Thursday, January 29, 2009

X Marks the Spot: Philanthropy Helps Transform Health Care, One Life at a Time

Well, it’s getting on toward the end of January, and I’m sure by now you’ve made serious progress toward your 2009 resolutions…right? I’m just getting started myself – mine involve meditating (yeah, yeah, go ahead and laugh, I’ll be too enlightened to care), less wine, and more sleep. But transformation takes time! And that’s what our New Year promises are all about – transformation of one kind or another.

As a fundraiser, transformation’s always on my mind. After all, that’s really what philanthropy does here at the hospital…but it’s hard to explain unless you see it in person.

Lately I’ve spent a lot of time with donors getting a close-up view at some of the equipment and technology bought with donations to Martin Memorial. We saw a life saved as a patient was brought into the catheterization lab for an emergency angioplasty. We watched as a tumor appeared on a PET/CT scan that wouldn’t have otherwise been detected. We met a baby boy who was alive because of a special bed in the NICU. This is life-changing stuff!

My boss puts it this way – picture an aerial view of Martin Memorial. And then picture it with a big red X put through the things that we wouldn’t have without philanthropy. X through the heart center. No more cancer center. Bye-bye advanced diagnostic equipment and pharmacy robot.

Think about the thousands of patients and families who have used these services. Maybe someone you know? Their lives have been changed by total strangers who made gifts…and transformed the care we provide at Martin Memorial.

So as you’re thinking about your own transformation this month, remember that there are lots of ways to change lives – your own and that of others. I’ll check in from Nirvana next January to see how you’re doing.

--Kelly M. DeGregorio
Director of Development

Martin Memorial Foundation

Friday, January 23, 2009

Cardiac Screening Could Provide Information That Can Save Your Life

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women, but prevention and early detection can play a critical role in helping to avoid heart attacks.

That’s why Martin Memorial is holding a cardiac screening event on Jan. 24 at the Martin Memorial St. Lucie West MediCenter.

Women will receive a gender-specific EKG reading, a lipid blood test, blood glucose test and a blood pressure check, and will also have the opportunity to receive a carotid artery ultrasound to check their vascular health.

The tests are potential indicators of heart disease risk. EKGs measure the heart’s electrical impulses. Because of differences in symptoms and heart rhythms in men and women, gender-specific EKGs were developed to differentiate between the sexes. Lipid blood tests measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in a person’s system. High levels of cholesterol can contribute to heart disease. Blood glucose tests indicate how well your body processes glucose, or sugar. This can be an indicator for prediabetes or diabetes, which is a leading contributor to heart disease. And because high blood pressure can lead to a number of ailments, including heart disease and stroke, controlling it is crucial.

Heart disease can be a lethal condition, but understanding your potential risks could help minimize the damage it can cause. Talk to your doctor to determine what your risks are and whether these tests would be right for you. They may provide information that can save your life.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Born to Run? If Not, You’ll Be Ready to Hit the Road After Training for This 5K Race

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

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

This is the final two weeks of the training program. So lace up your running shoes and prepare to follow along. And we'll see you on race day!


Wow! It’s hard to believe we’re down to the last two weeks of training. If you’ve been following the training plan you are well on your way to running our 5K on Feb. 7 and we’re very excited.

We’ve talked a little about the generalities of starting a running program and some of the injuries that can take place. We’ve also talked about hydration and nutrition, but keep in mind that all of this was just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more that you can learn if you really want to make the most of your running. You can also get up, roll out of bed, and go out for a run, it’s that simple.

One thing that I want to get across to everyone is that running a 5K is not just for “fast” runners. A lot of people at their first 5K, me included, can be very intimidated by the thought of showing up at a race sticking out like a sore thumb.

That just doesn’t happen.

I remember my first local 5K and I was a nervous wreck; everyone was nice and friendly and didn’t look at me like I had a third eye, I was just another ‘runner’ (little did they know I had never done this before) and I was treated warmly and made to feel like part of the group. Everyone understands that you have to start somewhere, we all did.

Something else we try to get across here at Fleet Feet is that we are all just normal people here who happen to enjoy running. Some of us are fast and win in our division. Some of us pound out half and full marathons like there is no tomorrow, not too fast and not too slow. And some of us just get out and run a few miles a week at whatever pace we feel like.

When someone walks through our door we try to make them feel welcome and let them know that we are here to help. We aren’t here to look down our nose and make fun of people who want to begin a walking or running program.

So let’s get on with our final two weeks of the training schedule – when you finish this you are no longer a beginner! You will be ready to sign up for the Fleet Feet Run for Your Heart 5K.

Please, if you have any questions, you can email me at susan@fleetfeetstuart.com

Week 7: (Only jogging, no walking from this point on; however, you can vary the pace of the jog). 2 ½-mile jog. Same workout all three days

Week 8: 3 mile jog. Same workout all three days

Congratulations! You are now ready for a 5K!

--Susan Hastings

Friday, January 16, 2009

New Technology Makes Performing Everyday Tasks Possible Again

Take a moment to review all that you did this morning to get to this particular moment in time. Making the bed, wringing out a washcloth, putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, holding a hair dryer while brushing your hair, fastening clothing, buttering a piece of toast and driving a car probably seem like everyday occurrences to you – hardly worth a second thought.

To many people who have experienced a stroke or a brain injury, however, these tasks become difficult at best and at times impossible. They are faced with weeks or months of therapy during which they try to regain control of their weakened body.

Occupational therapists at Martin Memorial have been trained in a new program that is available to help people with limited arm function following a stroke or brain injury. It is called the Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program. The Saebo Flex splint has the advantage of providing positioning on the dorsum or back of the hand which leaves the palm open allowing the person to grasp objects. The specialized spring mechanism aids the person then to release the object. The person is trained to work through their tone and increased hand activity leads to increased shoulder and elbow positioning, thereby gaining a functional arm.

Traditional therapy has the person work through a series of patterned movements following theoretic approaches, usually trying to gain control from the shoulder down to the hand. Little is done with the hand until the person learns to position the shoulder and elbow first.

The Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program has the person work through a series of exercises but it starts with positioning the hand, allowing it to open to release objects first. Utilizing special equipment, the person learns to reach forward, out to the side and eventually up over head.

Often people will experience increased use of the arm within the first training session. Even people experiencing hemiparesis several years previously can benefit from this retraining program. To be approved for the program, you must meet minimum criteria, including the ability to partially move the shoulder and elbow, and be able to flex the fingers slightly. It is an intense exercise program so the person must be motivated to perform exercises in the clinic and especially at home for better follow through.

We currently have two locations for this specialized training – at Raub Rehabilitation Center in Stuart and Tiffany Rehabilitation Center in Port St. Lucie. Medicare and many major insurances do help with the cost of the splint and the rehabilitation program.

If you are interested in learning more about the Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program, please contact either the Tiffany location at (772) 398-1885 or Raub location at (772) 223-4936 to set up a screening with an occupational or physical therapist at Martin Memorial. If you meet the minimum criteria for the program, and after obtaining a referral from your physician, you will be measured and fit with the Saebo Flex splint and your training sessions will begin.

--Kathryn Turgeon
Occupational Therapist

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (To Reach Your Fitness Goals, That Is)

This is my favorite time of year. It’s the New Year and everyone is filled with optimism and recommitment to their fitness goals. This is your chance to wipe the slate clean. This is your time to start the New Year with a new life resolution. This is your time for renewed energy and goals.

The sugar fog has been lifted and people are passionate once again about their fitness regimen. I am thrilled to see our returning friends from the north as well as many of our year-round members who have taken a bit of a “fitness siesta.”

Welcome back to all of them! I would like to make a few suggestions as to how to stay on course this year. Once again, it is important to set realistic goals. We want you to succeed. Fitness programs start with your brain. Your head must be ready to commit.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started and stay motivated:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise most days of the week. This recommendation comes the American College of Sports Medicine. Cardiovascular exercise means continuous movement. For example: walking at a moderate pace, rowing, elliptical machine, biking and swimming or a cardiovascular class.
  • Variety! It’s the spice of life. Change up your workout. Try intervals of walking/running, rowing, biking, try taking a Zumba or kickboxing class. Check out our Web site for all the class schedules.
  • Strength training two to three times per week. At our health and fitness centers, we have highly trained staff to help you get off to a safe start. A personal trainer will help start down the correct path.
  • If time is not on your side, try a lunchtime workout. This time of day is traditionally a more quiet time at the gym. A 30 minute workout during your lunch hour will rejuvenate you for the rest of the day. At Martin Memorial South Health and Fitness, we have added two “lunch crunch” classes. Check them out on our website, http://www.mmhs.com./
  • Add another dimension to your program. Try Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Stretch.

Our goal at Martin Memorial Health and Fitness is to empower you with the knowledge and the tools so that you will succeed. Happy New Year!

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

Thursday, January 8, 2009

You’re Half Way to a 5K: Eat Well, Drink Well and Keep on Running

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

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

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

If you’ve been following the training schedule you’re about halfway through. Congratulations! You should be going at your own pace and your own level; don’t let peer pressure cause you to do things that your body doesn’t want to or isn’t ready to do.

I’ll talk a little about nutrition and hydration in this blog but I will say you have some excellent nutritionists at Martin Memorial and if you have any serious questions due to dietary restrictions you should talk to them. I’m just going to give you some tips that might help you as you build up your mileage.

One of the things that we have to worry about in our climate is hydration. Having water to drink during your run is a must as you start going over the two-mile mark. Even in the milder winter months your body needs water – just because you’re not sweating doesn’t mean that you don’t need to drink water.

There are several things you can do to make sure you have water available:

· Choose a running route that has a park or golf course around it and there is always water available.

· Leave a bottle every mile or so on your route. Find a bush or tree or even an electric box and put a bottle of water there. Just remember to pick your trash up after you finish your run.

· There are also different products you can buy (of course we carry them at Fleet Feet) that you can fill with water and carry with you.

Water is typically fine when you are running three or four miles but if you decide you want to add to your distance you should also have an electrolyte replacement drink. As you sweat you lose important electrolytes and these products are made to replace them.

As for your eating habits, now is not the time to try the Atkins diet. Your body needs carbohydrates to give you energy and as you run longer you need to replenish those carbs when you are on the road. For a 5K, usually a healthy diet with the right mix of complex carbohydrates, protein and some fat will be what you need.

Having said that, please don’t eat the high fiber that is good for you right before your run – do it several hours ahead so your body can run its course if you know what I mean.

Now we’ll get on to your next two weeks of training:

Week 5

Day 1: ½-mile jog, ¼-mile walk, ½-mile jog, ¼-mile walk, ½-mile jog, ¼-mile walk for a total of two miles.
Day 2: ¾-mile jog, ½-mile walk, ¾-mile jog, for two miles total
Day 3: 2-mile jog, no walk.

Week 6

Day 1: ½-mile jog, ¼-mile walk, ¾-mile jog, ¼-mile walk, ½-mile jog, for a total of 2 ¼ miles.
Day 2: 1-mile jog, ¼-mile walk, 1-mile jog, for 2 ¼ miles total.
Day 3: 2 ½-mile jog, no walk.

Happy New Year and happy running!

--Susan Hastings

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Genetic Test Can Help You Determine if Colon Cancer is All in the Family

When your doctor asks about your family history of cancer do you suddenly realize, “hey, it seems as if there’s a lot of colon cancer in my family?” If this sounds like you there’s a genetic test available for hereditary colon cancer that could provide some valuable information.

But there’s a catch – you wouldn’t be at risk for only colon cancer. The genes that are associated with hereditary colon cancer are also associated with other cancers: endometrial, ovarian, stomach, pancreatic and brain to name a few.

If mutated these genes, named MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6, can increase your lifetime risk of colon cancer from 2 percent to up to 82 percent. The lifetime risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer can increase from 1.5 percent to up to 71 percent. If that’s not a compelling enough reason to urge you to seek testing, keep in mind that all first-degree relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, children) have up to a 50 percent risk of inheriting a mutation, which can put them at a significantly increased risk for developing cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome.

What’s Lynch Syndrome? I’m glad you asked. Lynch Syndrome is the name for the cancer causing mutation in either one of the earlier mentioned genes. There are recommended screening and prevention measures for people with Lynch Syndrome. The screening includes colonoscopy every one to two years starting between ages 20-25 and annually at age 40; transvaginal ultrasounds; endometrial tissue sampling; and CA-125 (a blood test for detection of ovarian cancer) every one to two years starting at ages 25-35.

Some of the surgical prevention options include removal of the colon, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and/or removing the ovaries preventatively. These screening and surgical measures can dramatically reduce your risk of these cancers if you have Lynch Syndrome. You can find out more about Lynch Syndrome and other inherited cancer testing by calling me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.

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

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Year, New You: Program Provides You With Tools for Improved Weight Management

The holidays are over and you have enjoyed them by participating in those special foods, great parties, cookies and eggnog. Perhaps some of your New Year’s resolutions include stopping smoking, monitoring what you are eating, getting some exercise and leading a healthier lifestyle.

Here are a few tips to help fulfill those resolutions:

· Start with small changes – you’ll be amazed at how they can add up to big calorie savings and weight loss.
· Evaluate your eating habits – are you eating late at night, nibbling while cooking or finishing the kids’ meals?
· Always shop with a full belly.
· Eat regular meals – maybe you need six small meals a day instead of three regular meals.
· Start your day with breakfast.
· Eat slowly, chew every bite.
· Get some exercise – walking is the best exercise and you can do it anywhere and it only takes a good pair of sneakers.
· Make time to exercise.

The Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing offers a unique approach to weight management through its 12-, 26- and 52-week weight management programs. Individual and group programs are offered and include nutrition counseling, support and educational programs, as well as membership in the Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Centers.

A new session of the 12-week group weight management class begins Jan. 14 and ends April 1. For more information, or to register for a class, contact the center at (772) 223-4916.