Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Martin Memorial in 2008: Year in Review

As 2008 prepares to sink slowly into the sunset, now is a fine time to reflect on the things that have happened to us in the past year – for better or worse.

Recently I read an article on cnn.com that highlighted its top health stories of 2008, and it made me think back to what might be the top stories at Martin Memorial in the year gone by. Being the official Season of Lists of the Top Things That Happened in the Last Year, I came up with – ta da! – a list of some of our own health highlights from 2008.

1. Mark Robitaille named president and chief executive officer. In October, Martin Memorial welcomed a new president and CEO for the first time in 19 years. Robitaille served as the health system’s senior vice president and chief operating officer since 1991 and started his career here in 1976. He took over for Richmond Harman, who retired after 30-plus years at Martin Memorial.

2. Total Cancer Care comes to Martin Memorial. In January we announced our partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center on an exciting new research program that could help revolutionize the way cancer is treated. This collaboration will develop a new research initiative to improve cancer prevention and treatment by using molecular technology to enhance the ability to diagnose and treat patients.

3. Martin Memorial announces off-site emergency department coming to St. Lucie West. The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, scheduled to open Fall 2009, will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing residents of western St. Lucie County by bringing them timely emergency care close to home. The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds.

4. The 500th open-heart surgery is performed at the Frances Langford Heart Center. In October, surgeons reached the milestone on a woman in her 50s. It took a little more than two years to reach the mark after opening in August 2006 and in that time hundreds of lives have been saved at the Frances Langford Heart Center.

5. Martin Memorial goes tobacco free. We joined hundreds of other health care providers across the country by prohibiting the use of tobacco on any Martin Memorial property starting Oct. 1.

There are plenty of other things that could fit on this list as well. The Martin Memorial Foundation continued to raise funding critical to our mission of providing access to health care, with the 14th-annual Chrysanthemum Ball leading the charge. We continue our battle to build a hospital at Tradition. And Martin Memorial was a key member of the Life Sciences Initiative of Martin County, which is working to bring life sciences research to the county.

It’s been a fascinating year, but there’s much more to come in 2009. And you can continue to read all about it right here.

--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator

Friday, December 26, 2008

Health Information at Your Fingertips

For those of us born in the Generation X era, we’ve watched computer technology go from the joys of Pong when we got our first Atari to using our phones to access the entire spectrum of information available on the Internet.

Some of us have grasped the technology with a little more fervor than others. Some folks still prefer to get their news and information from newspaper, TV and radio. Others simply log on and search the Web for whatever they need. Some of us are somewhere in the middle.

I fit into that third group. I grew up on newspapers and while I kind of understand technology, it can be pretty intimidating. At the same time, I appreciate the things it has to offer as – especially when it comes to finding information. And because everyone gets their information in different ways and different places, Martin Memorial wanted to help people access health care topics any time they wanted in a variety of ways.

So in November 2007, Martin Memorial started offering a variety of multimedia formats that deliver news, notes and resources not only on what’s happening in the health system, but also the world of health in general.

We started with this blog, Martin Memorial Housecall. Since that time, we’ve had thousands of visitors to the site and written on topics ranging from cancer and heart disease to how to train for a 5K run.

In December 2007, we launched Martin Memorial Healthcast, a podcast that touches on a wide range of health issues. That’s included tips on how to reach fitness and nutritional goals, as well as how Martin Memorial is partnering in revolutionary cancer care research.

In April 2008, Martin Memorial’s MDoc TV hit the Internet. The videocast is produced in a TV news-like segment and features health issues as well as information on how to improve your health from physicians. You can also see MDoc TV episodes by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

We’ve learned a lot in the last year and hope our readers, listeners and viewers have too. There’ll be more to come in 2009 but we hope you’ll continue to check out what’s happening in health through our blog, podcasts and videocasts.

Stay tuned.

--Scott Samples
Public Information Coordinator

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Stretching Your Limits for 5K Training

Housecall is featuring an eight-week training program that will get you ready to run a 5K race by February. The program was prepared last year by Susan Hastings, co-owner of Fleet Feet of Stuart running store, and it was so good we wanted to present it again.

Her goal is to get you excited about running in the third-annual “Fleet Feet Run for Your Heart 5K.” The run takes place Feb. 7, 2009 and proceeds will benefit the Frances Langford Heart Center at Martin Memorial.

We’ll post the program two weeks at a time and a new version will come out every other week. So lace up your running shoes and prepare to follow along. And we'll see you on race day!


Okay, you’ve been training for two weeks now and if you’ve followed the schedule you are well on your way.

Several things can make your life easier as you continue on your quest to add running or walking to your lifestyle. I’ll talk about stretching on this blog, because it’s an important aspect of helping you remain injury free. I’ll explain a few basic stretches that will focus on the main muscles you use when running. Do each of these three stretches three times each and hold each stretch for 30 seconds – it’s as simple as that.

Calves: Stand facing a wall with your arms slightly bent in front of you on the wall, feet hip-width apart and toes pointing forward. Bring one leg forward with the knee slightly bent and lean into the wall a little. Hold the leg in back straight, with heel on the ground and knee straight, for 30 seconds. Then bend the knee slightly (you should feel the lower part of you calf stretching now) and hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat with this leg. Do this three times.

Quadriceps: Start where you can hold onto something with one hand and bend one leg behind you and grab your ankle. Your leg should be bent behind you with you holding it up as close to your rear end as possible. The most critical thing is to be sure your knees are even, the bent one is as far back as the one you’re standing on, and it is not flared out.

Hamstrings: Take one leg and raise it in front of you and place your heel on a raised object such as a bench or car bumper. Keep your knee straight as you bend forward, trying to get your forehead as close as you can to your knee. This is a very slow movement, so lean as far forward as you can and hold the stretch for 30 seconds.

Stretching should be done after the muscles have warmed up so it’s never good to jump out of bed and go straight to stretching. In a perfect world you should walk or slow jog for a little, stop and stretch, and then continue on, stretching again when you finish. In the real world you should at least stretch when you return from your run or walk. The least you should do is take an extra 15 minutes and stretch when you finish.

Now for the next two weeks of your training:

Week 3 – Alternately jog/walk, varying the segments between 200 and 400 yards, for a total of 1 1/2 miles. Same workout for all three days.
Week 4 – Alternately jog/walk, but walk only half the distance for each jog. Vary the segments between 1/4 and 1/2 mile for a total of 1 3/4 miles. Same workout for all three days.

Have fun with it!

--Susan Hastings

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Make a Splash and Heal Your Body

Is gravity pulling you down? Try getting in the water.

The stress of everyday life can lead to illness and injury. It is so important that we find ways to relax and allow the body to heal. Each step into the water is a step closer to a healing journey. Water allows for so much movement and freedom that land sometimes doesn’t.

I find that I am always drawn back to the water whether it is where I live or where I work. I want to be in or close to the water. Our bodies consist of 70 percent water, so it is no wonder that this medium can offer so much.

I am amazed at every aquatic therapy session how much physically and emotionally individuals benefit. The warmth of the pool at the outpatient rehabilitation facility at South Stuart and the small pool at Treasure Coast Medical Pavilion are set at 89 to 92 degrees.

The constant contact with the warm flow of the water soothes the parasympathetic nervous system and is calming. The hydrostatic pressure of the water acts like embolism stockings and assists in overall circulation, cardiac output and renal function. The buoyancy of the water lifts your body into a gentle support which unloads the joints, relieving such conditions as arthritis.

Where there is pain there is guarding of the musculature and tension. Guarding creates limitation of movement or an inability to relax enough for your body to rejuvenate. Aquatic therapy invites the body to move with greater ease and relaxation, allowing for healing to take place and relieving pain.

In addition to relaxing, there are many ways to produce resistance for strengthening in the water. Increasing the surface area, such as opening the hand or holding onto a buoyant device, can increase the resistance using the waters principles. Increasing the speed of a movement which creates turbulence can also increase the difficulty.

If you are in discomfort, are having a hard time moving freely or are just seeking a wonderful experience, try getting in to the pool at Martin Memorial.

--Tara Anstensen
Physical Therapy Assistant

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Program Promotes Healing Through Music

The holidays are quickly approaching. There are deadlines to meet, appointments to keep, family things and more. All of these worries compile into a tremendous mountain of stress for most of us in our day-to-day lives, especially for me – until the morning of Dec. 9.

I was having a challenging morning, but all that melted away when I entered the lobby of the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. Angelic sights and sounds filled the room. Two young girls, Hannah and Kaila Geissinger, were sharing with us their musical talents on the harp, viola and keyboard.

I watched as the room began to fill with cancer patients and their caregivers, volunteers, associates, nurses and medical staff. I counted 20 people at one point and we all shared a song and a joyful moment. I even saw some folks tearing up, including myself.

After a couple of songs the crowd quietly went on to their day, smiling and a bit more reflective as a new audience took their seats. My entire day was rejuvenated, which is my hope for others encountering the Healing Arts Program at Martin Memorial.

Martin Memorial has partnered with the Arts Council of Martin County to bring music therapy into the main lobbies of the Medical Center, Hospital South and the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center for three weeks in December.

The Arts Council of Martin County made arrangements with many local musicians, both students and professionals, to share their time and talents with visitors, patients and caregivers. Audiences can expect a variety of performances, including vocalists and carolers, as well as instrumental accompaniment, including piano, violin and cello ensembles.

If you need a break from your stresses, or you are coming to visit a patient, please feel welcome to enjoy this therapeutic atmosphere. Release your tensions, be soothed by the music and share your joy with your friends and family. I know I did last Tuesday.

The music will be available at select locations through Dec. 22. That includes:

  • Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., in the main lobby of Martin Memorial Hospital South, 2100 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, in the main lobby of the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart
  • Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-7 p.m. in the main lobby of the Martin Memorial Medical Center, 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart

--Tori Savard
Community Outreach/Events Coordinator

Thursday, December 11, 2008

How to Train for a 5K – the Sequel!

Martin Memorial Housecall is a little more than a year old and in that time one thing we haven’t done is include any re-runs. Until now.

Starting today, we’ll be featuring an eight-week training program that will get you ready to run a 5K race by February. The program was prepared last year by Susan Hastings, co-owner of Fleet Feet of Stuart running store, and it was so good we wanted to present it again.

Her goal is to get you excited about running in the third-annual “Fleet Feet Run for Your Heart 5K.” The run takes place Feb. 7, 2009 and proceeds will benefit the Frances Langford Heart Center at Martin Memorial.

We'll post the program two weeks at a time and a new version will come out every other week. So lace up your running shoes and prepare to follow along. And we'll see you on race day!

Believe it or not, even if you’ve never run a step in your life without being chased, you can complete a 5K with this eight-week training program. I have to give credit where credit is due: Cliff Held, one of our friends/customers, created this for us and we have used it in our beginning running classes with great success. I’ll give you the steps to succeed, you just have to take them.

Over the next few weeks, in addition to giving you your training schedule, I’ll talk a little about stretching, eating right and hydrating – all things that help you start and continue a healthy running regimen. If you don’t start properly it can be difficult and discouraging.

You won’t necessarily love it the first time you run but stick with it – the sense of accomplishment makes it worth it and you’ll be surprised that you start looking forward to your next one. If you follow this program I’ll get you to the start and across the finish line in a healthy, positive and enjoyable way.

Believe it or not, the average ‘runner’ runs three miles, three times a week and that’s great for cardiovascular health. You don’t need to have a marathon in your future (although you could!), you just have to want to hit the road.

Of course, being the owner of Fleet Feet Stuart, I do have to mention that it’s important as you start your training in the right way to have the proper footwear. If you don’t, you risk injuries such as shin splints, knee pain, plantar fasciitis (if you don’t know what it is consider yourself lucky), and many other aches and pains that could possibly be alleviated with the proper shoes.

Now let’s get to the training…and please email me at susan@fleetfeetstuart.com if you have any questions.

Week 1 – Alternately jog/walk (eight of each for a total of 16) 100-yard segments for a total of 1 mile. Do this same workout three times the first week.
Week 2 – Alternately jog/walk (five of each for a total of 10) 200-yard segments for a total of 1 ¼ miles. Same workout, three times the second week.

Get in your car, clock off your mile and get started. You can do a rough estimate of your 100- and 200-yard segments. The most important thing is to stick to your mileage for the designated week and don’t try to go too fast; just run at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

Get your friends, family and co-workers to join you. Some people are morning runners, some prefer night. Whatever it is, put it on your calendar like any other appointment and show up on time!

Happy running!

--Susan Hastings

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

For Holiday Fitness, Just Keep Going

You heard it. When I asked some of our fitness center members how they coped with the holidays and the usual holiday weight gain, they said just keep going to the gym!

We all know this time of year test our willpower with all the extra goodies that surround us at the office, parties and in our home.

Here are some helpful suggestions you can use to keep yourself from gaining the extra holiday weight.

  • Keep going to the fitness center as much as possible. There will be some interruptions in your normal schedule but this should not be an excuse to abandon your commitment to fitness until January 2009.
  • An abbreviated workout is still better than none at all. Aim for 30 minutes instead of an hour most days of the week.
  • Exercise provides structure. Routines help us stay on track with our food intake.
  • Exercise while shopping. Park as far away as possible, take the stairs instead of the escalator. Make a few extra laps around the mall – you might catch a sale you missed the first time around!
  • Sign up for personal training. If you commit to taking lessons and have an appointment to exercise, you’ll be sure to be there.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you overindulge at a party or skip a couple of workouts, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track and resume your exercise routine.
  • Eat breakfast. Listen to your mother! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not having a healthy breakfast will lead to overeating later.
  • Bring a healthy dish. If you are going to a pot luck gathering, bring a healthy dish or appetizer. You’ll know there will be at least one safe dish.

The holidays should be a time of maintenance. Don’t try to lose weight, just strive to maintain your pre-holiday weight.

--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Giving to Charity is Gift That Keeps Giving

Ah, holiday shopping. If you look forward to this annual ritual about as much as a root canal, I hear you. After all, does your sister really want that dust-collector that you’ll pay too much for at the last minute out of desperation? And you know you will.

Why not do something different? This year, why not consider making a gift to your favorite charity in someone’s honor?

There are a lot of advantages to this strategy. You can do it in your jammies in front of the computer. Your sis will be happy you thought so highly of her. You’ll look like a stand-up guy/gal in front of your whole family. You’ll stick to your budget. It won’t make you fat. You’ll be helping others who need it. But most of all, instead of that buy-buy-buy pressure, you’ll get to feel something that people are always talking about this time of year. Real, honest-to-God joy.

Bottom line, it feels really good to give.

It’s a tough time right now for many people, around the world and right here at home. Philanthropy is what fuels the organizations that help. Right here at Martin Memorial, gifts from our community literally save lives every day. Know someone who’s been a patient at the Frances Langford Heart Center or Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center? These services are only here because of people just like you who made a gift.

So save yourself a bit of sanity (you’ll need it) and save your sister some dusting while you’re at it. I promise, it’ll feel great.

--Kelly DeGregorio
Director of Development, Martin Memorial Foundation

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

BRCA Testing Can Raise Cancer Awareness

Now that there is an increased awareness of genetic testing, I would like to touch on some of the benefits of BRCA testing. The two genes involved in the increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2, can be tested for a mutation, or an abnormality, that causes the gene not to function.

These genes normally act as tumor suppressors, keeping cells in check and preventing them from developing into cancer. Some may wonder why they should pursue this testing if they have a personal and/or family history suggestive of a BRCA mutation.

Increased screening and medical management options are among the benefits. Starting mammograms at 25, instead of 35 to 40 may catch an abnormality early. Having transvaginal ultrasounds and CA-125 blood testing may find an ovarian cancer before it’s able to metastasize.

Having a preventative mastectomy decreases breast cancer risk by 90 percent and a preventative surgical removal of the ovaries reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 96 percent.

If a person has already had breast or ovarian cancer, these screenings and prevention options are just as important. There is an increased risk of a second breast cancer or ovarian cancer following breast cancer in people with a BRCA mutation. This information is also helpful for family members, since first degree relatives have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the same mutation. Second degree relatives are not out of the woods either and may also have inherited a mutation.

Also, for all the men out there, you’re not without risk because men have BRCA genes too. Besides increasing your risk for male breast and prostate cancers, these mutations may be passed on to your children.

Being aware of a mutation can help detect cancer early and maybe prevent it from occurring at all. Awareness can bring about empowerment.

If you have a strong personal and/or family history of cancer, speak to your doctor or call me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669 for further information.

--Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator and
Genetics Nurse Educator