aside time each day to monitor your glucose levels. If you are used to eating spontaneously on the go, or skipping meals when you’re pressed for time, you will also need to learn how to schedule your day with regular meal and snack times included. Daily moderate exercise should be another addition to your new schedule.

Handling Diabetes at Work or School
Whether you are a student or an employee, you probably have co-workers, bosses, or teachers who will need to adjust to your new medical needs with you. The American Diabetes Association provides assurance that anti-discrimination laws exist to protect you against institutions that might try to withhold the reasonable accommodations you need to stay healthy at work or school. It is important to stand up for yourself if you feel discrimination is taking place. Diabetes should never hold you back from the education or opportunities you deserve.

November is American Diabetes Month, so this is a good time to get educated. To learn more managing diabetes, contact Plantation General Hospital’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. You may also benefit from our Diabetes Support Group, which meets the first Tuesday of each month. Just call 1-888-256-7724 for more information. We’ll make sure you don’t have to tackle diabetes on your own.

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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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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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