Martin Memorial Auxiliary Provides Second Installment of $150,000 Pledge

The Martin Memorial Auxiliary is two-thirds of the way towards fulfilling a pledge to raise $150,000 for refurbishments to the Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Center.

Auxiliary officers recently presented members of the Martin Memorial executive team with the second of three planned $50,000 gifts. The Auxiliary anticipates completing the commitment by 2011.

Funding will be used to purchase a new audio-visual system, as well as functional and aesthetic renovations for the nearly 30-year-old conference center. Renovations will be performed in phases.

This isn’t the first time the Auxiliary has contributed funds for this purpose: in 1982, the volunteers donated $75,000 for the construction of the conference center. Today, the conference center serves a wide variety of purposes that can include everything from educational seminars to support groups, community celebrations to hospital staff and Auxiliary meetings.

The Auxiliary, which includes more than 900 members who provide 187,000 volunteer hours to the health system, raises funds through a variety of sources. That includes purchases from the gift shops at Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South, the thrift shop located at Smithfield Plaza, Philips’ Lifeline personal response service, as well as numerous fund-raisers throughout the year.

Each year the Auxiliary also provides $40,000 in scholarships to residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties who are entering health care related fields.

Educational Forum on Nov. 9 Provides Information on Surgical Patient Care

The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses is hosting a free educational forum and vendor fair on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

The annual event is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Parish Life Center, located at 701 E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart.

The event, held in conjunction with the national Perioperative Nurse Week, will provide the public, health care students and medical professions with information and education about the latest advances in surgical patient care.

No registration is required. For more information, please contact Gretchen Menikheim by e-mail at gmenikheim@mmhs-fla.org, or by calling (772) 223-5945, ext. 3200.

Martin Memorial Offers Scholarships for Students Seeking Degrees Related to Health Care

Martin Memorial Health Systems and the Martin Memorial Auxiliary are once again offering scholarships to residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties who are pursuing degrees related to health care.

The scholarships are open to high school students in Martin or St. Lucie counties who graduate in 2011, as well as to residents of either county who are considering going back to school and need tuition assistance. Applications are available online at mmhs.com. The deadline for submission is Feb. 18, 2011.

For more information, call Christina Romanovsky at (772) 223-5945, ext. 3239, or e-mail cromanovsky@mmhs-fla.org.

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 additional criteria. Funds may be used to offset any costs associated with the pursuit of a degree related to health care.

In 2010, the Martin Memorial Auxiliary and Martin Memorial Health Systems provided $50,000 in scholarships with nearly 50 recipients earning assistance. Since 1978, Martin Memorial has awarded approximately $1.1 million in scholarships to 824 residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties.

The Martin Memorial Auxiliary includes more than 800 members, who volunteer nearly 200,000 hours of volunteer service annually and contribute considerable philanthropic gifts to the health system.

Court Rules in Martin Memorial’s Favor, Clears Way to Build Hospital in Tradition

A ruling by the First District Court of Appeals has cleared the way for Martin Memorial Health Systems to build an 80-bed hospital in the west Port St. Lucie development of Tradition.

On Oct. 26, the appellate court ruled against an attempt by HCA, Inc. – which owns St. Lucie Medical Center and Lawnwood Regional Medical Center – to block Martin Memorial from building the hospital. Martin Memorial had received a final order from the state to move forward, but HCA appealed that order.

The First District Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on Oct. 19 and made a remarkably quick decision to deny HCA’s appeal and rule in favor of Martin Memorial. Because there was no written opinion from the court, Martin Memorial does not anticipate any further legal challenges.

“This is a critical decision for residents of west Port St. Lucie and the surrounding communities,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer. “For years they have been telling us there is a significant need for access to medical services and we have done everything in our power to bring that care to them. This is a victory for everyone in the community.”

Martin Memorial has already seen a need for increased medical services since opening a free-standing emergency department in St. Lucie West. Since the Emergency Center opened its doors on Sept. 1, 2009 it has seen over 28,000 patients, exceeding projections for the facility.

“We are extremely thankful to so many members of the community who have shown support for this project,” Robitaille said. “That includes individuals who wrote letters of support, community leadership, the Port St. Lucie City Council, the Tradition Center for Innovation, Mann Research Center, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and VGTI Florida. Their commitment and dedication was crucial to bringing health care access to residents of west Port St. Lucie.”

The hospital will be located at the southwest corner of Tradition Boulevard and Interstate 95. Located on a 20-acre site in Tradition, the hospital will be one of the largest economic development projects ever in St. Lucie County. Once fully operational, it will create more than 400 jobs with an average salary of approximately $53,000. The capital investment will exceed $100 million and Martin Memorial is committed to utilizing as many local resources and companies as possible on the project.

Anticipating that the court would rule in its favor, for the past several months Martin Memorial has partnered with KLMK Group, a nationally recognized leader in hospital program development, to help with planning, designing and constructing the proposed hospital. The planning phase is under way and completion of that phase is expected in early 2011. This will be followed by the design and construction phases. Estimated hospital completion date is early 2014.

In the coming months, Martin Memorial will be looking for opportunities to solicit input from community members on the hospital project. The health system is currently in the process of selecting an architect, engineering firm and a construction company.

Martin Memorial is also developing partnerships with the life sciences organizations coming to the area. In the past year, the health system has begun collaboration on two research studies with VGTI Florida. The hospital would be built near Torrey Pines’ current facility in Tradition, and would be near the facility VGTI Florida is now building.
The decision from the appellate court is the latest chapter in Martin Memorial’s attempts to build a hospital in west Port St. Lucie.

Martin Memorial began seeking permission to build a hospital in west Port St. Lucie in 1998 and filed numerous applications over an eight-year period. In June 2007, Martin Memorial received preliminary approval from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for a certificate of need to build the hospital. The approval was challenged to an administrative hearing by the HCA hospitals. A judge rendered a recommended order upholding the preliminary approval in July 2009. In December 2009, AHCA accepted the judge’s recommendation to approve the project. HCA, Inc. appealed the ruling later that month.

Martin Memorial Auxiliary Hosting Fall Fashion Extravaganza on Oct. 30

For the second consecutive year, the Martin Memorial Auxiliary is hosting an event focused on fun, fashion and philanthropy.

The Fall Fashion Extravaganza will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. at Renato’s Italian Ristorante, located at 3720 S.E. Ocean Blvd. in Sewall’s Point. The extravaganza will feature lunch and a fashion show, with fashions and accessories showcased from the Shops at Harbour Bay Plaza.

To register, visit mmhs.com and click on the Fall Fashion Extravaganza link. You can also call (772) 223-5945, ext. 1297 for more information.

The cost is $28 per person, which includes lunch. Proceeds from the event will benefit Martin Memorial Health Systems.

Martin Memorial has one of the largest hospital Auxiliaries in the state, featuring more than 800 volunteers who provide nearly 200,000 hours of service each year. In addition to providing volunteer services, the Auxiliary has a long history of helping raise funds that are used to enhance patient care and access to services for Treasure Coast residents.

In 2009, the Auxiliary completed its $1 million pledge to the Frances Langford Heart Center and in 2010 pledged to raise $150,000 over three years to pay for renovations to Martin Memorial Medical Center’s conference centers. To help ensure future health care providers are able to receive the educations they need, each year the Auxiliary provides $40,000 in scholarships for local students who are seeking degrees in health care related fields. Since 1978, Martin Memorial has awarded approximately $1.1 million in scholarships to 824 residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Martin Memorial Offering $100 Mammo Screening for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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

During October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Martin Memorial is offering $100 digital mammography screening for women who are uninsured or underinsured. Payments must be self-pay and not made through insurance. A physician prescription is required.

To schedule a screening mammogram, call (772) 288-5817.

Martin Memorial’s diagnostic imaging centers in Stuart and St. Lucie West provide accredited mammography services, combining advanced technologies with the skill of experienced, board-certified physicians and technologists.

O’Malleys Provide Martin Memorial Foundation Mum Ball with $500,000 Gift

Thomas and Mary Alice O’Malley are redefining what it means to be good hosts.

The O’Malleys, Sailfish Point residents who are hosting the 2010 Martin Memorial Foundation Chrysanthemum Ball at their home, will provide a gift of $500,000 to help match funds raised at the 16th annual event. The Chrysanthemum Ball is expected to bring in more than $800,000 and that money, combined with the O’Malleys’ gift, will be used toward the purchase of a technologically advanced interventional radiology suite.

In order to fully fund the $1.7 million interventional radiology suite, the Martin Memorial Foundation is seeking others to join the O’Malleys and make gifts that will help reach that financial target.

“Having access to health care is critical to the continued well being of a community,” said Mary Alice O’Malley, a registered nurse. “For 16 years the Chrysanthemum Ball has
helped Martin Memorial fulfill its mission of providing high-quality care. We are excited to help build on that legacy.”

Mary Alice O’Malley has served on the boards of several medical and educational organizations and is presently a trustee of the Children’s National Research Center in Washington, D.C. Thomas O’Malley is chairman of Petroplus Holdings A.G., Europe’s largest independent oil refiner and wholesaler, and also serves as chairman of PBF Investments LLC, a U.S. oil refining entity.

Prior to that, Thomas O’Malley was chairman of Premcor, a domestic oil refiner and Fortune 250 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Before joining Premcor, he was chairman and CEO of Tosco Corporation, which was the largest independent oil refiner and marketer of oil products in the United States. He is also a past vice chairman of Salomon Brothers Inc.

Thomas O’Malley has served on the boards of the National Petroleum Council; the Listed Company Advisory Board of the New York Stock Exchange; Lowe’s Companies; PetSmart Inc.; and Phillips Petroleum. He is chairman of the board of trustees of Manhattan College, his alma mater. The O’Malleys have four grown children and four grandchildren.

“The generosity shown by the O’Malleys is an extraordinary example of how philanthropy makes it possible for Martin Memorial to provide exceptional care for the Treasure Coast,” said Arthur M. “Rusty” Brink Jr., vice president and chief philanthropic officer for Martin Memorial. “Their gift will play a significant role in helping improve the quality of health for our community.”

The new digital interventional suite brings to Martin Memorial a new level of diagnostic power. Sharper technology allows more detailed images while minimizing the amount of radiation to each patient. Interventional radiology suites are used for procedures such as:

• Angioplasty (repairing blood vessels using a balloon-tipped catheter and vascular stents)
• Thrombectomy and thrombolysis (blood clot removal and dissolving)
• Embolization (stopping blood flow to selected tumors)
• Radiofrequency ablation (removing tumors with high-energy radio waves)

Since its inception, the Chrysanthemum Ball has raised nearly $9.5 million. In that time the event has earned a reputation for providing high-quality entertainment, fine cuisine and an energetic atmosphere. Its committee of more than 30 volunteers have consistently created an event that is engaging to those who attend, but also integrally important to Martin Memorial’s mission of providing health care access to the community.

Past Chrysanthemum Balls raised funds for sophisticated technologies such as a PET/CT scanner, two cardiac catheterization labs, a 64-slice CT scanner, a digital mammography unit and equipment enhancements for nurses at the bedside. An endowment was also created that will fund patient care projects in the future as well.

For more information about the Chrysanthemum Ball or the Martin Memorial Foundation, please visit GIVEmmhs.org.

Martin Memorial Earns Joint Commission Certification for Joint Replacement

The Martin Memorial Center for Joint Replacement has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality. In September, the Joint Commission awarded Martin Memorial disease-specific care certification for joint replacement of the knee and hip.

Martin Memorial is one of just nine hospitals in Florida to receive this certification and the only one on the Treasure Coast.

“We are fortunate to have a dynamic team of physicians, nurses, clinical and support staff that provides high quality care to our patients,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial Health Systems. “Our goal is to ensure patients receive the best possible care and the Joint Commission certification demonstrates our commitment to achieving that goal.”

To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program’s processes, the program’s ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff.

“This certification means Martin Memorial does the right things and does them well for knee and hip replacement patients,” said Jean E. Range, executive director of disease-specific care certification for the Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission launched its disease-specific care certification program in 2002. It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management programs.

Approximately 400 patients each year visit the Martin Memorial Center for Joint Replacement. About 53 percent of patients have knee replacement surgery and 47 percent have hip replacement surgery. Surgeons at the center follow practice parameters developed and approved by Martin Memorial’s Orthopaedic Task Force. The task force develops these practices based on the latest research and best outcomes.

Martin Memorial Foundation LifeSavers Seek Pepsi Refresh Grant to Help Kids

The Martin Memorial Foundation LifeSavers are looking to refresh their efforts to help new mothers and babies on the Treasure Coast in a bold and exciting new way – through the Pepsi Refresh Project.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an effort to foster innovative programs that will benefit communities, and will award more than $20 million this year to fund ideas and projects. The Martin Memorial Foundation received notification on Oct. 1 that the LifeSavers’ efforts to enhance health care for kids and families was accepted as one of the Pepsi Refresh projects for the month.

The LifeSavers are vying for one of two possible $250,000 grants. Winners are selected by a popular vote. To vote for the LifeSavers project, visit www.refresheverything.com/goombaybash or text 103329 to Pepsi at 73774. Voting ends Nov. 1.

The Pepsi Refresh Project launched in January 2010. Each month, 1,000 submissions are reviewed and approved projects are then posted online and voted on for the entire month following submission. Pepsi Refresh is looking for “projects that are beneficial, achievable, constructive, and ‘shovel-ready’ (meaning it can be finished within 12 months of funding).”

The LifeSavers are a committee of nearly 70 philanthropists from Martin and St. Lucie counties who work hard to create awareness for the needs of new mothers and infants, as well as pediatric patients at Martin Memorial. A number of the committee members have had children born at Martin Memorial – and some were actually born at the hospital themselves.

“I think the LifeSavers fit perfectly with what the Pepsi Refresh Project is trying to accomplish,” said Lindsay Nickerson, co-chair of the LifeSavers committee. “We are a group of individuals who, by using innovation, passion and teamwork, are helping to ensure babies born at Martin Memorial receive the best possible health care available. And in many cases, that care is quite literally a life saver.”

Since its inception in 2002, the LifeSavers have raised $600,000 for the Martin Memorial Foundation. Those funds are used to purchase new technology and equipment, as well as to provide needed renovations to Martin Memorial’s maternal-child department and pediatric rehabilitation facilities.

At the 2010 Goombay Bash, the annual summer event that highlights the group’s efforts, the LifeSavers brought in a record $130,000 with the help of 650 revelers and numerous sponsors.

“The LifeSavers have been so successful not only because they support a great cause, but because of the passion and commitment they bring to everything they do,” said Melinda Stevens, co-chair of the committee. “The Pepsi Refresh Project is an exciting opportunity to continue that legacy of assisting Treasure Coast residents. We hope the community will help us reach our goal and in doing so, help new mothers and babies have access to the highest quality care available.”

Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial Inaugural Lecture, Screening Event a Success

The Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial recently held its inaugural lecture and screening event. Designed to provide information on back and spine problems, the event drew nearly 60 people.

The lecture was presented on Sept. 25 by Drs. John Afshar, John Robinson and John Viola, neurosurgeons at the Back and Spine Center, who provided information on a wide array of back and spine issues. After the lecture, 46 people were screened by three Martin Memorial physical therapists and three neurosurgical physician assistants from the Back and Spine Center.

The Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial, which was officially launched Sept. 7, is the premier comprehensive neurosurgery center on the Treasure Coast. Located at 509 Riverside Drive on the Martin Memorial Medical Center campus in Stuart, the Back and Spine Center features three board-certified neurosurgeons, as well as a team of clinical support staff that includes physician assistants and a physical therapist.

Together, they are able to diagnose and treat patients suffering from back and spine pain – as well as complex conditions of the brain – with a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures and non-surgical treatment options.

The Back and Spine Center also features a rapid referral system that can help patients get an appointment to see a neurosurgeon quickly, or with a physician assistant the same day. Diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, and CT and MRI scans are coordinated through the center for a quick turnaround.

The neurosurgeons at the Back and Spine Center offer the latest minimally invasive surgical treatments that are designed for shorter hospital stays, faster healing and fewer complications. Assisted by sophisticated computers, the neurosurgeons can reconstruct spinal columns, insert artificial discs, repair fractures and relieve pinched nerves. They also utilize the latest technologies for surgical treatment of tumors and other conditions affecting the brain.

Not all back and spine issues require surgery. Non-surgical options include on-site physical therapy along with referrals for pain management, holistic services, and diet and nutritional counseling. Each patient leaves with a comprehensive and customized treatment plan.

For more information, call the Back and Spine Center at (772) 288-5862 or visit BackandSpineFL.com.

Tale of the Tape: Kinesio Taping Has Benefits for Athletes and Rehabilitation Patients

Here at Martin Memorial Health Systems we take great pride in our patient care, and we are always trying new techniques to aid in our patients’ recovery.

That’s why many of our therapists recently studied the kinesio taping method. The goal is that together with other rehabilitations modalities we will enhance our patient care, and it will now be offered at all of our Martin Memorial rehabilitation sites.

Kinesio tape and the kineso taping method were founded in Japan by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1973. It was first seen internationally at the 1988 Olympics. Since those Olympics, the tape has gained recognition around the world. It wasn’t until 1995 this taping method was introduced in the United States, and has since been accepted from the world’s best known athletes.

Many athletes in the 2008 Summer Olympics, along with the Paralympics, used kinesio tape. Athletes including Lance Armstrong, Kerri Walsh, and players from the New York Jets and Seattle Mariners have been using the tape with great results. Though the tape has recently boomed with athletes, 85 percent of all applications are performed on non-athletes. Many physical therapists across the country are using this tape in their practices for patients to utilize at home and between visits.

Kinesio tape is a stretchy fabric tape with a medical grade acrylic heat activated adhesive backing. It is latex-free and can stretch up to 100 percent in length. The tape can be worn for three to five days without reapplying. It is waterproof and may be worn in the pool or shower. This tape is designed to lift the skin to allow increased circulation, to help enhance muscle performance and protect against injury. Kinsio tape is unique to all other forms of athletic tape; it allows more movement in the body and skin.

What can the tape be used for? Virtually anything. Depending on how the tape is applied to the body, it can be used to decrease swelling after surgery, to protect a joint or muscle from overstretch or injury. The tape can encourage better spinal alignment and posture. The possibilities are endless.

There are five major effects of kinesio tape. First, our skin is our largest sensory organ in our bodies. The tape allows increased space in deeper tissues to allow for increased circulation and reducing pressure on our pain receptors. The tape can affect nearly every part of the body through contact with the skin. This allows for increased lymphatic flow along with improved blood exchange. Kinesio tape allows the fascia in our bodies to re-organize correctly. The tape greatly improves alignment of joints and helps facilitate function of ligaments and tendons. Finally, muscles can be encouraged to contract or can relax over-used muscles to prevent further stress.

With many medical benefits, the tape can be used for a wide variety of scenarios or medical needs – for athletes, weekend warriors or anyone who might benefit from its use.

--Victoria Strome, PTA
Martin Memorial Rehabilitation Services

Osteoporosis is a Challenging Condition, but Manageable With Professional Guidance

As people age their bodies go through many changes, one of which is a change in their posture.

These postural changes are due to tightening muscle groups, decreased muscle tone and decreased bone strength. The National Institutes of Health defines osteoporosis as a systemic skeletal disorder with compromised bone strength that predisposes an individual to increased fracture risk. The most common fractures due to osteoporosis are of the wrist, hip and vertebral bodies, with the hip being the most disabling and life-threatening.

A bone density scan is completed to determine if you have osteoporosis. This scan will result in a measurement known as a T-score. If the T score is 0 to -1, the bone strength is normal; -1 to -2.4 equals osteopenia; -2.5 and below equals osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can be managed with medication, diet and exercise:

• There are many medications on the market which can be taken daily, weekly, monthly and even once a year. Talk to your physician to determine if this is an option for you.

• A diet filled with various calcium-rich foods plays an important part in managing osteoporosis.

• Getting at least 20 minutes of sunlight a day helps your body produce Vitamin D, which aides in the absorption of calcium.

• An exercise program including a walking regimen and weight training program can help build bone density and increase postural muscle strength.

With a prescription from a physician, you can participate in a physical therapy osteoporosis program providing education about posture, body mechanics, fall prevention and specific exercise techniques.

The physical therapists at Martin Memorial are trained in the Meeks Method of exercise for patients with osteoporosis. This is a systematic, progressive exercise program specifically designed to unload and elongate the spine.

The benefit of the Meeks Method is that once you’ve received proper training from physical therapists, you can incorporate these techniques into your daily life and exercise regimen. Upon completion of skilled physical therapy, Martin Memorial offers memberships at our health and fitness centers with trainers to assist you with your management of osteoporosis.

For further information regarding our rehabilitation services osteoporosis program at Martin Memorial, please contact us at (772)223-2811.

--Cathy Sopotnick, MSPT
Rehabilitation Services

Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial to Hold Back Pain Screening, Seminar

The Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial will be holding a free screening and seminar on Saturday, Sept. 25 to discuss causes of and treatments for back pain.

Back pain will affect an estimated 85 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, and lower back pain is one of the five most common reasons people visit a doctor. To help people learn more about this common but potentially debilitating problem, three board-certified neurosurgeons from the Back and Spine Center will hold a seminar discussing the causes of back and neck pain, the range of treatments available, as well as minimally invasive treatment options the center can provide.

Immediately following the seminar, a brief spinal screening examination will be performed by a physician assistant and physical therapist. One-on-one consultations will be available after the screening, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled on site if needed.

The event will be held at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, located at 501 E. Osceola Street in Stuart. The seminar begins at 8 a.m., followed by the screening session from 9 to 11 a.m. Refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited and a reservation is required. Please call 1-866-361-HOPE (4673) to reserve a spot.

“Bert’s Story” Demonstrates How the Back and Spine Center Can Help Ease Pain

Bert Goldman had been battling pain in his back for more than a year. On many occasions, that meant he had to skip playing golf, one of his favorite pasttimes. A neighbor recommended that he visit Martin Memorial. After meeting with John Viola, MD, a neurosurgeon with the Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial, Bert decided to have a minimally invasive surgery. In this video, Bert talks about how the surgery has relieved the pain and helped get him back on the golf course again. For more information on the center, the neurosurgeons, as well as general information on back and spine treatment options, visit backandspinefl.com, or call (772) 288-5862.

Research Study at Martin Memorial Could Add Treatment Option for Osteoarthritis

“Oh, my aching knee!” is a common cry among the more than four million people affected with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States with approximately one in three adults with arthritis reporting limitation in their usual activities. The problem will be compounded with the aging of the Baby Boomer population and the projected increase in life expectancy.

Joint pain during and/or after activity is the most common symptom of this degenerative disorder, which affects the cartilage and bone of primarily large weight-bearing joints. Other joint symptoms include swelling, a grating or crackling sound or feeling, and restricted motion. Genetic predisposition, obesity, advancing age and physically demanding occupations contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

What are the treatment options?

Pharmacological intervention is an important and often early component in the management of OA. Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed as the first-line treatment for mild to moderate OA symptoms. Due to potentially dangerous side effects, caution should be taken when using any medication.

There is some evidence that physical therapy and a standardized exercise program can improve self perceptions of pain, stiffness and function in OA sufferers. One study showed that physical therapy and exercise delayed the need for total knee replacement one year after treatment.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections also have an anti-inflammatory effect and may often provide short-term pain relief. Steroid injections carry the potential for complications, however, and frequent administration is somewhat controversial.

Hyaluronic acid, a component of cartilage and the fluid which cushions the knee, is another intra-articular injection option which can provide longer-lasting relief. These products, available in four different preparations, are designed to improve the shock absorption and lubrication of the joint and are generally provided in a series of three to five injections.

There is significant disagreement in the published literature about the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery as a treatment option for knee OA. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which focuses on the surgical removal of torn or damaged cartilage.

Total knee arthroplasty is the final procedure used to restore joint function by replacing damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial surfaces. Advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing knee replacements. Newer products can bend and rotate and can last 30 years or longer. This option is reserved for severely affected joints. To discuss this or any of the treatment options for OA of the knee, contact a rheumatology or orthopedic specialist.

Martin Memorial’s research department is currently enrolling volunteers in a clinical trial designed to test an investigational knee injection to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. For more information about the trial please contact me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 3739.

--Judith Johansen, RN, BSN, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator

Martin Memorial Rehabilitation, Fitness Staffs Work Together to Benefit Patients

At Martin Memorial Health Systems, staff from our rehabilitation, and health and fitness departments work together to offer custom designed programs that can help patients reach their goals.

Rehabilitation services provide physical, occupational and speech therapy patients with an environment to heal. Acute pain can be debilitating and often the diagnosis can be life changing. The rehab team is there for people to educate themselves regarding conditions and to learn how to manage, cope and heal from physical pain and many other diagnoses.

The first step to receiving care through the rehab department is to obtain a prescription from the doctor. There are seven rehab facilities to choose from, extending from Hobe Sound to St. Lucie West. The Hospital South and Treasure Coast facilities both offer aquatic therapy in therapeutic heated pools. Our rehab facilities offer specialized treatment ranging from orthopedic certifications, lymphedema, watsu, myofascial release and balance training.

Upon completion of the therapy treatments, patients are offered a referral to health and fitness. A variety of classes are offered through health and fitness facilities, including gentle arthritis and aerobic classes in the water (which can be found at the Treasure Coast site), as well as zumba, yoga and step classes that are offered in a large studio environment. Physical and occupational therapists often refer patients to health and fitness and encourage them to continue with an exercise program.

Health and fitness professionals include licensed massage therapists and licensed personal trainers. Therapeutic massage is offered through health and fitness to maintain gains from therapy. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being.

A personal trainer is someone who makes sure a person is doing exercises correctly, as well as choosing or progressing an appropriate exercise regime. The scope of practice for a personal trainer is to enhance the components of fitness for the general, healthy population. The added touch of a professional to progress your program is very beneficial.

Appointments are available with licensed massage therapists, personal trainers and/or exercise physiologists to further progress an individual’s program. Our medical fitness facilities offer a variety of services to accommodate individual needs that can help you design a program to maintain health.

--Tara Marie Anstensen
Martin Memorial Rehabilitation Services

Martin Memorial Launches Comprehensive Neurosurgery Center

Treasure Coast residents suffering from back and neck pain now have a place where they can find fast and lasting relief.

The Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial, which was officially launched Sept. 7, is the premier comprehensive neurosurgery center on the Treasure Coast. Located at 509 Riverside Drive on the Martin Memorial Medical Center campus in Stuart, the Back and Spine Center features three board-certified neurosurgeons, as well as a team of clinical support staff that includes physician assistants and a physical therapist.

Together, they are able to diagnose and treat patients suffering from back and spine pain – as well as complex conditions of the brain – with a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures and non-surgical treatment options.

The Back and Spine Center also features a rapid referral system that can help patients get an appointment to see a neurosurgeon quickly, or with a physician assistant the same day. Diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, and CT and MRI scans are coordinated through the center for a quick turnaround.

“The goal of the Back and Spine Center is to help patients return to their everyday activities without pain, as quickly as possible,” said Miguel Coty, vice president of marketing communications for Martin Memorial. “We are able to offer a spectrum of sophisticated services, provided by highly skilled clinical professionals, all in one location for the convenience and comfort of our patients.”

The Back and Spine Center is led by three accomplished neurosurgeons, each of whom is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has earned Fellowship status from the American College of Surgeons. They include:

• John K.B. Afshar, MD, who specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the spine and brain. He is nationally recognized for his research in strokes and neurosurgery. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical Center, where he also completed his internship and residencies.

• John R. Robinson Jr., MD, specializes in computer-guided, minimally invasive microsurgical treatments for the spine and brain. He graduated with honors from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.

• John J. Viola, MD, specializes in the treatment of brain and spinal tumors, persistent back pain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and much more. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and completed his internship and residency at Georgetown University Medical Center.

The neurosurgeons at the Back and Spine Center offer the latest minimally invasive surgical treatments that are designed for shorter hospital stays, faster healing and fewer complications. Assisted by sophisticated computers, the neurosurgeons can reconstruct spinal columns, insert artificial discs, repair fractures and relieve pinched nerves. They also utilize the latest technologies for surgical treatment of tumors and other conditions affecting the brain.

Not all back and spine issues require surgery. Non-surgical options include on-site physical therapy along with referrals for pain management, holistic services, and diet and nutritional counseling. Each patient leaves with a comprehensive and customized treatment plan. For more information, call the Back and Spine Center at (772) 288-5862 or visit BackandSpineFL.com.

Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West Celebrates First Anniversary

The doors to the Martin Memorial Emergency Center at St. Lucie West had not even opened yet when the first patient seeking care showed up on the morning of Sept. 1, 2009.

People have continued to receive care there at a remarkable pace, averaging nearly 2,000 visits per month since the emergency center began treating patients a year ago. Demand was high enough that Martin Memorial has already added an additional bed for a total of 13.

Located at 1095 N.W. St. Lucie West Blvd. in Port St. Lucie, the emergency center is an off-site emergency department designed to meet the critical medical services needs for western St. Lucie County by providing access to timely emergency care.

“When we opened this facility we believed it would be a valuable resource for the community and it has exceeded expectations,” said Steven D.M. Parr, DO, medical director of the emergency center. “We have been able to help a great number of people receive the care they needed quickly and close to home.”

The 9,100-square foot emergency center provides a wide range of care, treating everything from sprains to chest pains. Diagnostic imaging – including X-rays, and MRI and CT scans – are available on site, as well as a laboratory dedicated just for the emergency center.

While off-site emergency departments traditionally see patients with less serious illnesses or injuries – generally allowing them to treat patients more quickly – the physicians and nurses on staff are able to respond to acute injuries and illnesses as well.

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

David L. Smythe Wound Center Offers Comprehensive Care for Non-Healing Wounds

For most people, wound healing is a natural, uneventful process. But for some, it becomes a complex medical problem requiring specialized treatment and care.

Since 2003, the David L. Smythe Wound Center at Martin Memorial has provided a multidisciplinary program of treatment and support for the management of acute and chronic wounds. Since problem wounds are often associated with underlying medical conditions, our program is designed to integrate wound care with ongoing health care.

If you are one of the more than five million Americans suffering from a non-healing wound, we may be able to help. Our specialists work together to provide individualized treatment and decrease the cost and time of your recovery. If you are suffering with any of the following, you may be a candidate for wound care:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Chronic venous ulcers (leg ulcers)
• Pressure ulcers bed sores)
• Chronic osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Radiation-related tissue damage
• Any ulcer/wound that persists for more than six weeks despite care

At the David L. Smythe Wound Center at Martin Memorial, we have specially trained physicians, nurses and clinical staff who are experts in diagnosing and managing wounds.

We have won national awards for our program’s quality outcomes, in part because we take the proper steps to ensure patients receive the best treatment results possible.

For more information call (772) 223-5903 or visit our website at mmhs.com, then click on Services and Locations.

Music Cranked Up on Your Kid’s MP3? It Could Be Doing Long-Term Hearing Damage

Do you know how loud that music is your child is listening to? Did you know it could be loud enough to permanently damage their hearing?

At peak volume, iPods, MP3 players and other personal ear-level devices can reach 110 to 120 decibels, which approach the level of a live rock concert. Granted, few people actually listen to music at a painfully loud level, but indisputably, most listen louder than what is necessary.

While many personal devices now have a volume cap parents can set and lock, the issue these days is more than just the volume level. The longer, rechargeable battery life and greater music storage capacity people have grown to love and expect is also what encourages and allows people to listen longer and not give their ears a chance to recover. It is the combination of high intensity and long duration that creates risky conditions for early hearing loss. Physician studies have reported younger and younger patients with signs of early hearing loss.

Remember when your parents repeatedly yelled “turn that music down”? Well, with this generation that is plugged in 24/7, parents aren’t yelling that stuff anymore because parents can’t tell how loud the music actually is. Not to mention we’re also seeing a very different level of use than we did in the past.

Listening via portable music players has become more of a full-day listening experience as opposed to just when you’re jogging. Many adults and children are using these devices not just to enjoy music, but also to block out ambient noise on buses, in cars, on the street, in restaurants, etc. They tend to crank up the volume to compensate for the surrounding noise and don’t even realize they may be causing damage to their ears. This accumulated noise damage may take years before it causes noticeable hearing problems, but by then it’s too late.

Hearing is a complex process. Tiny hair cells in the inner ear amplify sound vibrations and convert them into signals the brain can interpret and understand. Exposure to excessively loud sounds damages these delicate hair cells and their ability to transfer sound to the brain, which causes noise-induced hearing loss.

The effects can be temporary, like after a single concert, and hair cells can recover. However, constant repeated exposure can weaken and eventually kill hair cells, causing permanent hearing loss. Children’s ears are even more sensitive than adults because their ears are so much smaller and sounds entering the ear canal become louder because they are generated in a smaller space. So the longer and louder you listen, the greater the potential for lasting damage.

But there is good news: use of these devices does not need to be eliminated to protect young people's hearing. Several studies over the years have determined that it is relatively safe to listen to a portable music player set to no higher than 60 percent of its potential maximum volume for one hour a day (not for hours at a time). If listeners are willing to turn the volume down even further, they can increase the amount of time they can safely listen.

One informal rule of thumb is if you have to remove the headset, or turn the volume down to hear people talking to you, it’s too loud. Concern over the risk of hearing loss also has some companies producing headset styles that aim to block out background noise so you can hear the music better at lower volumes. These products can be pricey, but worth it. And for all you techy parents out there, there is uHear, a sound app for the iPhone and iPod Touch that enables you to test your own hearing sensitivity.

Remember, turning down the music today will ensure your children will be able to hear the music in the future.

--Michele P. Phillips, Au.D., CCC-A
Clinical Audiologist