Central Florida Regional Hospital

Hidden Sources of Salt in Your Diet

laicos — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:04 +0000

Reduce the salt in your diet to protect yourself from high blood pressure and the health complications that may result.

Do you know how much salt you’re eating in your regular meals? Since May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, learn more about one cause of high blood pressure: excess sodium consumption.

Why is salt bad for us?
Salt absorbs fluid. Excess salt means excess fluid in your body, which pushes the walls of your arteries and requires your heart to pump harder. Over time, this will lead to high blood pressure.

When it comes to salt lurking in our diet, here are the big culprits you can watch out for.

Restaurant foods. Let’s face it, salt makes food yummy. Restaurants want your business, so making foods as appealing as possible is their goal. Even the healthy options on restaurant menus often feature an abundance of salt because it makes food flavorful without adding calories. That’s not to say that salt doesn’t contribute to weight gain.
Microwave meals. Frozen foods cater to the public’s demand for high-salt flavor.
Deli meats. Salt is used as a preservative in many meats.
Canned foods. Soups, canned veggies and sauces are major offenders.
Processed products. Why do we love cheese so much? For one thing, it’s salty. The snack aisle, one of America’s favorite places, is packed with high salt foods, from potato chips to cookies. These should be avoided in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Cook your own meals so you know what goes into them. Replace salt with spices and herbs, vinegar and other creative ingredients. The Heart Institute at Central Florida Regional Hospital can answer all of your questions related to blood pressure and heart health. Call us using our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-445-3392 to request a physician referral.

Am I Using the Right Sunscreen?

laicos — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:59:15 +0000

Make sure you use the right sunscreen so you get the best protection.

The UVA and UVB rays from the sun damage skin cells and make them vulnerable to skin cancer. Sunscreen was developed to block them using ingredients that reflect these harmful rays before they reach or penetrate the skin.

What is SPF?
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and indicates how much UVB radiation is stopped from contacting skin. SPF only refers to UVB protection, not UVA. Dermatologists recommend using a minimum of SPF 15 daily and, ideally, choosing 20 to 50 SPF if you’ll be in bright sunlight. Above 50, many experts feel, adds little benefit.

How can I protect my skin from UVA rays?
To find sunscreen with proper UVA protection, start by choosing lotions whose packaging clearly state:

UVA/UVB
Broad spectrum

Remember that unlike UVB, there is no rating system similar to SPF to indicate how much UVA is blocked. If possible, select a sunscreen that contains the following ingredients:

Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide
Avobenzone with octocrylene
Ecamsule (also known as Mexoryl SX)

Choosing the right sunscreen isn’t the whole solution to protecting your skin. Keep these pointers in mind, as well:

Pour approximately one ounce of lotion onto your hands and apply it evenly all over your body.
Moisturizer or cosmetics featuring an SPF rating doesn’t provide adequate protection.
Beware sunscreen sprays. Some lotion could blow away in the wind instead of reaching the skin, and inhalation can be toxic.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after sweating or exposure to water.

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, so remember that no sunscreen protects you 100%. Stay out of the sun to guarantee your skin’s safety. Ready to schedule a skin check-up? Central Florida Regional Hospital can help. Call us with questions or to find a physician using our free, always available Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-800-445-3392.

5 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Protect You from Skin Cancer

laicos — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:57:26 +0000

Protect your skin in the sun with these smart choices.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America today. When ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun hits your skin, the body absorbs it, making your skin redden or darken. Damaged skin cells become susceptible to cancer. Especially here in Florida, the following precautions are literally life savers. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, follow these helpful tips.

Make sunscreen your first line of defense. About 30 minutes before going outside, apply a sunscreen containing sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or greater. Reapply every two hours or whenever it’s washed off. Don’t get caught off guard by keeping bottles of sun block in many places, such as your car or your beach bag.
Accessorize. The right clothes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are key. Consider purchasing clothing from brands that specialize in high SPF fabrics, such as featured in fishing or swimming catalogs.
Never go to tanning salons. Tanning indoors isn’t safer than under the sun. Studies conclude that tanning beds, for example, can lead to melanoma.
Check yourself. Once per month, look in the mirror and inspect any moles, freckles or spots. Are there any new ones? Have any changed in shape, color or texture? Know the warning signs of skin cancer so you can stay in control of your health.
Consult the experts. When you do find suspicious skin marks, your primary care physician or a dermatologist can answer your questions. Get a skin check-up at least once a year, especially if you spend more than ten hours per week outside.

Are you concerned about the consequences of sun exposure? Central Florida Regional Hospital offers dermatological services to assist you in your quest to maintain healthy skin. Call us with questions or to schedule an appointment using our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-445-3392.

Related Post:
Sun Safety Tips + New FDA Sunscreen Rules

Young and Healthy – Could You Still be at Risk for Stroke?

laicos — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:57:14 +0000

The rate of stroke occurring in fit, young people is on the rise. Learn why and how to reduce your risk.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Surprisingly, as much as 25% of stroke patients are under the age of 65 years, and some statistics refer to approximately 10% under 45, especially in the case of ischemic stroke.

Who’s at risk?
Risk factors for stroke are greatly affected by lifestyle choices. Most strokes that occur under the age of 45 are associated with:

Smoking
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Obesity

If the above factors describe you, you can lower your risk. Studies also show that certain sports that are known to cause damage to the head and neck area can lead to a blood clot. These include:

Football, soccer or surfing where the head is often struck by a projectile
Racquet sports, golf or other activities that feature sudden neck movements
Rock climbing or high-risk activities that can lead to hazardous falls

What are the signs of stroke in young people?
A misdiagnosis can happen because doctors expect that someone under 45 is less likely to suffer from stroke. Symptoms can be genuinely misleading and, to make matters worse, CT scans can’t always detect a stroke if it’s performed too soon.

One fact that distinguishes young stroke patients from older ones is that their symptoms tend to appear very abruptly. Many strokes are painless, so watch for:

Headache which may increase in severity
Nausea
Numbness or weakness, especially in one side of the body
Chills
Dizziness or poor walking skills
Language or comprehension difficulty
Vision problems
Confusion

Always remember the classic FAST symptoms: problems with facial and arm muscles as well as speech.

What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
Request a complete set of tests by a neurologist. Trust your own instincts; it could save your life.

Learn to recognize the signs of stroke regardless of age. Central Florida Regional Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center provides expert acute care and rehabilitation. Questions or concerns? Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-445-3392.

Related Post:
Act F.A.S.T. and Know the Signs of Stroke

Introducing the Oviedo ER, Coming Fall 2013

laicos — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:57:46 +0000

Central Florida Regional Hospital brings its high level of care and expertise to Seminole and West Volusia Counties.

When it comes to saving lives and providing urgent care for patients, an efficient, top notch emergency room (ER) is vital. Every community needs one within easy reach to ensure the well-being of its citizens. Central Florida Regional Hospital is proud to present the new, state-of-the-art Oviedo ER.

This 11,000-square-foot facility will serve up to 10,000 local residents annually. As a full-service emergency room, Oviedo ER will provide the following amenities:

24/7 adult and pediatric emergency care
Four emergency medicine physicians
Twelve private beds

Services will include:

Specialized trauma care
Cutting edge diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound, X-ray and CT scan
Full laboratory services
Staff dedicated to acute cardiac care, including surgeons and specialists in electrophysicology and cardiac rehabilitation
Neurohealth care
Spine care
Wound care
Minimally invasive surgical services featuring the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System

Not only will residents of Oviedo experience a much shorter commute to the nearest emergency room, but the presence of a new facility in the region will also afford shorter wait times at all area hospitals. You will be able to track the Oviedo ER’s patient wait times before you go, either by sending a text message of “ER” to 23000 or by visiting our website. Reducing wait times for patients is Central Florida Regional Hospital’s highest priority, and Oviedo ER will continue to work toward this goal.

Our greatest honor is offering excellent care to our patients; we’re there for you when you need us most. Learn more about Central Florida Regional Hospital’s services or get answers to any of your healthcare questions by contacting our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® phone service at 1-800-445-3392.

5 Ways You Can “Spring Clean” Your Health

laicos — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:58:56 +0000

Feel like a new person by tweaking your routine with a few simple changes.

Spring is an awakening of nature. This year, let spring inspire changes in your perspective on health.

1. Get outside. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, but after work you head into the gym to work out? No way! Warm fresh air is a gift of spring, so enjoy it. Jog, practice yoga in the park or toss a Frisbee with the kids outdoors.

2. Give your refrigerator a makeover. Spring is a great time to revamp your diet and throw away food that’s hurting you. Create a healthy environment inside your body where your immune system and organs can function in tip-top shape. Eliminate unhealthy fats, purge sugars and overly salty products and replace with fresh greens and colorful fruits.

3. Try a mini “detox.” Challenge yourself to spend three to seven days without consuming any added sugar or salt (pick the greater vice). For example, skip the brown sugar on your oatmeal and ditch the soda and post-meal desserts. You’ll soon feel reacquainted with foods’ underlying flavors, not to mention improving your health. Before trying juice-only or similar detox diets, always consult your physician.

4. Find new ways to relax. Our culture places a premium on hard work which can make relaxation feel like an indulgence. However, reductions in stress yield huge health benefits. Find a way to fit relaxation into your daily schedule, even if only for 15 minutes of sitting and listening to your breathing. Give massage, yoga or meditation a try – it might be different than you expect!

5. Check up with your doctor. An annual physical is an essential way to scan your overall health and hone in on any trouble spots.

Stay in the driver’s seat of your health by changing your health routine. If you have questions or concerns, or to schedule an appointment, call our free, always available Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-445-3392.

Distracted Driving: What it Means and Why it Matters

laicos — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:28:20 +0000

Distracted driving is a dangerous choice with serious consequences.

What does it mean to be distracted while driving? Whenever the road isn’t your only concern, you’re distracted, even if you think you’re a multitasking pro with the right priorities. Learn why National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and spreading the message of safety is so important.

Distraction can be classified in three ways:

Visual: looking at roadside people or attractions (wrecks, billboards or pedestrians), reading (maps, text messages), looking in the rearview mirror while applying makeup
Cognitive: interacting with passengers, talking on the phone, experiencing emotions such as road rage, excitement or daydreaming
Manual distraction: eating, fiddling with dashboard tools, from the air conditioning to the restaurant list on the GPS, texting

Many activities combine these distraction types, compounding your risk of an accident.

What does distracted driving mean for you?
Our fast-paced culture demands a lot from us. We’re expected to stay in constant contact with coworkers, friends and family even as we travel. Anyone with a long commute knows that sitting in a silent car, especially in traffic, is the ultimate boredom. But the alternative – injury or death – isn’t worth the distraction.

Distracted driving can cause you to initiate an accident directly – say, by crashing into someone as you read a text.
It can cause you to bring about another ‘s accident. For example, if you ran a red light while eyeing a pedestrian, causing an SUV to swerve and crash into another car, injuring or killing all passengers.
Well over 3,000 Americans die annually on the road in ways related to distracted driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cell phone use alone was responsible for about 1,000 distraction-related car deaths in 2009.
It’s estimated that talking on the phone while driving makes you as poor a driver as when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Texting makes you 23 times more likely to accident.

Resist distraction and save lives. Central Florida Regional Hospital cares. If you would like a physician referral, to ask a health question or to schedule an appointment, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-800-445-3392.

5 Tips for Recognizing Alcohol Abuse

laicos — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:59:51 +0000

Alcohol abuse has touched many of our lives. Here are five tips for identifying the signs.

Know someone who needs multiple drinks at the end of the day, every day? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol abuse plagues 8.5% of Americans. Alcohol abuse is defined as consistent consumption in a single day of more than one drink for women or two drinks for men. Effects and signs of alcohol abuse differ depending on sex, age and body type, but these five signs of a problem are universal.

1. Difficult withdrawal. When someone stops drinking or can’t access alcohol, they may experience:

Headaches
Sweating
Vomiting or diarrhea
Fever
Shakiness or jumpiness
Heart racing
Sleep problems
Exhaustion
Mental confusion
Unusual and extreme emotions, mood swings

Often, these effects bring a person back to the bottle so that they can experience relief, making it even more difficult to quit later if they want to. Consulting a physician can ensure a healthy transition.

2. Justification. Rationalizing that they deserve a drink or that they’re in control is a red flag. Denial of any kind should make you pay close attention to other behaviors they exhibit.

3. Behavior changes. Loss of interest in hobbies, difficulty functioning at work, erratic performance of daily activities such as driving or engaging in unusual risk-taking are all hallmarks of excess alcohol use.

4. Health problems. Increased alcohol consumption leads to myriad problems from sleeplessness and erectile dysfunction to raising your risk of heart and liver disease. A person’s existing conditions, such as depression or diabetes, are also likely to worsen.

5. Loss of important relationships. Do they skip family or community events that they cared about in the past? If they continue to drink even when relationships break down, consequences may include divorce, estrangement from family or even homelessness.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Is there someone in your life who exhibits the above symptoms? Central Florida Regional Hospital offers treatment options from medication to therapy. Call our Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-800-455-3392 to schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or for a physician referral.

Related Post:
Alcohol and its Effects

Diabetes: What are the risk factors?

laicos — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:59:19 +0000

Given how common diabetes is in the US, it’s important to understand whether or not you are at risk.

Diabetes can’t be “cured” and those with the disease face a lifetime of managing their condition to keep complications in check. That’s why it’s vital to stay alert for signs and know the risk factors. Diabetes Alert Day takes place March 26. Do you know your risk level?

Why does diabetes develop?
We need sugar, also known as glucose, to fuel our physical activities, but when our bodies can’t process it properly, sugar accumulates to dangerous levels in our bloodstream. Type 1 typically develops in children, while type 2 diabetes may develop later in life.

What are the risk factors?
The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not fully understood, but these variables may play a role:

Parents with type 1 diabetes
A mother with gestational preeclampsia
Illness in infancy
Autoimmune diseases

Your risk for type 2 diabetes is high if you present the following factors:

Overweight or obese, particularly if fat centers around the waist
A sedentary lifestyle
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Over the age of 45 years old
Certain populations: African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans
Family members with diabetes
A diagnosis of prediabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure

How can I recognize if I have diabetes?
If you have a medium to high risk of developing diabetes, consult your physician regularly. Meanwhile, stay alert for these signs:

Excess appetite without weight gain
Vision problems
Excess fatigue
Darkened skin, particularly under arms or around the neck
Skin that has trouble healing properly
Feet showing unusual marks, sores or discolorations
Recurring infections, including fever, rash or flu-like symptoms

When it comes to spotting and treating diabetes, awareness is key. Central Florida Regional Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program provides the tools and resources you need to understand diabetes. To ask a question or sign up for a class, call us at (407) 321-4500, extension 5249.

Colorectal Cancer: Who’s at Risk?

laicos — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:59:59 +0000

Find out if your lifestyle choices are actually risk factors for this particular cancer.

Colorectal cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop in the colon or the rectum, parts of the large intestine and is the second most deadly cancer in the US. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so learn more about your risk so you can care of yourself. Several risk factors increase your chance of developing the disease, such as:

Smoking. Tobacco products can lead to more cancers than lung cancer. When smoke from cigarettes clings to food, it makes its way to the large intestine and can affect the size of the tumor.

Inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both types of inflammatory bowel disease, may influence the development of colorectal cancer, especially if the condition is not treated. If you have one of these conditions, it's important to visit your physician, receive a screening and discuss ways to restore your intestinal health.

A sedentary lifestyle. A slower metabolism impedes the large intestine's processes, causing toxic substances to accumulate there. If you are obese, your risk is even higher.

An unhealthy diet. Processed and red meats, grilled and smoked products have been linked to colorectal cancer in studies. People who eat foods believed to fight cancer, such as colorful fruits and vegetables successfully lower their risk.

Family members who have colorectal cancer. You can't change your genes, but you can make the choice to know everything about your family history and then consult your physician. Did any grandparents, aunts or uncles have it? The more you know, the more decisions you can make to stay in control of your health.

Age. Although younger people also can develop colorectal cancer, your chances rise after 50. That's why it's essential to schedule a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Get screened today. To learn more about your risk, visit the Colorectal Cancer Awareness website. Central Florida Regional Hospital's state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center can help you take the driver's seat when it comes to your colorectal health. For more information, please call (407) 302-7308.