Nurses play a critical role in health care. That’s why Martin Memorial and the Sailfish Point Foundation have again teamed up to help provide the education and training necessary for students pursuing a nursing career.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Sailfish Point Foundation, Martin Memorial is able to provide five $1,000 scholarships to nursing students this fall.
To be eligible for a nursing scholarship, students must be accepted to an accredited nursing school for Fall 2009 and must be a Martin County resident.
Scholarship applications are available online at mmhs.com. The application deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. For more information, please e-mail Rachel Raos at rraos@mmhs-fla.org.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hey Teenagers, Want to Get a Taste of Health Care? Become a Teen Volunteer
Opportunities are available at Martin Memorial for teenagers interested in future medical careers and want to see health care first hand, or for teens looking for a chance to volunteer. The health system offers a teen volunteer program for the 2009-2010 school year that provides qualified teenagers with an opportunity to volunteer in a hospital setting.
Student volunteers support clinical staff in patient care. That includes clerical work, such as assisting with discharge medication orders and helping unit secretaries; working with staff members to ensure patient needs are met; assisting patients during the discharge process and more.
In order to ensure Martin Memorial maintains its high quality of service to the community, our teen volunteers are selected on a competitive basis and we do not accept volunteers who are required to volunteer as a condition of a court-ordered sentence. To meet requirements for this program, participants must:
· Be between the ages of 15 and 18
· Be in a minimum grade level of ninth grade
· Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (as verified by a guidance counselor) on a standard diploma course of study
· Have reliable transportation
· Have a teacher recommendation
· Have parental consent
· Interview with the teenage volunteer coordinator
· Receive a TB screening test
· Have the ability to perform a minimum of four volunteer service hours per week
The application deadline for the 2009-2010 teen volunteer program is Aug. 1. Other applicants may be considered throughout the year if additional openings become available.
To apply, visit mmhs.com/content/teenvolunteers.htm. For additional information or questions, contact Rachel Raos at rraos@mmhs-fla.org.
Student volunteers support clinical staff in patient care. That includes clerical work, such as assisting with discharge medication orders and helping unit secretaries; working with staff members to ensure patient needs are met; assisting patients during the discharge process and more.
In order to ensure Martin Memorial maintains its high quality of service to the community, our teen volunteers are selected on a competitive basis and we do not accept volunteers who are required to volunteer as a condition of a court-ordered sentence. To meet requirements for this program, participants must:
· Be between the ages of 15 and 18
· Be in a minimum grade level of ninth grade
· Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (as verified by a guidance counselor) on a standard diploma course of study
· Have reliable transportation
· Have a teacher recommendation
· Have parental consent
· Interview with the teenage volunteer coordinator
· Receive a TB screening test
· Have the ability to perform a minimum of four volunteer service hours per week
The application deadline for the 2009-2010 teen volunteer program is Aug. 1. Other applicants may be considered throughout the year if additional openings become available.
To apply, visit mmhs.com/content/teenvolunteers.htm. For additional information or questions, contact Rachel Raos at rraos@mmhs-fla.org.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Clinical Trial Studying Melanoma, But Avoiding Skin Cancer is Critical
Summer officially started June 21, so to kick off the season I’ll tell you a little bit about our new melanoma clinical trial.
This study, called DERMA, uses a vaccine, recMAGE-A3 + AS15 to attack cancer cells that express a certain protein. This protein, MAGE-A3, is expressed on over 50 percent of melanoma cells. To be eligible for enrollment patients must have stage III melanoma and express the MAGE-A3 protein on their tumor. Patients are randomized (assigned randomly) to receive either the actual vaccine or a placebo.
While we’re on the subject, prevention of melanoma is the first step. The sun is almost unavoidable in Florida. So if you’re going to partake in the Sunshine State’s most abundant resource, remember these safety measures:
¨ Remember to apply sunscreen daily and reapply after swimming or every two hours
¨ Avoid the sun at peak times, such as midday
¨ Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat to protect your face
¨ Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, the backs of your hands and tops of your feet, and your scalp
¨ Avoid tanning beds; many people believe they’re safer than the sun, but they’re actually more dangerous
¨ Have your skin checked regularly (at least once a year) by a dermatologist to look for any abnormalities and to watch existing abnormalities for changes
If you have already had a melanoma, or have a strong family history, it may be hereditary. Genetic testing for hereditary melanoma is available at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. If you have any of the following, please contact us:
¨ Two or more melanomas
¨ Two or more individuals in the same family with melanoma
¨ Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in the same individual or family
For further information on the DERMA trial, sun safety, or melanoma genetic testing, please contact me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.
You can also watch the June 2009 edition of MDoc TV to learn tips from a pediatrician on ways to prevent kids from getting too much sun exposure by visiting www.mmhs.com/content/mdoctv.htm.
-- Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
Genetics Nurse Educator
This study, called DERMA, uses a vaccine, recMAGE-A3 + AS15 to attack cancer cells that express a certain protein. This protein, MAGE-A3, is expressed on over 50 percent of melanoma cells. To be eligible for enrollment patients must have stage III melanoma and express the MAGE-A3 protein on their tumor. Patients are randomized (assigned randomly) to receive either the actual vaccine or a placebo.
While we’re on the subject, prevention of melanoma is the first step. The sun is almost unavoidable in Florida. So if you’re going to partake in the Sunshine State’s most abundant resource, remember these safety measures:
¨ Remember to apply sunscreen daily and reapply after swimming or every two hours
¨ Avoid the sun at peak times, such as midday
¨ Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat to protect your face
¨ Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, the backs of your hands and tops of your feet, and your scalp
¨ Avoid tanning beds; many people believe they’re safer than the sun, but they’re actually more dangerous
¨ Have your skin checked regularly (at least once a year) by a dermatologist to look for any abnormalities and to watch existing abnormalities for changes
If you have already had a melanoma, or have a strong family history, it may be hereditary. Genetic testing for hereditary melanoma is available at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. If you have any of the following, please contact us:
¨ Two or more melanomas
¨ Two or more individuals in the same family with melanoma
¨ Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in the same individual or family
For further information on the DERMA trial, sun safety, or melanoma genetic testing, please contact me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.
You can also watch the June 2009 edition of MDoc TV to learn tips from a pediatrician on ways to prevent kids from getting too much sun exposure by visiting www.mmhs.com/content/mdoctv.htm.
-- Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
Genetics Nurse Educator
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Great Time, Great Cause: Martin Memorial LifeSavers Prepare for Goombay Bash
Summer is upon us, which means the Martin Memorial LifeSavers’ annual Goombay Bash is right around the corner.
This year’s event takes place July 18 from 7-11 p.m. The tropical-themed event will feature live reggae music from “Sweet Justice,” raffles, food and libations. And the 2009 Goombay Bash will also feature a new, bigger location to accommodate the growing number of guests: Four Fish Marina, located at 2225 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.
“The Goombay Bash really has distinguished itself as one of the most dynamic events of the year,” LifeSavers co-chair Missy DuBois said. “It is extremely fulfilling to see so many members of the community come together and make a difference.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Goombay Bash has brought in $364,530 for the Martin Memorial Foundation. Those funds are used to purchase technology, equipment and renovations at the Martin Memorial Maternal-Child Department. Last year’s event attracted 348 people and raised $78,000, which was used to purchase a variety of equipment ranging from a fetal monitoring system for a delivery room, to cribs and sleeper chairs.
This year the LifeSavers are looking to raise $90,000 – enough to fund the committee’s entire “wish list” for the maternal-child department. So far the LifeSavers are well on their way, thanks to the generosity of its sponsors. That includes: Big Kahuna sponsors, Balfour Beatty Construction, Metcare-Humana and the Pedersen Family Foundation; Junkanoo sponsor, Wellmed Medical Services; We Be Jammin’ sponsor, Eddie Huggins Land Grading Company; venue sponsors, Eventmakers International and Four Fish Marina; patio sponsor, Paradise Home and Patio; design sponsor, Tara Biek Creative; in-kind sponsors, New England Fish Market, Mrs. Peters Smokehouse and Triangle Bar/Grill, Liquors.
“This is such a worthwhile cause that affects so many people on the Treasure Coast,” co-chair Katie McCarthy said. “The bar has been raised over the years to create an exciting, successful event and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”
Tickets are $75 if purchased by June 30, $100 after that date. To purchase tickets for the Goombay Bash or for information on sponsorship opportunities, visit Martin Memorial’s Web site at mmhs.com, or call the Martin Memorial Foundation at (772) 223-5634.
This year’s event takes place July 18 from 7-11 p.m. The tropical-themed event will feature live reggae music from “Sweet Justice,” raffles, food and libations. And the 2009 Goombay Bash will also feature a new, bigger location to accommodate the growing number of guests: Four Fish Marina, located at 2225 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.
“The Goombay Bash really has distinguished itself as one of the most dynamic events of the year,” LifeSavers co-chair Missy DuBois said. “It is extremely fulfilling to see so many members of the community come together and make a difference.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Goombay Bash has brought in $364,530 for the Martin Memorial Foundation. Those funds are used to purchase technology, equipment and renovations at the Martin Memorial Maternal-Child Department. Last year’s event attracted 348 people and raised $78,000, which was used to purchase a variety of equipment ranging from a fetal monitoring system for a delivery room, to cribs and sleeper chairs.
This year the LifeSavers are looking to raise $90,000 – enough to fund the committee’s entire “wish list” for the maternal-child department. So far the LifeSavers are well on their way, thanks to the generosity of its sponsors. That includes: Big Kahuna sponsors, Balfour Beatty Construction, Metcare-Humana and the Pedersen Family Foundation; Junkanoo sponsor, Wellmed Medical Services; We Be Jammin’ sponsor, Eddie Huggins Land Grading Company; venue sponsors, Eventmakers International and Four Fish Marina; patio sponsor, Paradise Home and Patio; design sponsor, Tara Biek Creative; in-kind sponsors, New England Fish Market, Mrs. Peters Smokehouse and Triangle Bar/Grill, Liquors.
“This is such a worthwhile cause that affects so many people on the Treasure Coast,” co-chair Katie McCarthy said. “The bar has been raised over the years to create an exciting, successful event and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”
Tickets are $75 if purchased by June 30, $100 after that date. To purchase tickets for the Goombay Bash or for information on sponsorship opportunities, visit Martin Memorial’s Web site at mmhs.com, or call the Martin Memorial Foundation at (772) 223-5634.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
When It Comes to Healthy Eating, Do Your Homework and Ignore All of the Hype
As a dietitian I am amazed at how much nutrition information is out there and unfortunately it’s not all good. In fact, it really is quite overwhelming and very misleading.
Just picking a multivitamin is no longer only a question of your demographics: men, women, or over 50? These days, multivitamins can be chosen based on what body part you want to protect: your heart, prostate, breasts, bones or maybe to increase your brain functioning.
Today the market is flooded with nutrition advice and claims. I like to call it the “claim game” and the key of the game is for you find out what is fact and what is claim – and believe me there are many claims. So how do you decipher the facts versus the claims?
The key is to be informed. Speak with your doctor and ask for a referral to visit a registered dietitian. Often, insurance companies will cover this. Each day I meet with patients who are looking for a quick fix or a supplement to help with this and that. I tell them to save their money, encourage them to exercise and we work out a plan to eat healthy based on their lifestyle and medical needs.
Unfortunately, there is no miracle drug (although drug companies are hard at work with this one). The bottom line is this: good health means maintaining a healthy weight for you, which involves eating right and exercising. In fact, in a recent survey of 400 doctors, 94 percent of them believe that nutrition plays a role in preventing, treating and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
So just think: you might be able to get off some of that medication if only you changed your eating habits. Take it from me, I see first hand that it really does work.
As for deciphering facts versus claims, you need to look at the research and data that supports it. One study isn’t enough, there needs to be continuously supporting studies and the larger the sample size the better. Also we need to look at how the study is being conducted and who is conducting it. Is it the company itself? Well, how convenient it is that we got good results.
To sum it up, the industry wants one thing – to make a profit and they do this by marketing their products to you. So be educated and do your homework. Use government or accredited Web sites and ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who can save you time and money while helping make you healthier!
Not a bad deal.
--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
Just picking a multivitamin is no longer only a question of your demographics: men, women, or over 50? These days, multivitamins can be chosen based on what body part you want to protect: your heart, prostate, breasts, bones or maybe to increase your brain functioning.
Today the market is flooded with nutrition advice and claims. I like to call it the “claim game” and the key of the game is for you find out what is fact and what is claim – and believe me there are many claims. So how do you decipher the facts versus the claims?
The key is to be informed. Speak with your doctor and ask for a referral to visit a registered dietitian. Often, insurance companies will cover this. Each day I meet with patients who are looking for a quick fix or a supplement to help with this and that. I tell them to save their money, encourage them to exercise and we work out a plan to eat healthy based on their lifestyle and medical needs.
Unfortunately, there is no miracle drug (although drug companies are hard at work with this one). The bottom line is this: good health means maintaining a healthy weight for you, which involves eating right and exercising. In fact, in a recent survey of 400 doctors, 94 percent of them believe that nutrition plays a role in preventing, treating and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
So just think: you might be able to get off some of that medication if only you changed your eating habits. Take it from me, I see first hand that it really does work.
As for deciphering facts versus claims, you need to look at the research and data that supports it. One study isn’t enough, there needs to be continuously supporting studies and the larger the sample size the better. Also we need to look at how the study is being conducted and who is conducting it. Is it the company itself? Well, how convenient it is that we got good results.
To sum it up, the industry wants one thing – to make a profit and they do this by marketing their products to you. So be educated and do your homework. Use government or accredited Web sites and ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who can save you time and money while helping make you healthier!
Not a bad deal.
--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Want to Improve Your “Brain Fitness?” Give It a Mental Workout With These Tips
What does the term “brain fitness” mean? When we talk about “fitness” we are usually referring to anatomy below the neck. But research is revealing the importance of “brain fitness” – stimulating and exercising our brains to slow down the age-related declines in memory, mental speed and decision making that affect most people.
Even more exciting is the research showing that staying mentally “fit” may give us protection against possible diseases that affect our brains. The more information you feed your brain, the more you are developing a cognitive reserve against dementia.
The human brain is a miraculous thing. There is a term called “plasticity” which refers to the brain’s ability to change or reorganize itself. If we are talking about successful aging we may be referring to challenging the brain by learning a new skill. Research has shown that brains grow when learning something novel.
--Cindy Irish, MS, CCC/SLP
Lead Speech Pathologist
Even more exciting is the research showing that staying mentally “fit” may give us protection against possible diseases that affect our brains. The more information you feed your brain, the more you are developing a cognitive reserve against dementia.
The human brain is a miraculous thing. There is a term called “plasticity” which refers to the brain’s ability to change or reorganize itself. If we are talking about successful aging we may be referring to challenging the brain by learning a new skill. Research has shown that brains grow when learning something novel.
Or we may be talking about brain damage and recovery. The brain compensates for damage by reorganizing or rewiring and forming new connections between intact neurons. However, in order to reconnect, the neurons need to be stimulated through activity. As noted above, the brain is able to adapt and change during normal aging or even after a brain injury.
What are some things we can do to keep our brains fit?
- Eat well. Omega-3 fatty acids (which are found in salmon, kiwi and walnuts), folic acid (spinach, orange juice and yeast), flavonoids (cocoa, green tea, citrus fruits and wine) and antioxidants (broccoli, nuts, berries) are some ideas.
- Exercise your body. If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times! Thirty minutes a day, five times a week appears to be the recommended amount. Some say this is the single most beneficial activity you can do for your brain.
- Learn new activities.The point of having a brain is to learn and adapt to new challenges in the environment. Novel experiences challenge the brain. Learning a new language, playing an instrument, taking a course or learning a new hobby are good activities.
- Laughter. Sounds funny (no pun intended) but when we laugh, we bring oxygen to our brains that “freshens” up our thinking. Tension, on the other hand, inhibits learning.
- Software, high-tech games and Web sites. There is software such as: Mindfit, Posit Science, Brain University and Brain Spa. Nintendo’s Brain Age/WII Big Brain Academy, Mattel’s Radica Brain games are examples of high-tech games. And there are plenty of Web sites: My Brain Trainer, Braingle, Lumosity, Brain Matrix and Mind Machine to name a few.
- Games and puzzles. There are numerous books and games that target brain fitness, such as table puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, brain teasers, board games and card games.
- Other activities to do. Sing, dance, eat/write/brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, travel, read, watch less TV, listen to audio tapes, meditate, do yoga, cook a foreign dish and get plenty of sleep. The list goes on and on.
The bottom line is: the brain craves stimulation. Feed it.
--Cindy Irish, MS, CCC/SLP
Lead Speech Pathologist
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