$25,000 Gift to Help Martin Memorial Enhance Nursing Education

As a former nurse, Helen Thomas recognized the critical role nursing education plays in providing exceptional health care.

As a result, Martin Memorial recently received a $25,000 grant from the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust. The funds will be used to support nursing education and related projects as Martin Memorial works toward advancing the clinical and leadership role of nursing at the bedside.

“Helen Thomas understood that nurses play a critical role in the health care of the community,” said Bonney A. Johnson, vice president and senior trust officer for U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, which serves as a trustee. “The Thomases recognized that Martin Memorial is an institution that gives back to the community and they wanted to help the health system continue to provide access to high-quality care.”

(Pictured in the photo, Bonney Johnson [far right] presents a check to Karen Ripper, senior vice president and chief nursing officer of Martin Memorial, nurse Valerie Kuhn; Sharon Kinane, magnet recognition coordinator for Martin Memorial; and nurse Tammy Samanka.)

Support from the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust will assist nurses at Martin Memorial by providing financial support in their efforts to achieve advanced nursing certifications and continued educational advancement. It will also assist senior nursing staff in providing mentoring and one-on-one coaching to newer nurses that will help them build confidence and develop bedside leadership skills.

“We are extremely grateful to the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust for assisting us in enhancing the education and training of our nursing staff,” said Karen Ripper, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Martin Memorial. “This investment in nurses will help us continue to provide extraordinary health care to the community.”

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust was created to maintain the long-time Stuart residents’ commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. Prior to his death in 2001, William Thomas was a salesman for ARCO Company and served as Board Chairman of Enabling Technologies Braille Embossers and Printers. Before her death in 2005, Helen Thomas worked as a nurse and was a staunch supporter of medical education. Since 2001, the trust has provided approximately $3 million to local charities, primarily in St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties.

Martin Memorial Again Named a Primary Stroke Center by Joint Commission

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and one of the most common causes of disability. However, the damage can often be minimized if medical care is provided quickly by highly trained clinical staff.

To help ensure patients who suffer from stroke receive the best treatment possible, Martin Memorial recently retained certification as a primary stroke center. Martin Memorial was surveyed this fall by The Joint Commission – an organization that evaluates and accredits health care providers – and recently received official notification that it had again achieved certification.

The Joint Commission certifies hospitals that meet national standards and performance measurement expectations. The commission’s certification program was developed along with the American Stroke Association.

Martin Memorial initially received certification in November 2007. To retain certification, hospitals are surveyed on site every two years.

“Stroke patients who are cared for in a primary stroke center have better outcomes with less variation in care, so there are less debilitating after-effects,” said Jason Stabley, DO, medical director of neuroscience services at Martin Memorial. “This program has been a tremendous benefit for the community, providing not only exceptional acute-care treatment, but also valuable information about stroke prevention and the need to seek immediate medical care when a stroke occurs. Those are valuable tools in mitigating the damage of stroke.”

That includes understanding risk factors that can lead to stroke, as well as knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke. While some risk factors – such as age, family history, race, or gender – can’t be controlled, others can. Among those risk factors are high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol.

And because there is a limited window of opportunity to provide effective medical treatment, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. The American Stroke Association lists these five signs that someone is having a stroke:

· Sudden numbness or weakness – especially on one side of the body – of the face, arms or legs
· Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
· Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking
· Sudden severe headaches with no known cause or origin

State Grants Martin Memorial Permission to Build New 80-Bed Hospital in Tradition

Martin Memorial received a final order from the state to build an 80-bed hospital in the Tradition development of west Port St. Lucie.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration accepted an administrative law judge’s recommendation to approve the project and issued a final order denying exceptions by Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and St. Lucie Medical Center, the two HCA, Inc.-owned hospitals in St. Lucie County.

“This is one more critical step toward a much-needed hospital becoming a reality for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “We have maintained for many years that there is a critical need for health care services in this area. More importantly, the community told us there was a need and we are working hard to meet that need.”

Martin Memorial, which received the final order on Dec. 1, will begin to move forward with planning pending any further appeals by the HCA hospitals to an appellate court. The design and construction phase of building the new hospital is expected to take several years.

In June 2007, Martin Memorial received preliminary approval from AHCA to build the hospital on 20 acres that the health system previously purchased in Tradition. The approval was challenged to an administrative hearing by the HCA hospitals and the case for the CON was presented before Administrative Law Judge J.D. Parrish in a month-long hearing in November 2008. On July 31, 2009 Judge Parrish rendered a recommended order upholding the preliminary approval. The agency accepted the judge’s recommendation in its final order.

Ultimately, the state concluded that rapid population growth in St. Lucie County over the past five years – particularly in west Port St. Lucie – as well as demonstrated access challenges in the region revealed a vital need for the hospital.

Martin Memorial has already seen that need for medical services after opening a free-standing emergency department in St. Lucie West. Since the Emergency Center opened its doors on Sept. 1, it has seen more than 2,000 patients per month, exceeding projections for the facility.

Support for the hospital has come from many areas of the community, including state legislators, local government officials, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, VGTI Florida, Mann Research Center, doctors and nurses, and more than 10,000 area residents who submitted e-mails and letters.

Many individuals submitted personal testimonials sharing their concern about the lack of convenient access to a hospital – particularly in times of emergency. Once opened, the hospital will create more than 400 jobs with an average salary of more than $53,000, and the capital investment will exceed $100 million, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the local economy.

Martin Memorial is also developing partnerships with the life sciences organizations coming to the area. In November, the health system announced it is participating in a flu research study with VGTI Florida. The proposed hospital will be built near Torrey Pines’ current facility in Tradition, and will be near the facility VGTI Florida is planning to build.

Expecting Holiday Weight Gain? Use These Tips to Eat Smarter, Avoid Adding Pounds

It’s hard to believe but the holidays are upon us! It’s a time for celebration and joy; and if we’re not careful, extra holiday pounds to carry around.

All too often we get caught up in the food and drink and forget that it’s about sharing with friends and family. So this year make it about fun and celebrate the reason for the season.

In fact, the holiday season does not need to be a disaster in the making. If you plan it right you might even lose some weight. So it’s important to start off on the right foot by not skipping meals or partying hungry. Breakfast is key to success, so make sure you eat a meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied, such as an omelet and some whole wheat toast.

Planning is your No. 1 tool. If you plan ahead you can balance out your meals and compensate for the extra party calories. This way, you’ll be conscious and mindful of your choices. Remind yourself that you don’t have to try it all: choose those foods that are your favorite and holiday specific, and leave those that you can eat all year round. After all, we have many other occasions to party all year long.

Make a plan to bring healthy options such as shrimp or vegetables as a low-calorie appetizer or a fruit crisp for dessert. If you’re serving at your house, a colorful array of vegetables and fruit makes a great centerpiece!

Remember that exercise is an essential component to balance out those extra calories and keep your stress levels at bay. Schedule it in your calendar and make it a priority to include in your day.

So this holiday season change your mindset by planning ahead and remember the reason for the season. Enjoy the holidays!

--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing

Martin Memorial, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Celebrate Life-Saving Partnership

For more than a decade, Martin Memorial has been teaming with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to provide breast cancer patients in Martin and St. Lucie counties with access to care.

Today, the two not-for-profit organizations were joined by Congressman Tom Rooney in an event celebrating Martin Memorial’s role as the host hospital for the 19th-annual 2010 Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure, which will be held Jan. 30 in West Palm Beach. Representatives from Komen also awarded grants to Martin Memorial that will be used to help breast cancer patients receive access to diagnostic testing and treatment.

“We are extremely honored to be the host hospital for the 2010 Race for the Cure and we are proud of our relationship with Komen, which has allowed us to expand the level of care we provide to the community,” said Cindy Pingolt, assistant vice president for professional services at Martin Memorial. “We see breast cancer patients every day who have been helped tremendously by resources that would not be available without Komen’s assistance.”

The Race for the Cure is the South Florida Affiliate’s largest fundraiser as it helps fulfill the Komen mission to eradicate breast cancer and has the distinction of being the first race of the year among all affiliates. The race is now accepting sponsorship applications and race registrations for participants. The South Florida Affiliate serves Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

“The host hospital’s role is critical to the Komen race each year, expanding public awareness through education about breast health and cancer detection,” said Patricia Abramson, race chairwoman and a breast cancer survivor. “Martin Memorial and its Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center are an influential partner in spreading this message.”

Congressman Rooney, representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District, congratulated both organizations for their services to the community.

“The efforts of Komen and Martin Memorial are making a difference in the lives of countless residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties,” Rep. Rooney said.

Looking for Something to Help With Arthritis Pain? Hit the Gym and Exercise

Research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Arthritis Foundation, as well as others, recommend that people with arthritis exercise.

Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and helps increase flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. Other added benefits include weight reduction, improved sense of well being and sounder sleeping.

So let’s get started! If this is all new to you, the best way to begin is to begin slowly. It is always recommended that before you start any exercise program, you consult with your doctor.

Martin Memorial Health and Fitness will conduct a health history and pre-screening as well as seeking clearance from your physician before starting any exercise program.

It is proven through research that exercise does help manage the pain and stiffness that accompany arthritis. I also conducted some informal interviews with a few of our members at Martin Memorial Health and Fitness and here’s what they had to say.

Carolyn Jensen says she’s been living with arthritis, which runs in her family, for 20 years. Over the years it has gotten worse but she says, “If I don’t exercise, I don’t feel as fit and energetic and I feel stiff.” Carolyn’s fitness regimen includes stretching before and after tennis which she plays four times per week and works out at our gym at least two times per week.

Raymond Snyder says he has arthritis “from head to toe.” He’s been living with it for about 20 years. By the way, Raymond is proud to say he’s 90 years young. He adds that exercise “helps him more than any other form of treatment.” Ray has just returned to Florida and says “after being here just a couple of times, he feels better,” and “I get stiff if I don’t come to the gym. All I can say is that I’m OK for the whole day when I exercise.”

Doug Sisco has the early signs of arthritis in his knee and knuckles and says, “If I don’t exercise, I get more pains and aches.” Dolly Wilson has had arthritis for 10 years and says, “pool exercise helps with the reduction of pain.”

The Arthritis Foundation recommends starting slowly with flexibility exercises which are basically stretching exercises that will improve your range of motion and help with daily activities. They also recommend water exercise since it reduces stress on your hips, knees and spine.

At Martin Memorial Health and Fitness, we offer a variety of classes which include water exercise, Thai chi, yoga, pilates, low impact aerobics and stretch. Along with classes, we encourage you to start slowly with strength training and cardiovascular exercise. We’re here to help you get started and on your way to a more pain free lifestyle.

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

Martin Memorial Opens New State-of-the-Art Imaging Facility in Port St. Lucie

Treasure Coast residents can now access the latest innovations in imaging technology at Martin Memorial Diagnostic Imaging Services at Port St. Lucie.

Located at 1651 S.E. Tiffany Ave., the facility will provide the most recent generation of technologically sophisticated MRI and CT scanners, and the new imaging suites will offer patient comfort features that are unique on the Treasure Coast.

“This new facility will allow us to present physicians with high-quality diagnostic imaging that is critical to providing patient care,” said Eric A. Pfeiffer, MD, chief of radiology services at Martin Memorial. “This technology is state of the art, which provides us with the best images with which to make a diagnosis. At the same time, the environment will allow us to provide patients with enhanced comfort and ease of mind during their examinations.”

The facility will feature a high-field open bore Magnetom Espree MRI system, which combines high-quality imaging capabilities with the highest level of patient comfort, improved space and access. The facility also features the 16-slice Somatom Emotion Spiral CT, a fast and powerful diagnostic tool that provides physicians with incredibly precise images.

Patients will be able to select from a menu of special themes, filling their exam room with soothing lighting and music, as relaxing scenery is displayed on large flat screen monitors within their view. Pediatric themes are also available that are designed to help entertain and calm children while their imaging studies are being performed.

The 3,608-square-foot space was renovated at Martin Memorial’s Tiffany Avenue location, which also features physician offices, rehabilitation services and laboratory services. Martin Memorial also has outpatient diagnostic imaging services in Stuart and St. Lucie West, and features both inpatient and outpatient diagnostic imaging services at its two hospitals.

Martin Memorial, VGTI Florida Begin First Collaboration on Research Study

VGTI Florida and Martin Memorial are working on a research study that represents the initial collaboration between the life sciences organization and the health care provider.

The study began collecting blood samples in late October from patients visiting Martin Memorial physicians who agree to participate in the study. Those samples are then turned over to scientists at VGTI Florida for study.

“We believe this study can play an important role in helping us develop innovative vaccine and immune therapies for the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections,” said Rafick-Pierre Sekaly, Ph.D., co-director and scientific director of VGTI Florida. “Our partnership with Martin Memorial provides us with access to a patient population willing to participate in potentially life-saving research.”

VGTI Florida is the Florida-funded expansion of Oregon Health and Science University’s highly successful Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute. Research at the facility will focus on vaccine development with a special focus on vaccines and therapeutics that protect the aging population, which is the most vulnerable to disease.

VGTI Florida is one of the three life sciences organizations comprising the Florida Center for Innovation, located at the Tradition development in western St. Lucie County. Along with Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and the Mann Research Center, VGTI Florida is bringing innovative clinical research to the Treasure Coast.

Martin Memorial, which is seeking approval from the state of Florida to build an 80-bed hospital in Tradition near Torrey Pines, has been participating in research studies for many years – primarily in cancer clinical trials. Since 2001, more than 50 cancer clinical research trials have been conducted at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, which have provided valuable insight into the causes of and treatments for cancer.

“We believe this will be the first of many collaborative opportunities with our partners at the Florida Center for Innovation,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This is a perfect example of how we can provide valuable clinical resources that are critical to scientific research and that can profoundly impact the way health care is delivered.”

The study will be overseen at VGTI by Dr. Sekali and Lydie Trautmann, Ph.D., and at Martin Memorial by Richard Dube, MD, and Paul Gaeta, MD. The purpose of the study, which is expected to involve approximately 270 subjects, is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.

In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.

The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections.

Three groups of subjects are being asked to participate in the study. That includes:

· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose and are diagnosed with the seasonal flu (both types A and B) by having a positive rapid flu test. Blood will be drawn at that visit, with a second blood draw taking place 30 days later. One hundred individuals will be recruited in this group.

· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms and are diagnosed with the flu by having a positive rapid flu test for type A flu only. Blood will be drawn at that visit, followed by another draw 30 days later. Twenty individuals will be recruited in this group.

· Men and women who are scheduled to have the flu vaccine. There are three subgroups featuring healthy subjects receiving flu vaccine – a total of 50 in each group – who receive either seasonal flu vaccine or H1N1 flu vaccine, or seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine. Study participants will receive a blood draw the day of their vaccination, another three to seven days later, as well as another blood draw 30 days after the first sample.

Those interested in participating in the study can call (772) 288-5858 and select option four.

Here Are Some Tricks to Keep From Overeating Treats on Halloween

With Halloween just a few days away it really marks the start of the eating season. First it’s Halloween and all the leftover candy. Then it’s Thanksgiving and all the leftovers, which leads us into the Christmas season with the holiday parties and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, extending until New Years and then there are still leftovers from New Years Day.

As a dietitian I hear many excuses for not eating healthy. Many people who are trying to lose weight just check off two months of excuses on reasons to eat. So let’s make this season different and start right with Halloween.

First off, don’t buy Halloween candy early. If you have the mentality of my husband, we need to buy the Halloween candy early just in case. Just in case the stores run out or the kids come before Oct. 31? Slim chance, but it’s an excuse to have it in the house to nibble on before trick or treating begins. So here it starts with the temptations and splurges, and if you’re not careful, extra pounds free of charge.

Secondly, don’t let yourself or your kids go hungry Halloween night. Have a balanced meal such as a salad with some grilled chicken before the night begins. This will prevent the gorging of Halloween candy and will allow you to enjoy some candy in the right amounts.

Thirdly, if you have candy leftovers just throw it out rather than bringing on the baggage to someone else. Chances are if you bring it to the workplace most people are in the same boat as you and trying to watch their weight. And if you bring sweets to a place where we tend to stress eat we are setting ourselves and others up for a pound increase. So what sense does it make to bring it there? Save yourself and your co-workers the temptation and throw it out.

Lastly, if have you kids control their candy intake. Make it fun by portioning it out and setting treat times or saving for a later date. Maybe make a healthy recipe such as whole-wheat cookies, muffins, or pancakes with candy goodies. Trail mix is another good option with nuts, dried fruit, and some M&M’s for a fix. But whatever you do, remember that candy and rewards don’t mix.

So make this Halloween a trick and a treat – not all eats!

--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing

Martin Memorial to Open New Health and Fitness Center in St. Lucie West on Nov. 3

The Martin Memorial St. Lucie West Health and Fitness Center will be opening at a permanent facility on Nov. 3. The fitness center was relocated to a temporary location in October 2008, in order to make room for a freestanding emergency department at Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West facility.

On Oct. 29 at 2 p.m., the health and fitness center’s temporary facility will close. The new, permanent location will open Nov. 3 at 5:30 a.m., located at 582 N.W. University Blvd., Suite 350. In the interim period between the temporary site closing and the new facility opening, St. Lucie West members are invited to utilize one of Martin Memorial’s four other health and fitness locations: Jensen Beach, Palm City, South Stuart or Hobe Sound.

The new facility at St. Lucie West will also feature something no other fitness center across the Treasure Coast has – Kinesis. This innovative piece of equipment offers a unique fitness experience by taking what the body does naturally and adding resistance. There will also be special classes that focus on tennis and golf, allowing members to improve their fitness levels and work on their games at the same time.

The new location will continue to provide medically directed fitness services that members have grown accustomed to receiving. That includes a full line of cardiovascular and strength equipment, child care, massage, lockers and shower facilities. There are also fitness classes designed for people with specific ailments such as diabetes, cancer and cardiac rehabilitation.

Members of the public are invited to tour our facility when it opens on Nov. 3. They can also find more information or sign up for Kinesis classes by calling (772) 785-5522.

Here's Something Scary: Those Halloween Treats Will Play Tricks With Your Fitness

It is almost time for Halloween, so once again this is a good time to review the cold, hard facts about how long you'll need to jump, walk or run to burn off your favorite devilish little darlings.

Sparkpeople.com did some research on how much damage 10 tiny treats really do. They took a sampling of 10 snack-sized treats – everything from Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, candy corn, Butterfinger, Peanut M&M's and more. The number of calories totaled: 775! Remember, that's just 10 pieces.

What does this mean in terms of calorie expenditure? Sparkpeople.com's fitness tracker calculated a 150-pound woman performing jumping jacks at a rate of one per second will burn 10 calories per minute. She'll need to perform jumping jacks for one hour and 18 minutes. That's a lot of jumping, and that's a fact jack!

If jumping is not your choice of exercise, you may want to go for a walk – a very long walk. A 7.75 mile walk will burn off those 10 tiny treats. Remember, we generally burn 100 calories for each mile of walking at a moderate pace.

Now for the good news. If you do choose to indulge this Halloween, and I'm quite sure I will, Diet.com did some research to find the top Halloween candy for healthy people. The best treats are Junior Mints, 3 Musketeers and Peanut M&M's.

I am not advocating that you go out and eat an entire bag of Junior Mints, but it is comforting to know they actually have some nutritional value, since Junior Mints are made with dark chocolate!

So enjoy a few treats smartly and you won't have to play any tricks to get your body back in shape. Happy Halloween!

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

Rehabilitation Can Play a Critical Role in Helping Autistic Children

As a speech language pathologist who works with both children and adults, I see all kinds of diagnoses. As a pediatric therapist, one of the more interesting yet baffling is children within the “Autistic Spectrum Disorder."

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder which affects social and communication skills but can also affect motor and language skills. It is not unusual for a child with autism to also be treated by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. Statistics vary, but one in every 150 children may be diagnosed with this devastating disorder.

Boys are more than four times likely than girls to be autistic. Usually diagnosed at 3 years of age, a toddler at 16 months can show signs that are telling. These might include: not using words, not responding when his/her name is called, exhibiting repetitive behaviors, resisting cuddling, not pointing to objects and not engaging in simple interactions/games.

A pediatrician is instrumental in helping parents determine if a child is showing the signs and what services to seek out. One of the first professionals that a family is referred to is a speech language pathologist, as speech and language deficits are most noted. A pediatric SLP is trained in the area of language and social deficits, and is key in helping to determine if a child is in the spectrum.

More specific speech and language skills assessed are the following: understanding what others are saying or following directions without needing cueing; interest in age-appropriate toys and playing with them as intended; methods that are used to communicate wants and needs; interest in other people and wanting to interact. Speech pathologists will also be interested in the child’s eating patterns, as children with autism may be very “picky” eaters with a very limited diet.

Occupational therapists will be interested in a child’s sensory system, specifically the areas of touch/sound/light/temperature. Fine motor skills, gravitational insecurities and attention to task are other areas of interest to the OT’s. Large motor skills, such as learning to walk are not deficits often seen, but reduced body and spatial awareness are often deficits seen by the physical therapist.

Now, it’s not to say that all children with autism exhibit the same lack of skills. That is what is confusing about this disorder. It is a broad diagnosis that can include a high IQ as well as mental retardation. A child with autism may be chatty or silent, affectionate or cold, methodical or disorganized, mildly affected or severely affected.

It is a challenging diagnosis for all therapists involved. But the good news is, the earlier intensive therapies are started the better the prognosis for the child. While a child may always be intrinsically autistic, it is possible for the child to overcome the specific impairments in order to lead a very functional, productive, interactive and independent life.

--Cindy Irish, MS, CCC/SLP
Lead Speech Pathologist

Discounted Mammograms Offered to Uninsured and Underinsured Women

Each year, mammograms provide the early detection necessary to help successfully treat breast cancer.

During October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Martin Memorial is offering $100 screening mammograms for women who are uninsured or underinsured. Payments must be self-pay and not made through insurance. To schedule a screening mammogram, call (772) 288-5817.

Martin Memorial is also continuing a program that began in May 2009 to assist women who might not otherwise have access to mammograms due to their financial situations. Martin Memorial is providing a limited number of free mammograms for medically underserved women, with help from a grant provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. That includes women who have no insurance or who are underinsured and have an income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Women must meet other certain criteria to qualify, including:

· They must be 49 years or younger.
· They must have a prescription for a mammogram from a physician.
· They must be from Martin or St. Lucie counties.

For more information, to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment, call (772) 223-5945, ext. 3331.

Mammograms play a critical role in detecting breast cancer early, which can lead to successful treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the regular use of screening mammograms can help reduce the chances of dying from breast cancer by 30 percent in women between the ages of 50 and 69, and by about 17 percent for women in their 40s.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 there will be 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,170 deaths that result from the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s goal is to provide increased awareness about breast cancer through education, while also providing mammograms for those in need. Martin Memorial was able to partner with the Foundation, which provided funding for the free mammograms.

Martin Memorial Cancer Program Again Earns Accreditation with Commendation

The Martin Memorial cancer program has once again been granted three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

Martin Memorial’s cancer program has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer for many years, but this is the second consecutive time it has received the commendation distinction, the highest possible level of accreditation.

A facility receives the distinction following on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor. The program must demonstrate a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program: cancer committee leadership; cancer data management; clinical services; research; community outreach; and quality improvement. In addition, a facility receives a compliance rating for all other standards.

Martin Memorial offers a continuum of care that features outpatient services through the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, and in-patient services as well. That includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, social and support services, and nutritional counseling.

“This accreditation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by physicians, clinical staff and support personnel who are making a tremendous difference in the lives of Treasure Coast residents every day,” said Cindy Pingolt, assistant vice president of professional services. “Cancer affects countless people in our community and we are determined to provide access to high-quality care that can help them battle the disease.”

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. The core functions of the commission include: setting standards for quality, multidisciplinary cancer patient care; surveying facilities to evaluate compliance with Commission on Cancer standards; collecting standardized and quality data from approved facilities; and using the data to develop effective educational interventions to improve cancer care outcomes at the national, state and local levels.

Approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. To maintain approval, facilities with an approved cancer program must undergo an on-site review every three years.

According to the Commission on Cancer, accredited programs ensure that patients receive: Quality care close to home; comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment; a multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients; access to cancer-related information, education, and support; a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow-up; ongoing monitoring and improvement of care; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options.

There are currently more than 1,400 cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico approved by the Commission on Cancer, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. Those hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.

Confused About What You Should or Shouldn’t Eat? Just Ask the Dietitian

Dear Dietitian,

I don’t know what to eat. I know that I shouldn’t eat fast food or fill up on lots of sweets but then what should I eat?

Sincerely,
What Should I Eat?

If you feel confused by all the food hype and diets that flood the market you’re not alone.

Each day I see patients that come into my office not knowing what to do. For basics, think of how you can get the best bang for your buck. You want to eat foods that fill you but for less calories. After all, who wants to be hungry and left feeling deprived? So what it comes down to is choosing the right foods.

For starters your mom always told you to eat veggies. Veggies fill you up for little calories. They have fiber and water which goes a long way, which is why fruit is also a good snack but portion-controlled.

What else fills you up? Protein does, but think lean: fish, chicken, turkey and beans. And believe it or not, fat does. Yes fat. The low-fat craze is over and now the focus is on healthy fats, such as omega-3’s (which you can find in fish), nuts and healthy oils such as olive and canola.

Whole grains are also a good bite but just don’t overdo them. Look at the sugar content. A good goal is less than five grams per 100 calories for breads or cereals. And what about sweets? Think in moderation and serving size. Certainly all that sugar does not do your body any good.

Which brings me to another subject: liquid calories. Just think, if you drink two 12-ounce sodas a day that’s roughly 300 empty calories that you could use more wisely. And lastly, don’t be afraid to add a couple servings of dairy to your diet.

So how do you put this into practice? A simple way is to use the plate method. Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein and quarter with a whole-grain starch. Think stir fries and be creative! Or maybe instead of having that large bagel topped with cream cheese, you substitute it for a half cup of oatmeal with low-fat milk, blueberries and some nuts. You’ll save yourself about 250 calories. Not a bad way to start the day.

To sum it up: eat real food. Make vegetables the main course, choose lean protein, healthy fats, beans and nuts, fruits, whole grains and everything in moderation. Get rid of the junk that disguises itself as healthy such as those bars that are sitting in your cabinet.

--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing

Martin Memorial earns recognition as a national Employer of Choice

Throughout its 70-year history, Martin Memorial has been considered an outstanding place to work by its associates and in the community.

Now, Martin Memorial has received recognition as a national Employer of Choice. That designation places the health system in an elite group of just 16 health care organizations from across the country that currently hold that title. Only 29 companies total have achieved that distinction since the designation was created in 2000.

Employer of Choice, Inc. is an organization comprised of a national team of experts on employee retention and workplace trends. The Employer of Choice designation is awarded to public, private or nonprofit employers that demonstrate effective implementation of best practices in attracting, developing and retaining outstanding people.

In the photo below, Joyce Gioia, chief execuitive officer of Employer of Choice, Inc. (second from left) presents the award to Amy Barry, vice president and chief human resources officer for Martin Memorial; George H. Rittersbach Jr., chairman of the Martin Memorial Board of Directors; and Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial.

Organizations that earn the right to be called an Employer of Choice typically enjoy a higher level of system-wide performance and continuity, greater workforce stability, as well as superior levels of customer loyalty and employee satisfaction. And health care organizations that achieve Employer of Choice designation tend to have higher patient satisfaction, greater productivity and lower turnover.

Designations are based upon a rigorous review of an organization’s practices. That includes a wide spectrum of workforce topics, including a company’s business practices and improvement initiatives, a marketplace comparative analysis and a benefits review. Organizational culture, turnover rates compared to the industry average and workforce retention were also carefully examined as part of the review process.

“While we have always believed that Martin Memorial is an excellent place to work, we have constantly sought innovative ways to continue attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This designation not only provides tangible evidence that we are on the right path, it has also helped us identify best practices that have proven beneficial to our organization. Ultimately, that will allow us to continue our mission of providing exceptional health care to the communities we serve.”

The process to achieve this status began seven years ago for Martin Memorial, when the health system began working with VHA Inc. in 2002 on a national program called Tomorrow’s Workforce. A team of experts analyzed the data produced from the review of Martin Memorial’s workforce and business issues before ultimately concluding the health system met the criteria to be named a national Employer of Choice.

Town Hall Meeting in Port St. Lucie Will Provide Information on H1N1 Flu

On Sept. 24, a collaboration of health care providers and community leaders will hold a Town Hall meeting in Port St. Lucie to discuss H1N1 flu. A panel of physicians and personnel from the St. Lucie County Health Department will be available to provide information and answer questions about H1N1, including preventive measure the public can take.

Here is information about the event, which is free and open to the public.

WHO: Karlette Peck, Epidemiologist and Clint Sperber, Regional Public Health Preparedness Coordinator St. Lucie County Health Department; Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Moti Ramgopal; Martin Memorial Pediatrician, Dr. Michael Jampol; St. Lucie Medical Center Primary Care Physicians, Dr. Dwight Dawkins and Dr. Bernard Kurecki; Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute Respiratory Therapist Kelly Sebree and Emergency Medical Director Dr. Andre Creese; and St. Lucie County Emergency Management’s Thomas Daly.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Port St. Lucie City Civic Center Main Auditorium, at the southeast corner of U.S. 1 and Walton Road.

WHY: The St. Lucie County Health Department, community leaders and health care providers are hosting this Town Hall meeting to inform the public about H1N1 (swine flu), including prevention measures. Topics include the latest treatments, an overview of H1N1 trends, the goal of vaccinations and an update on school prevention efforts. Questions from the public are welcome.

Martin Memorial Auxiliary Offers Scholarships for Health Care Degrees

Residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties who are pursuing degrees related to health care may be eligible for financial assistance through the Martin Memorial Health Systems Auxiliary Scholarship.

Applications are available online at mmhs.com under the News and Events heading. The deadline for submission is Jan. 29, 2010.

Scholarships are available to high school seniors graduating from schools in Martin or St. Lucie counties in 2010 and verifiable residents of both counties seeking undergraduate degrees in health-related fields, or business fields related to health care delivery. Adults interested in returning to school to further their educations, as well as previous scholarship recipients, may apply if they meet eligibility requirements outlined in the application.

A committee determines which candidates receive scholarships and in what amount. Amounts awarded vary and are based on grades, residency, need, other financial assistance being granted and other criteria. Funds may be used to offset any costs associated with the pursuit of a degree in healthcare.

For more information, call Rachel Raos at (772) 288-5896 or e-mail her at rraos@mmhs-fla.org.

In 2009, the Martin Memorial Auxiliary provided $50,000 in scholarships with 56 recipients earning assistance. Since 1980, Martin Memorial has awarded $1,093,000 in scholarships to 777 residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties.

The Martin Memorial Auxiliary includes more than 800 members, who volunteer nearly 170,000 hours across the health system.

Forever Young at 80-Plus, Thanks in Part to Staying Active and Physically Fit

Joe and Marie Varone have been married for 58 years and are “regulars” at Martin Memorial Health and Fitness South.

When the Varones retired to Stuart 23 years ago, they knew they wanted and needed to stay in shape. They led very active lives in New York. They both recall being active as children playing street games like kick the can and stick ball – and they are very quick to point out their battle scars from playing as children. As adults, Marie coached CYO basketball and baseball while Joe became a physical education educator in New York.

Their lives continue to be active. You’ll find them at least three to four times per week at our health and fitness center. Marie’s motivation for staying in shape at 80 years young is her children and grandchildren. You’ll also find Marie volunteering on Martin Memorial’s obstetrics floor, where she says she has the best job: “I get to play with the babies.” Marie says, “We may not be wealthy but we’re happy and healthy.”

Marie’s fitness regimen includes cardiovascular exercise on the stationary bike and treadmill along with a strength training routine using machines and free weights. She also plays golf three times per week.

At 83, Joe’s main motivation for keeping in shape is injury prevention and, as he puts it, “staying alive.” Joe’s fitness regimen includes lots of stretching, which he said has saved him from injuries, along with cardiovascular exercise on the stationary bike and treadmill, and strength training.

Both Marie and Joe urge everyone to remain active, to eat well and to see a doctor on a regular basis. Each urges us all to take advantage of our excellent medical system. Joe and Marie invite everyone to Martin Memorial Health and Fitness, and come join the fun and stay healthy!

--Jane Reynolds

Health and Fitness Technician

Hospital South Health and Fitness

Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West Ready to Open on Sept. 1

The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West is ready to begin seeing patients on Sept. 1 at 8 a.m.

The Emergency Center at St. Lucie West is an off-site emergency department that will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing western St. Lucie County by providing access to timely emergency care. The center is located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.

The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities. Patients requiring inpatient admission will be transported by ambulance to a hospital.

Help on the Way in West St. Lucie: Martin Memorial to Open Emergency Center

Help will soon be on the way for residents of western St. Lucie County who need access to emergency care close to home.

The Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department scheduled to open Sept. 1, will meet the critical medical services shortage currently facing that area by providing access to timely emergency care. The center will be located at the health system’s current facility at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd.

The public is invited to attend a grand opening celebration on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the facility. Free health screenings and refreshments, as well as a tour of the emergency center, will be available.

“We truly believe this emergency center will be an invaluable health care resource for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “There is a demonstrated need for emergency services here and we are committed to providing access to that care. Having the emergency center in this centrally located area will allow us to provide immediate care to a sizable population that has not had the access it deserves.”

The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities. Patients requiring inpatient admission will be transported by ambulance to a hospital.

The 9,100-square foot emergency center will feature 12 beds and provide a wide range of care. Off-site emergency departments traditionally see patients with less serious illnesses or injuries, which generally allows them to treat patients more quickly, but the physicians and nurses on staff will be able to respond to acute injuries and illnesses as well. Martin Memorial’s St. Lucie West facility was renovated to meet state standards for emergency departments. The facility, which already featured ancillary services such as CT and MRI capability as well as other diagnostic technologies, made the transition more convenient.

Exercising, But Not Losing Weight? Don’t Celebrate Trip to the Gym With Bad Food

“I’m exercising but I’m not losing any weight ... I don’t understand!”

This is a common complaint I get and that many people are plagued with. As a dietitian, I see it time and time again, and during my personal training days this was an everyday issue that eventually translates into frustration and behavior resistance.

So what’s going on here? The most logical answer is that you’re not in calorie deficit. Often times patients will exercise but may not cut back enough on calories or they overcompensate for the exercise by overeating and drinking. This over-eating may be because the exercise has stimulated your hunger (yes, exercise does make you hungry) or because you are rewarding yourself for the behavior of exercise (I went to the gym so I deserve to have that piece of cake). Or maybe after that bout of exercise you stop at Starbucks for that Frappuccino (240 calories for original grande) that you oh-so-deserve, or to replenish your thirst you drank a 20-ounce Gatorade (125 calories per 20 fluid ounces).

What happens here is that the calories you burned from exercising were lost when you consumed those extra calories, putting you in calorie balance. So how do you overcome this?

Keep a food journal. Become accountable for what, when, why and how much you are eating. Gain awareness of your eating behaviors and take control of what you choose to eat. Plan your meals. If you exercise at the gym in the evening, don’t ruin it by going out for a high-calorie restaurant meal afterwards.

Focus on moving more. Just because you exercised, you shouldn’t take that as an excuse to lie on the couch for the rest of the day. The more you move, the more calories you burn. Just parking your car farther away and taking the stairs all add up to make a difference of more calories burned.

In short, it’s what you put in your mouth and the amount of calories that you burn that will equal weight loss. Exercise by itself is not going to get you there.

--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing

Martin Memorial Receives $1 Million Gift From Wayne Huizenga

When the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West opens its doors on Aug. 31, there will be a familiar name gracing the lobby.

Wayne Huizenga, the South Florida entrepreneur and former owner of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins, recently provided a $1 million gift to the Martin Memorial Foundation. In appreciation for his contribution, Martin Memorial will name the emergency center lobby in honor of Huizenga and his wife, Marti.

“As residents of the Treasure Coast, Wayne and Marti Huizenga recognize the importance of having access to high-quality health care close to home,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This gift will assist us in providing that care. We are deeply appreciative of their generosity and for their commitment to health care in this community.”

Because funds from the Huizenga gift are unrestricted, they will be utilized throughout the health system based on need. That can include everything from purchasing new technologies and equipment, to funding continuing education for nursing staff.

Funds could also benefit the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West, an off-site emergency department located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. The emergency center will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but will not provide inpatient beds. It will be staffed and equipped to handle many of the same emergencies a hospital would, though patients with more severe injuries or ailments will be taken to appropriate facilities.

Feeling Off Balance? Free Balance Screening Could Pinpoint Problems

Do you feel unstable when walking, encounter loss of balance when changing directions or when in a dark room, or have a recent history of falls?

If so, attend Martin Memorial’s free balance screening at Raub Rehabilitation Center, located in the Smithfield Plaza at 2189 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart. Participants will take a 20- to 25-minute computerized “sensory organization” balance test, which identifies deficits in the somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems used for balance.

Call (772) 223-4936 to schedule an appointment for the next balance screening. Appointments are available on Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 29, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Back to School Means Getting Back to Fitness for Parents and Their Families

Have you seen the commercial with the dad who cannot contain his excitement while shopping for school supplies? I laugh out loud every time I see it. The expression on the kid’s faces are priceless too. They know the time has arrived.

Oh yes, it’s back to school. It is also the time when families get back to routines, sensible eating, early bedtimes and most important (at least I think it is) back to exercise routines.

If you have slipped from your exercise routine this summer, this is a perfect opportunity to recharge and recommit! Structure, schedules and chaos are all part of the juggling act when the new school year begins. Back to school can be a bit overwhelming for families so it’s important to make exercise a priority.

Planning and preparation are the keys to success. I hope these tips help to motivate and energize you.

Plan Ahead: If you are going to the gym before the kids are up, (most gyms open 5:30am), set your sneakers and workout clothes out the night before.

Shorter Workouts: Squeezing in three 10-minute workouts throughout the day is just as effective as one continuous workout. Try increasing the intensity during the shorter work outs. Push yourself even harder since the time spent is less.

Consider a personal trainer: A trainer will motivate you and you’ll have the added accountability factor. As a personal trainer, I have many early morning clients. They sometimes come in reluctantly and tired but they always leave feeling energized and ready to face the day.

Get Creative: Don’t sit on the sidelines during soccer practice. Walk the perimeter of the field. You will still be able to watch your children and cheer them on.

Play like a child again: What better way to stay in shape and set a great example for your children? Break out the bikes and the roller blades and play with your children after school or after dinner.

Whatever you choose to do, do not wait until later to get back to your exercise routine. Remember, it’s never too late!

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

$2 Million Gift to Benefit Children’s Services at Martin Memorial

On his 82nd birthday, David Smythe decided to give a gift rather than receive one.

So on Aug. 10, Smythe made a cash gift of $2 million to Martin Memorial, benefiting children’s services at the health system. In gratitude for his generosity, a portion of Martin Memorial Medical Center that houses the maternal-child department will be named in his honor.

It is the second large gift from Smythe, who made a $500,000 gift to Martin Memorial in June 2008 after being impressed with the care he received at the health system’s wound medicine center. In November 2008, the David L. Smythe Wound Center officially opened its doors after moving from its previous location to a new office at 314 Hospital Ave. in Stuart.

“Getting a gift is not as rewarding as giving a gift. That’s why I wanted to do this on my birthday, because you receive a tremendous benefit from the act of giving,” Smythe said. “I wanted to be able to help children and their families and this is one way I can accomplish that.”

Funds will be used to support Martin Memorial’s maternal-child, pediatric rehabilitation and pediatric programs in Martin and St. Lucie counties. In addition, an endowment established by the gift will also provide annual funding for those programs as well as other programs within the health system.

Smythe, who splits his time between Stuart and Summit, N.J., has had a long history of community involvement, thanks in part to his business success. In 1959 he purchased an American Motor Corp. franchise in Summit and a few years later opened Smythe Volvo there. Today, the Smythe Volvo Organization is celebrating 50 years in the automobile sales industry and is one of the largest Volvo dealerships in the United States.

“David has created a legacy of generosity that will benefit Treasure Coast residents for many years to come,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “He truly understands the critical role philanthropy plays in providing exceptional health care to the community. Without it, we could not offer many life-saving programs such as those at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center or the Frances Langford Heart Center.”

Judge Rules in Martin Memorial’s Favor to Build a New Hospital at Tradition

Martin Memorial has received permission to build an 80-bed hospital in the Tradition development to serve the residents of western St. Lucie County. The decision denies an appeal that sought to prevent the health system from building the hospital.

Martin Memorial received approval from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in June 2007 to build the hospital on 20 acres in Tradition. That decision was appealed in July 2007 by Lawnwood Regional and St. Lucie medical centers, the two HCA Inc.-owned hospitals in St. Lucie County.

On July 31, Judge J.D. Parrish, an administrative law judge with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, upheld the state’s 2007 decision.

“We are pleased by the decision and look forward to providing access to critical medical care for residents of western St. Lucie County,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “We will wait to see if there are further appeals, review all of our options and begin planning for the next stages of this process.”

The rapid population growth that took place in St. Lucie County – particularly west Port St. Lucie – over the past five years, as well as demonstrated access challenges in the region reveal a vital need for the hospital. Once the appeals process is completed, the design and construction phase of building a new hospital would take several years.

Support for the hospital has come from many areas of the community, including state legislators, local government officials, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Mann Research Center, doctors and nurses, and more than 10,000 area residents. Many individuals submitted personal testimonials sharing their concern about the lack of convenient access to a hospital – particularly in times of emergency. Once opened, the hospital will create more than 400 jobs and the capital investment will exceed $100 million, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the local economy.

Martin Memorial Begins Implementation of New Safety and Security Procedures

Many hospitals across the country are seeing an increase in workplace violence and theft of medical supplies and equipment. In 2008, the Florida Department of Health funded a hospital vulnerability assessment at Martin Memorial that highlighted opportunities for security improvements that would prevent acts of theft and violence.

As a result of that study, on Aug. 3 Martin Memorial will implement new security measures designed to enhance safety for patients, visitors and staff at both of the health system’s two hospitals. They include:

· Patients and visitors must enter Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South through the main lobbies and register with security at the front desk. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and strictly enforced. Specialty units may have different visitation policies and hours.
· Maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center 24 hours a day.
· From 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center by using the intercom system that is monitored by security.
· All medical emergencies are accepted through the emergency department 24 hours a day.

A new visitor and vendor identification management system also will be implemented in the weeks ahead at the main lobbies of both hospitals for all visitors and vendors, which will supplement this enhanced policy.

“Hospitals throughout the country are engaging similar safety and security measures,” said Carmelo Maldonado, operations manager of corporate safety and security. “Martin Memorial is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes through our doors, and we believe these new policies and procedures will help us achieve that mission.”

Want to Go Out to Eat? Do Your Homework to Find Healthy Options

Last week I gave a lesson on eating out – or should I say it is more like filling up and filling out. America’s restaurants seem to be in competition to determine who can dish you up the best bang for your buck – that is, the quickest heart attack.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill has a shot to win in the Italian category with their spaghetti and meatballs topping 1,800 calories, 57 grams of bad fat (saturated), and 4,900 grams of sodium. It’s like asking for a side of high cholesterol, please.

Restaurants are continuing to dish out these meals and they are growing increasingly larger. We poke fun at it, but it’s the industry and bottom line that is clogging our arteries, raising our blood pressure and contributing to diabetes and obesity.

Why do we need to have all this fat? What makes a burger that delivers 141 grams of fat and 1,940 calories (Ruby Tuesday’s Colossal Burger) better than a regular old Quarter Pounder with Cheese (510 calories, 26 grams of fat)? I thought that was bad enough. And is this food even good? I hear my stomach calling and I hear pain.

To put this in perspective, most people shouldn’t eat more than 2,000 calories a day, 20 grams of bad fat and greater than 2,300 mgs of sodium. What’s scary is that most people don’t have a clue how much they’re eating. One study showed that consumers underestimated their meals by 632 calories. Now we add up those extra pounds and see where we went wrong.

New York City has led the way by requiring restaurants to post nutrition facts and more than 20 other cities are considering the same regulations. How do you think you would react to see that morning muffin snack sets you back 630 calories?

I hope this menu label law continues to spread because at least consumers can be in the know. But until this happens the key is to know before you go. Check out the company’s Web site or do a Google search. You can also find healthy options by checking out healthydiningfinder.com.

Eating out can be healthy if you do your homework.

--Beth St.Louis, MS, RD, LDN
Program Dietitian
Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing

Self-Management and Education are Critical in Learning to Control Diabetes

Diabetes self-management training should be considered for every patient diagnosed with the disease. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for years, education is the key to being successful.

Diabetes educators specialize in helping people learn to self-manage their diabetes. They include nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and podiatrists among others. These health care professionals can help you resolve problems and develop coping strategies.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) has identified seven actions that are critical to diabetes self-management. They are called AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors and include:

· Healthy eating
· Being active
· Monitoring
· Taking medication
· Problem solving
· Reducing risks
· Healthy coping

What does this mean for you? It means that your diabetes educator will:

· Teach you how to work healthful eating and physical activity into your daily activities
· Teach you to check your blood sugar
· Help you understand how your medicines work
· Give you the ability to solve problems and adjust emotionally to diabetes.

Healthy Eating and Being Active: Making healthful food choices, understanding portion sizes and learning the best times to eat are important in managing diabetes. Obesity is often linked to amputations and other health problems because it decreases circulation (blood flow). With proper meal planning and enough physical activity, you can largely lower your risk for these problems.

Monitoring: It’s critical to check blood sugar every day. Diabetes educators can help you determine which blood-sugar meter best meets your needs, show you how to test your blood-sugar level and teach you to use the test results to adjust your self-management routine.

Taking Medicine: Your health care team will determine which medicines you are taking as well as explain to you where and how they work to keep your blood sugars in good range.

Problem Solving: Managing changes in blood-sugar levels is vital to managing diabetes. Diabetes educators can help you move from beginner to expert as you learn to recognize and respond to hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (very high blood sugar) and sick days.

Reducing Risks: Because of your increased risk for many health problems, you need regular eye exams, foot and dental exams. You also need to learn how to do regular self-exams. In this case, the word ‘regular’ depends on the advice of your health care professional. For instance, daily foot exams are vital if you have lost some or all feeling in your feet.

Healthy Coping: A diabetes educator can help you identify problems you might face while treating your diabetes. They can provide support by encouraging you to talk about your concerns and fears. They can also help you learn what you can control and offer ways for you to cope with what you cannot control.

Regardless of the situation, diabetes educators can give you the tools and strategies you need to live your life to the fullest. If you feel as though you would benefit from coming to our diabetes self-management program, please call us…we’ll take care of the rest!

-- Maureen Daniello, RN, CDE
Program Coordinator for Diabetes Education

Looking to Amp Up Physical Therapy? Maybe You Are Ready for Wii-hab

Are you bored with your exercise program? Then perhaps you’re ready for some Wii-hab.

Many rehabilitation clinics across the country are starting to use more interactive forms of exercise to immerse their patients in an exciting form of treatment and to allow for a better, more functional recovery. Some of these interactive systems are available and intended for use at home, but have crossed over into rehab clinics to aide in patient recovery.

The Nintendo Wii video game system is a movement-based video game system that uses a video game console and wireless Bluetooth controllers to allow the player, or in this case a patient, to control their character in the game. There are several sensors in each remote that detect where the user’s hand is in space and how fast they are moving. This allows the user to control the character through his movements, and in return mimics the user.

The Wii system allows the user more exciting movements while in the rehab clinic. The system has many games and sports that are all interactive. For example: boxing, tennis, golf, baseball, skiing and even cooking! The Wii Fit game guides its users through 40 different activities including yoga, exercises to improve balance, aerobic activities and strength training all while standing on a balance board that senses the user’s weight and center of gravity.

Therapists at Martin Memorial are using the Wii system in some of our seven outpatient rehab clinics to promote more functional movements, along with more exciting alternatives to balance training and exercise. It’s used to retrain the body to use the weaker side after a stroke, or promote weight bearing on a new knee replacement and can even help with coordination. The system is constantly giving the patient visual feedback on the screen and showing how to perform the given task.

There are many benefits for using the Nintendo Wii system, but only a couple of precautions. People with seizure disorders should not use the system or be near the television screen. The unit is a form of exercise and people with cardiac conditions and balance disorders should only use the system with guidance from a medical professional for safety.

Keeping up with the technologically advancing population, we are continuing to apply these enhancements in our clinics to provide the best and most exciting care in the area.

--Victoria Strome
Physical Therapy Assistant

This Summer the Heat is On: Here Are Some Tips for Safe Exercising Outside

I have been a Florida resident since 1993 and I honestly cannot remember it being this hot. Since it is summer, this is a good opportunity to review some of the do’s and don’ts of exercising safely and effectively in the heat.

DO’s

• Do drink plenty of water. Take it from me – I went for a walk/run last week and did bring a bottle of water but it was not enough. I was starting to feel the signs of dehydration. So please plan ahead. A person should drink at least 8 to 12 cups of water a day while working out in the heat.
• Do exercise early in the morning or early evening. Try to avoid exercising between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Do wear sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric.
• Do try to find shade while biking, running and walking. Exercise at a moderate pace.
• Do take your workout inside. Come join us at any of our five Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Centers.

DON’Ts

• Don’t go “all out” while exercising in the heat. This is a time to use common sense.
• Don’t continue to exercise if you are feeling dizzy, nauseous or faint. These are signs of heat exhaustion. This happens when the body is overstressed from the heat and is trying to regulate its temperature. It’s important to find shade and water immediately.
• Don’t compete in events such as 5K races during the hottest part of the day.

Most of the above tips are reminders about the heat; we must not forget that we live in a place where lightening is also a concern. Please keep your eyes on the sky. If you choose to exercise in the early evening, it is highly possible to have one of our famous thunder storms hit suddenly. Please take a look at the sky from time to time but always keep your eyes on the road.

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

Local Students Looking for Nursing Careers May Be Eligible for Scholarships

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Ask Yourself These Questions to Determine Risk

The question of “am I at risk for diabetes”can begin to be answered by asking a few questions and understanding some key risk factors, signs and symptoms.

First, are you overweight? If so, you are certainly not alone. Unfortunately, this condition puts you at greater risk for getting type 2 diabetes and the many other health problems related to it. In fact, like millions of other Americans, you might already have the disease and not even know it. The human cost of diabetes alone is devastating: It’s the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Diabetes is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it can slowly harm your body over a long period of time, which can happen without you even realizing it.

Over time, diabetes can lead to many other health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Nerve problems
• Stroke
• Blindness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Amputation
• Kidney disease
• Gum infections

Other risk factors other than being overweight associated with type 2 diabetes include:

• Older age
• Having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
• History of diabetes in the family
• Lack of physical activity
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Native American, African American, or Hispanic heritage

What are the symptoms of diabetes? You might have no signs or symptoms, or your symptoms might be so mild that you don’t notice them, or have some symptoms but not suspect that they are related to diabetes. The following is a list of some of the symptoms you may encounter.

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue much of the time
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Dry skin
• Increased infections or sores that won’t heal

If you are over 45, you should get tested for diabetes. Diabetes is initially diagnosed with a blood test after you haven’t eaten for eight hours, usually overnight. If your results are high, you and your doctor can start to bring them down through changes in diet and exercise and, if necessary, with the help of medications.

If you are younger than 45, you can still ask to be tested for diabetes. You should make getting tested a priority if you are overweight or obese and have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

Understanding what type 2 diabetes is and whether you are at risk will help you make decisions about your long-term health needs.

Until next time, keep moving, watch your portions and live your life to the fullest!

--Maureen Daniello RN, CDE
Program Coordinator, Diabetes Education
Center for Health & Healing

Health is Wealth In This Economy and Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

We are all painfully aware of the downturn in the economy and most of us have had to adjust and “tighten our belts.” We live in a world where money is important, but we also know that you cannot put a price tag on good health.

Although there are circumstances beyond our control regarding certain health issues, we still do have the ability to change some things through exercise and diet.

I have had the pleasure and opportunity to help people make lifestyle changes through exercise and diet modifications. For example, Americans consume far too much salt in their diets. Sodium is an important factor in weight gain, high blood pressure and other critical aspects of health.

Sodium in the body “holds on” to water. This water adds weight and puts a strain on the heart, lungs, kidneys and just about every organ. Therefore, sodium intake is something that is controllable and does not cost a thing.

However, it is not always easy. For example, specifying “no salt please” at a restaurant does not guarantee a low sodium content. Just the other day my husband thought he was ordering a healthy meal. I quickly Googled the name of the restaurant chain and discovered his “healthy” meal contained 820 milligrams of sodium. As a point of reference, less than 2,000 milligrams is the maximum recommended daily allowance.

Along with diet modifications, exercise plays a key role in staying healthy. Maintaining and starting an exercise program will not solve every problem but it certainly lowers many health risks. It seems to me that our members must realize this because our enrollment remains strong and the level of activities at our centers remains high. I personally attribute this to the family atmosphere at our centers and our highly qualified staff.

Exercise is a good way of relieving the stress of finding a new job and coping with this economy. So while we cannot necessarily control the economy, we can take control of many aspects of our health through diet and exercise.

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

Martin Memorial Auxiliary Hosts Thrift Shop Sale to Raise Cancer Center Funds

The Martin Memorial Auxiliary will be hosting a sale at its thrift shop in Stuart to raise money for the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.

The sale takes place June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Auxiliary thrift shop, located at 2195 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in the Smithfield Plaza in Stuart. All proceeds from the sale of the clothing, as well as the majority of the proceeds from all other sales at the thrift shop that day, will go to the cancer center.

Most of the items for sale are designer clothing, evening and casual wear that belonged to Arlene Hallman, a former patient at the cancer center who died from uterine cancer in November 2008. Ms. Hallman had battled cancer for many years and was grateful to the staff at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center for the care she received.

“She was very much into fashion and a very beautiful lady,” said her sister, Margie McCord, who will also be distributing information about uterine and ovarian cancers. “She had a very beautiful wardrobe, so I wanted to do something that would not only help give back to the cancer center, but also bring some awareness about uterine and ovarian cancers.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer of the uterus accounts for six percent of all cancers for women in the United States, making it the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. About 21,500 new cases of ovarian cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2009, and nearly 15,000 women will die as a result of the disease.

Support Groups Provide Cancer Patients, Their Caretakers an Invaluable Resource

Come one, come all. Where? To support groups!

The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Memorial provides myriad support groups for different diagnoses. Support groups are a wonderful way to meet people who share your experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, and are also a place for family and caregivers to gain support.

Paulette Craft, the social worker at our cancer center, says support groups “offer hope, information and emotional support; they are a safe place to share feelings and concerns about coping with cancer for patients and families.”

Support groups are often facilitated by a clinical social worker. Paulette says they prepare for this role in graduate school with “special courses, training and practicum.” This leaves the social worker well qualified to make the time during a support group as beneficial as possible.

Support groups serve many purposes. Paulette tells us they are “a place to learn coping skills from one another, gather emotional strength for present and future struggles, and become more effective advocates for their own needs as cancer survivors.” They not only offer emotional support, they offer useful patient to patient information.

Patients may learn, according to Paulette, “ways to live with cancer and side effects of treatments; and ways to see that others successfully resume full, active lives.” Patients and families may find the information regarding support groups on the second floor of the cancer center. That includes a monthly calendar listing locations, times and contact information. Many of the support groups meet monthly, except for the general cancer support group, which meets weekly on Wednesdays.

For more information on support groups, please call Paulette Craft at (772) 223-5945, ext. 3719.

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