Over the past decade, as the baby boomers have gotten older, the average age of the American population has increased. And so have the number of sports injuries among older adults. Now, sports injuries are the second most common reason for doctor visits—beaten only by the common cold. Baby boomers often refuse to slow down as they age, and their bodies can’t take the sustained stress of strenuous physical activity. Furthermore, they tend to reserve activities for the weekends, earning the nickname “weekend warriors.” Those spurts of activity take a toll on the body.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries

Older adults tend to contract the same kinds of injuries. Most are due to simple wear and tear, or failure to prepare properly for physical activity. Doctors rank the following injuries among the most common for active baby boomers:

• Rotator cuff injuries: Prevalent among athletes who often use overhead arm motion, rotator cuff injuries occur when the muscles in the shoulder snag on bone. Over time, the muscles get torn, causing sharp pain and limiting range of motion. Severe rotator cuff injuries generally require surgery.
• Back pain: Usually affecting the lower back, this condition ranks as the most widely encountered sports injury. Its causes vary widely, from strained muscles, to pinched nerves or degenerated discs. That means treatment also varies, from rest to surgery.
• Arthritis of the hips and knees: Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage in the joint wears away. Eventually the bone rubs against itself, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Eventually it may be necessary to get a hip or knee replacement.
• Tendinitis: Although tendinitis is most common in the elbow (think tennis or golfer’s elbow), it can develop in any joint, or in the Achilles tendon along the back of the calf. Using proper technique usually keeps tendinitis from flaring up. When it does, rest, ice, and potentially a brace or splint, are usually sufficient remedies.
• Tears in knee cartilage: Anyone who repeatedly squats, such as catchers or weight lifters, is prone to knee cartilage tears. The injury can be prevented by building up the quad muscles. More serious tears require surgical repair or removal.
• ACL tears: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) runs diagonally across the knee, and may tear due to sudden motion or continued stress. The injury is more common among women than men, mainly due to the alignment of women’s hips and knees. Strength building and balance training can help prevent the injury, which can only be repaired with surgery.

Preventing Sports Injuries

Most injuries among baby boomers occur because older athletes fail to maintain the physical condition necessary to remain physically competitive. Especially harmful is the habit of working out or playing a sport only once or twice a week, with no other physical activity in between. The healthy habits that protect athletes from injury at any age are particularly important for older adults.

• Keep a consistent, balanced routine. Keeping the body primed for activity is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. Build an exercise routine that not only varies activities, but also includes activity most days of the week. For instance, alternate cardiovascular training (such as running or swimming), balance training, and strength building, with participation in organized sports.
• Warm up every time. Warming up allows the muscles to stretch more gently and slowly. Giving the muscles that time to adjust means athletes are less likely to incur injuries when they suddenly make rigorous movements. A trainer can help put together a warm up routine tailored to your specific athletic needs.
• Pay attention to your body’s signals. It’s tempting to ignore pain and soreness, especially in the heat of competition. However, pain is the body’s way of signaling that it’s time to rest. The best practice is to stop if you feel sharp or stabbing pain during motion. If the pain doesn’t go away with home remedies after a few days, see a doctor about the injury.
• Follow the “10% Rule.” Never increase your activity or intensity level by more than ten percent at a time. Smaller increments give the body more time to adjust, and ensure that the body is physically able to keep up with the new routine.

If you want to know more about preventing or treating sports injuries at any age, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362 for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.

SOURCES
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
US News and World Report
US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Ah, the end of August. Kids are heading back to school. And soon (we hope!) the weather will be cooling down. Without that heat to remind us of Florida’s strong summer sun, many of us become less vigilant about protecting our skin. Yet skin damage can occur even on the coldest days of the year. Its damage is cumulative, increasing patients’ risk for skin cancer over time. The most deadly of these skin cancers is melanoma.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells. These cells produce the colors in our eyes, hair, and skin. The melanocytes of the skin are at greatest risk for becoming cancerous since they have the greatest exposure to the sun.

Melanoma is usually brown or black, since it often forms around a pre-existing mole or other darkening of the skin. However, the cancer can also cause red, pink, purple, white, or skin-colored patches on the skin. The cancer may cause rough or scaly places on the skin, as well.

Detecting Melanoma

Since melanoma can be difficult to spot, it’s important to visit the dermatologist regularly. Most Floridians should go at least once per year; those who spend more time in the sun, such as construction workers or landscapers, may want to visit more often. Anyone who sees an abnormal change in the appearance of a mole or freckle should also visit the dermatologist as soon as possible. What constitutes “abnormal”? Just remember those ABC’s:

• Asymmetry: If the mole or spot a non-uniform shape, it could be cancerous. Think about that old lesson in elementary school: if you can cut the object in half, do the two sides look alike? If not, visit the doctor.
• Borders: Rough, lopsided, or irregular borders are a potential sign that a spot has become cancerous. The mole may even start to look a bit like cauliflower, with rounded or scalloped edges.
• Color: Usually moles and freckles are one uniform color. But when melanoma or other skin cancer forms, a spot may be multiple shades of brown. Meanwhile, anything that is an unusual color—red or purple for instance—is also a warning sign.
• Diameter: The rule: Anything bigger than a pencil eraser (about ¼ inch) should be checked out by a dermatologist. Not all melanomas reach this size, however, especially if they are caught early.
• Evolving: This refers to any change in the appearance of a mole. If it becomes raised, starts to bleed, causes itching, or any other strange symptoms, head to the dermatologist.

It’s important to note that even young people can get melanoma, so self-checks are a critical step at every age. If a spot begins to look or feel unusual, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away.

Melanoma Prevention and Treatment

The best way to avoid melanoma is to avoid it in the first place. That means staying out of the sun as much as possible, applying sunscreen on a regular basis, and wearing protective clothing. Note that people’s risk for melanoma varies significantly, based on sun exposure, heredity, and skin tone. Although people with fair skin are most susceptible to the disease, people of any hue can get melanoma. That’s why everyone should routinely visit the dermatologist.

If the dermatologist finds a suspicious spot, he or she will remove the spot. If it’s large enough, the doctor may remove the entire spot and some of the skin around it, to conduct a biopsy. If the biopsy comes back positive for melanoma, the doctor will determine an appropriate course of treatment, based on the stage of the cancer.

• Stage 0: The cancer affects only the surface of the skin, and can be removed with only a ½ centimeter margin (area of healthy skin around the cancer).
• Stage 1: The cancer affects deeper layers of the skin. Doctors usually remove a wider margin and may recommend a test of the lymph nodes close to the cancer, to determine whether the melanoma has spread to other body parts.
• Stage 2: The cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, so the doctor performs a sentinel node biopsy. Depending on how deep the cancer is, some doctors recommend interferon treatment for Stage 2 melanoma.
• Stage 3: During this stage cancer has general spread to the lymph nodes, and treatment with interferon is necessary once as much melanoma as possible has been removed surgically. Doctors usually also recommend further treatment, such as chemotherapy, for patients at this stage. However, most patients find that it’s necessary to participate in a clinical trial, since current treatments often do not work for melanoma.
• Stage 4: By this point, the melanoma has spread beyond the close lymph nodes and is present in lymph nodes in distant parts of the body. Doctors generally recommend surgically removing as much of the disease as possible. Afterward, patients may try biochemotherapy or take part in a clinical trial for the treatment of melanoma.

If you have questions about melanoma or would like to find a dermatologist, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362 for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.

SOURCES
The Skin Cancer Foundation
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health

Every day, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and paramedics play a vital role in the lives of thousands of patients. These individuals work for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). They are responsible for providing quick, high-quality care to patients who suffer from virtually any medical condition.

How EMS Works

Every time someone calls 911 to report a medical emergency, an EMS team is dispatched. Usually the police and sometimes fire fighters also go to the scene of the emergency. The EMS team’s responsibility is to deliver medical care and safe transport to anyone who needs further medical attention. On any given day, they may encounter a wide variety of medical emergencies, from car accidents to childbirths. The EMS team is trained to respond to any situation rapidly and appropriately.

1. The team assesses the patient’s current medical condition and needs. They then decide which of the injuries requires primary attention. For instance, if a patient has stopped breathing, they will administer rescue breathing before addressing less serious injuries like broken bones.
2. They attempt to determine any preexisting medical conditions. If you’re in an emergency, carrying an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card can help with this step. For instance, if a patient has diabetes and passes out, the EMS knows to begin by checking blood sugar or administering glucose.
3. The EMS team stabilizes the patient and determines whether further care is necessary. Most patients need follow-up care by a physician. Some may need specialized care, and the EMS will transport the patient to the appropriate hospital for this care.
4. During the ambulance ride to the hospital, EMT’s monitor the patient’s vital signs and general physical condition. If that condition worsens during transport, they work to re-stabilize the patient.
5. Upon arrival at the hospital, the EMS staff rapidly transition the patient to the care of the ER doctors and nurses. They report their observations, along with giving a summary of any treatment they administered. Sometimes they may continue care until a doctor can assume responsibility.
6. After the patient is transferred to the hospital, the EMS staff completes a report on the case and restocks any used supplies. Then the team is ready for the next 911 call.

EMS Partnership with Hospitals

Since the EMS acts as a first response team, these individuals work very closely with the emergency room staff. Their role in giving patients on-site medical attention truly saves lives. Meanwhile, without their assistance, the ER doctors and nurses would have much less information about patients who arrived at the hospital, and would not be able to deliver the most effective care as quickly.

“Working closely with EMS provides a continuum of care from the scene or home, through the Emergency Room and for definitive care in the hospital”, says Emergency Center Director Randy Spivey. “Their care and input have an incredible impact on our ability to deliver the best care possible, as quickly as possible. We rely on their communication and expertise in the pre-hospital environment.”

Brandon Regional Hospitals ER receives about 85,000 patients per year. Over 1000 patients arrive at this ER via ambulance each month, in the care of an EMS team. What’s the most common reason for an ER visit? Upper Respiratory illnesses and viruses.

For more information about how emergency medical care works, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362 for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.

Kids: inquisitive, adventurous, and spontaneous, they often give parents a run for their money. Keeping kids safe takes persistence—and the ability to put oneself into the shoes of a curious child. These safety tips can help parents see their homes with the eyes of a child and make every room of the house safe for even the littlest family members.

1. Look inside all the under-counter cabinets in your home. You’ll be astonished to find all kinds of brightly colored bottles and substances. Kids love to test out these items, especially to see how they taste. Remove any item that contains chemicals—even “safe” items like baby aspirin—and place them in upper cabinets. Install child safety locks on lower cabinets, as well.
2. As you walk around your home, find any small items that could present a choking hazard. Hard candy, balloons, and coins are all seemingly innocuous items that present a serious choking hazard. Put them out of reach, or get them out of the house altogether. Inspect new toys for small parts that could easily break off and end up in a toddler’s mouth.
3. Check out the home and yard for tripping hazards. Be sure that steps and stairs are both well-lit and clutter free, and use child safety gates to prevent any unsupervised climbing. Put away hoses and other yard equipment, so that enthusiastic kids don’t run, trip, or fall over them. Get in the routine of putting away toys and any yard equipment.
4. Stick close to the stove whenever you’re cooking. Be sure to turn the handles on pots and pans inward, so that curious hands can’t reach up and grab them. Plug in items like coffee pots and slow cookers on the counter, and keep the cord pushed as far away from the edge as possible.
5. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, and check their batteries regularly. Put together an evacuation plan, and review it with children who are old enough. If anyone will exit through a window, be sure that the window opens wide enough for safe evacuation.
6. Adjust the temperature on the water heater so that it cannot exceed 120 degrees. This measure keeps babies’ and kids’ delicate skin protected from inadvertent burns from scalding water.
7. Look around the house and make a mental note of all places that children have access to water, including the bathtub and swimming pool. Keep a close eye on kids whenever they’re around water, and block off these areas when you’re not supervising. If you get a life vest for you r child, make sure it’s the correct size and can keep the child’s head above water.
8. Put in safety grab bars in the bathroom or tub. These can help kids maintain balance on slippery surfaces. Be sure that stepping stools offer sufficient traction for wet feet. Train older kids to dry the floor with a towel when needed, to prevent falls by unsuspecting bathroom visitors.
9. Teach kids age-appropriate lessons on safety. Start with simple ones, like what to do if approached by a stranger, and graduate to running with scissors or other lessons. Remember that as children get older, they’ll still need guidance on staying safe, even when they act like they’ve heard it all before.
10. Give yourself an “Emergency Cheat Sheet.” Hang it somewhere prominent, such as on the refrigerator or next to the telephone. Include a reminder to call 911 in an emergency, along with the number for the local Poison Control office. Add any emergency contacts, such as neighbors or family members who can help with care during a crisis.

If you have questions about child safety or other health issues, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362 for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.

It’s that time of year again, when thoughts turn from long, carefree days, to homework and test. Yes, soon students will be heading back to school. But Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing, and kids still need protection from the sun. Even if they’re not lounging by the pool, kids can still spend time outside, for instance waiting at the bus stop, walking to school, or during PE class. That’s why it’s important to teach kids how to protect themselves from the sun year-round.

Shielding Young Skin and Eyes

Even as the weather may cool down in other locales, the Florida sun remains strong long into the school year. Even in fall and winter months, the sun’s rays can still cause damage. That means kids need protection every day of the year. That can present a challenge when parents aren’t around to monitor and rub on sunscreen. These tips can help protect your kids, even when you can’t do it yourself:

• Check out the school playground and recreation area. Some schools have started installing sunshields or other covers, so that kids are protected during PE. If your kids will be playing in full sun, stock the backpack with some easy-to-use sunscreen wipes, and let the teacher in on your sun protection plan.
• Ask about the dress code. Although most schools don’t allow kids to wear hats indoors, they should be permitted to wear a hat during outdoor recreation. Hats not only protect little faces, but they also shield kids’ eyes, which are also subject to sun damage.
• Make sure that students can stay properly hydrated. Sunburns aren’t the only danger; heat-related illnesses also present a threat. Find out if kids have access to water during recess, and whether an adult monitors to make sure that all kids are staying hydrated. Older kids may also be able to bring a water bottle and rehydrate all day long, especially important if they play after-school sports.
• If your kids are younger, talk to the teacher about sun protection. If your child will be using sunscreen wipes or wearing a hat outside, make sure the teacher knows that your student will behave responsibly with these items. But remember, the teacher may not have time to monitor whether your child applies sunscreen or not!
• Talk to your child about why it’s important to protect him or herself from the sun. Explain how to use any protective items, like sunscreen or clothing, and make sure the child understands that it’s important to be responsible with these items. Older children, especially middle schoolers, may be reluctant to do anything that makes them look “different.” Brainstorm ways they can discreetly apply their sunscreen.

If you have questions about sun safety or other health concerns, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2632 for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.

SOURCES
http://www.familyresource.com/health/skin-care/summer-skin-care-for-your-child
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/how-your-skin-can-survive-summer

Part of the recovery process associated with bariatric surgery involves your diet. With the changes that your stomach will go through, there are a series of steps that regulate what you are allowed to eat and at what times. Don’t worry, sooner than later you will be on your permanent diet. It is recommended that you prepare both your mind and your pantry for the adjustments that you will be making. It is easier to go through the process if you are aware of the steps in advance.

After your procedure your doctor will put you on a dietary schedule. While the specific steps and the amount of time that you should spend on each step will be at the discretion of your physician, there is a general process. Your physicians and dieticians will go over the process in more detail but this general overview should be helpful.

Step 1) Liquid Diet- Your stomach will still be getting used to some major changes so a liquid diet consisting of mild, largely clear liquids is recommended. You will not be drinking anything acidic as these choices irritate your stomach. You may also be given protein enriched liquid supplement to make sure your body has the nutrients it needs. Broths and water are also common choices. Take small sips, about an ounce at a time. Be careful not to have too much, it may be hard to tell when you are full at first.

Step 2) Blended Diet- In this step you can eat solid foods that have been pureed. The food should be pureed to the point that there are no discernable pieces in it. Some patients choose to eat baby food or to sip a shake as a meal. Cream of wheat and blended tofu are also common. Remember to eat slowly and that you are still sipping liquids in between meals. Protein is extremely important for recovery so add a supplement or pureed meats to your diet.

Step 3) Soft Foods- This phase allows you to get back into some of the more traditional foods that you are used to. Here you will be eating well cooked, tender and non-fibrous food choices but will be enjoying more textured foods again. One thing to keep in mind in this step is to chew your food extremely well. From now on you will need to chew food more than you did before your procedure. Chew each bite thoroughly and slowly. In this stage you may chose to enjoy: egg whites, cottage cheese and soft fish among other foods.

Step 4) Hard Foods- The last step will be the diet you need to maintain for the rest of your life in order to remain healthy and keep the weight off. Now you are back to the traditional foods you know and some new ones. You will still want to eat protein first. You will also want to avoid liquids thirty minutes before meals. This will stop you from feeling full and reduce complications as your hard food digests. All nutritionists will recommend that your diet consist of: protein, whole wheat based carbohydrates and easily digestible fruits and vegetables. Foods with high fat content are to be avoided so no sugary or greasy selections. Also, carbonated beverages can cause complications so they are not allowed in this or any stage of the diet.

There are still going to be a variety of ways for you to enjoy food. There are prepackaged foods available that keep the needs of bariatric patients in mind. If you enjoy cooking there are books and websites filled with recipes that are geared towards your new dietary lifestyle. If you have any questions about suggested bariatric eating habits or bariatric procedures in general, visit Brandon Regional Hospital online or call us at 1-888-327-2636.

Have you been trying to lose a lot of weight for an extended period of time? Maybe you have taken a stab at some of the better-known diets or diet programs. You’ve counted points, measured portions, eliminated some food groups, eaten only certain food groups, you name it – and still not dropped the pounds.

If all your efforts have failed, and you are committed to reaching a healthy weight, bariatric surgery may be an option. Being significantly overweight is a preventable cause of many health problems, which is why Brandon Regional Hospital offers this type of surgery.

A national crisis

Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., where one-third of the population is heavier than they should be. In Florida, 57% of adults are overweight or obese, as determined by the Body Mass Index, or BMI, which uses a person’s height and weight to approximate how much body fat they have.

Here are some examples. A person with a BMI of 18.5 or less is considered underweight, while a person with a BMI of 23 is considered to be at a healthy weight; a person with a BMI of 30 is considered to be obese; and someone with a BMI of 40 (or who is 100 lbs. or more overweight) is considered to be morbidly obese.

About bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is designed to treat obesity. It involves making adjustments to the digestive system to restrict the amount of food going into the stomach; and to shorten the absorption process of food that does pass into the small intestine.

Many people who have bariatric surgery have rapid and dramatic weight loss.

Am I a candidate?

As you contemplate bariatric surgery, you should ask yourself some questions. For example:

· Do I understand that that bariatric surgery is not a “magic bullet” and that I’ll have to make lifestyle changes to sustain the weight loss?

· Do I have a BMI of 40 or above?

· Do I have a BMI of 35 and above along with obesity-related illness?

· Am I unable to perform basic activities such as walking?

· Have I attempted traditional weight-loss methods for a long time without success?

· Do I possess a genuine desire to be healthy?

· Am I willing to make exercise part of my life?

Types of surgery

There are three types of weight-loss surgery available at Brandon Regional Hospital:

· Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This is accomplished via small incisions in the abdomen. The size of the stomach is reduced and the stomach is connected further down the small intestine to reduce the amount of food absorbed.

· Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.  With this procedure, the stomach is reduced by 90% and results in a major reduction in the hormone which gives us hunger.

· Laparoscopic Gastric Banding. With this procedure, an adjustable, inflatable belt is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be swallowed.  

All procedures are done laparscopically with faster recovery, less pain and speedier return to work.

Pros of bariatric surgery

While weight-loss surgery is usually a last resort, the benefits can be tremendous. They include, in addition to significant weight loss over a one to two-year period:

· Remission or marked improvement of Type 2 diabetes

· Elimination of sleep apnea

· Improvement in other conditions related to metabolism, such as high cholesterol

Risks with bariatric surgery

As with any surgery, there is the potential for complications. Bariatric procedures involve placing an inflatable, adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach and/or removing a large portion of the stomach; and attaching the lower end of the remaining stomach further down the small intestine to reduce the amount of food digested and absorbed.

It’s possible that staples or the adjustable band can leak or slip; requiring further surgery to correct. In addition, some bariatric surgery patients choose to have excess skin removed following their weight loss. (The skin loses its elasticity during the prolonged time the person was obese.)

Weighing your options

If you would like to learn more about our bariatric program, give us a call at 1-888-327-2636. We also offer bariatric surgery informational seminars at no cost. To find out when the next seminar will be held, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Brandon Regional Hospital online.

Most of us can identify with the struggle to lose weight and stay in shape.  Whether it’s losing that baby weight after carrying a child, or a lifelong battle with the scale, virtually everyone has attempted to shed pounds.  For most people, lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased physical activity are enough to do the trick. 

However some of us try every method available, with no permanent change in our health or weight. Bridget had tried every weight loss strategy available. “I tried Atkins.  I tried South Beach. I tried all those diets and nothing worked.  I’d lose the weight for a little while, but it always came back,” she said. At 42, Bridget knew that her weight elevated her risk for many health conditions, from diabetes to stroke.  She also knew that she wanted to be around for her kids, to stay healthy for them. 

A Life-Changing Decision

Bridget finally decided to look into bariatric surgery.  She knew that the procedure would require a complete lifestyle change.  Bridget understood that her weight loss wouldn’t come from the surgery itself, but from how she treated her body after the surgery was complete; the procedure, after all, is a tool that makes it easier for patients to lose weight through modified diet. 

Bridget and Dr. Fernandez, at Bridget's pre-op visit

After attending three different seminars on bariatric surgery, Bridget finally decided to have her procedure done with Dr. Alfredo Fernandez at Brandon Regional Hospital.  Bridget noted that, “It felt like a family there. I could see that he cared about his patients and made them feel loved and welcome.  I wanted to be part of that family.”

In one way, Bridget will already have family with her.  Bridget brought her mom to the seminar, so that she would understand the procedure.  Bridget’s mom, who suffers from diabetes, decided to undergo the procedure as well.  She’ll assist Bridge through recovery, then have bariatric surgery herself.  Bridget knows that this dynamic will bolster their commitment, since they’ll both have built-in support, right up the road.

Leading by Example

Bridget had to complete a three-month program that included support meetings, visits to the psychologist, and sessions with both doctor and nutritionist.  Along the way, she learned that she had an opportunity to share her story. That required another life-changing decision: to make her struggle public.

Why did Bridget make the decision to share such a personal undertaking? “I thought it was important for other women to see someone like them.  Especially in the African American community, people are afraid of surgery. I want to show that I’m facing those fears and can come out healthier and happier,” Bridget said. “We’re at higher risk for so many health conditions, so it’s really important to address that.”

Over the coming months, Bridget will share her progress, challenges, and thoughts with us.  Soon she will undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.  The procedure will significantly decrease the size of her stomach and change the path of her digestive tract so that her body absorbs calories and nutrients differently.  Look for regular updates on Bridget’s progress toward her weight loss goal (a BMI of 25) right here on our blog!

If you have questions about healthy weight loss or bariatric surgery, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital.  Visit us online or call 1-888-327-2636 to learn more.

There is, of course, no good time to have a heart attack. But extremes in temperature have been shown to increase the likelihood of heart attack.

While studies reveal that winter is a more likely time to die of a heart attack, in part because the blood thickens with cold, hot weather brings its own risks. And with temperatures so high right now, it’s best to be careful if you have coronary artery disease or other heart ailments.

About heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. As people age, a fatty substance called plaque collects in the arteries leading to the heart. This is what causes coronary artery disease.

If some of this plaque tears, a blood clot can form. If this clot, or a clot that has traveled from another location, gets lodged in a narrowed coronary artery, the surrounding heart muscle can be damaged after just a few minutes of decreased blood flow, or if the blood flow ceases altogether. Symptoms include chest and upper body pain or severe discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.

Heat and your heart

As you know, the heart is a muscle that pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the mercury soars in Florida, so does the humidity. If you are outdoors and active, this means you are using oxygen and energy at the same time your body is attempting to cool itself by sweating. If your body’s natural cooling process is disrupted, you could suffer dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke – or even worse, heart or brain damage.

Are you at risk?

Do you know who is most likely to have a heart attack? Here are the most common risk factors, no matter what the season:

• History of heart attack in your family
• Inactivity
• Smoking
• Overweight
• Diabetic

Give yourself a boost

Since it’s not realistic (or fun) to spend the entire summer indoors, here are some ways you can improve your heart health during the warmest months of the year.

• Trade fattening and heavy foods for multicolored veggies, salads, and fruit.
• Get some exercise – in moderation.
• Enjoy a good laugh. It releases endorphins and also relaxes the arteries.

Be prepared

Even if you’ve adopted healthy habits, if you have some or all of the risk factors for heart attack, the American Heart Association recommends that you take extra precautions on extremely hot days.

• Be careful when exerting yourself, for the reasons stated earlier.
• Drink plenty of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated.
• If you must be outside, try to limit your time outdoors to the early morning or late evening hours, when it’s cooler.
• Wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing.

Heat index and you

You may have heard weather reports that mention the heat index. This is the “feels like” temperature, which is a combination of the actual temperature with the humidity, or amount of moisture in the air.

The heat index is always higher than the actual temperature, and it is publicized because it can affect our health. Humans cool themselves by sweating, and high humidity interferes with that process. The higher the heat index, the more likely people will be unable to bring their internal temperatures down.

Not sure what the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are? Find them here.

Do not guess about heart attack. If you think you are having one, immediately call 911.

For answers to general questions about heart disease or summer heart safety, or if you would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Brandon Regional Hospital online.

SOURCES:

http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2006/10/05/1749893.htm

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/heart-attacks-kill-fewer-in-summer-1129783.html

http://www.hearthealthyonline.com/heart-disease-overview/heart-health-qa/hot-weather-heart-attack_1.html

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4660

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/jkl/?n=heat_index

http://brandonhospital.com/patients/consult-a-nurse.dot

http://brandonhospital.com/

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598 words

TAGS

Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon Hospitals, heart attack, cardiac disease, heat index, summer heart health

As the mercury climbs, so does the risk of heat-related illness. The best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke is with proper hydration. During the summer, it can be tough to stay hydrated, especially for people who spend significant time outdoors; indeed, heat-related illnesses account for a high number of emergency room visits in the summer time. Use these tips to keep yourself healthy and hydrated this summer.

• Drink what you enjoy. Most non-alcoholic drinks contribute to hydration, so feel free to switch it up. Drink your favorite juice or a nice tall glass of milk. If you feel more comfortable drinking water, but get bored with the lack of flavor, add just a splash of juice for a light flavor.
• Lick your way to hydration. Yes, that’s right, popsicles can help you hydrate. Choose natural popsicles that contain real fruit, for added nutritional benefits. Let kids help you make homemade popsicles using their favorite juices, for a healthy treat.
• Don’t skip those fruits and veggies. These foods generally have high water content, so they’re a nutritious way to sneak in some fluids. Traditional summer favorites like watermelon and pineapple are excellent options.
• Consider your lifestyle. If you’re extremely active, particularly if you exercise outdoors, you’ll need even more fluids than usual. Plan on getting at least four cups of water or sports drink per hour while you’re involved in activities. And step up the hydration both before and after your workout.
• Don’t forget that birthday! People who are older and younger have different fluid needs. Children need adults to help them stay properly hydrated, especially if they’re playing outside. Meanwhile, older adults are more prone to falls and memory loss if they’re not getting enough fluid. Follow these age-based guidelines for fluid consumption.
• Remember that altitude matters for more than baking. Higher altitudes require more respiration (breathing), and each time you exhale, your body loses a bit more fluid. Step up the fluid intake if you visit a place that’s far above sea level—even if it’s cool outside.
• Forget lots of ice. Research shows that people drink more water if it’s at room temperature or slightly below. Why? Very cold beverages tend to make us feel less thirsty, so we stop drinking sooner.
• Skip the alcohol. Alcoholic beverages don’t hydrate your body, and they make you more susceptible to sunburn, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Cut the alcohol consumption, especially if you’ll be outside in the heat.

Keep your family safe and healthy this summer by ensuring that everyone gets plenty of fluids. If you have questions about hydration or other summer safety concerns, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362 for answers to your health questions and free physician referrals.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/08/26/cl.get.fluids/index.html

http://www.thebeverageinstitute.com/hydration/special_considerations_for_aging.shtml

http://www.thebeverageinstitute.com/hydration/importance_of_hydration_in_children.shtml

http://www.thebeverageinstitute.com/hydration/tips_for_staying_hydrated.shtml