If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, then you already know it is a critical medical emergency. If you are not familiar with stroke, it is a good idea to understand a few basics.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops. This is extremely dangerous because brain cells begin to die within minutes. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are two kinds of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke, which occur when a blood clot blocks or plugs a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain
• Transient ischemic attacks, often called “mini-strokes,” occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted

Symptoms of Stroke

One of the best ways to survive a stroke is to receive professional medical attention as soon as possible. If you begin to have any of the following symptoms or realize that someone you are with is experiencing the following symptoms, do not ignore them:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• Sudden confusion, dizziness, or headache
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding others

You must get to the hospital to begin the proper treatment as soon as you can. Medical professionals will begin post-stroke treatments once you arrive. Stroke treatment typically includes blood thinners, which may help you survive the stroke.

Surviving a Stroke

It is possible to survive a stroke, but recovering from a stroke takes time. The Stroke Association reports that roughly one-third of people who have a stroke make significant recovery within one month, but most stroke survivors have some type of long-term problems, including:

• Problems speaking or understanding language
• Pain and problems with the senses
• Paralysis
• Memory and emotional problems

In some cases, the stroke is so severe that long-term disability is inevitable. A stroke can also be fatal, which is just another reason why this medical emergency needs professional care as soon as possible.

Rehabilitation can help stroke victims relearn some of the skills they lost due to the brain damage, but it is important to remember that recovering from a stroke takes time. It may be a year or more before significant improvement is noticeable.

To learn more about Raulerson Hospital and the emergency services we offer, visit us online today. If you or a loved one is in need of a specialist, contact Consult-A-Nurse®, our free healthcare referral service, at 1-800-449-8642.

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Bone density? Osteoporosis? Sure, you’ve heard the terms, but what do they really mean and how do they affect your health? Here, we will help explain these terms and how to be pro-active about your bone health.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose density and mass, which eventually makes the bones weaker and more brittle. This condition increases the risk of bones fracturing and breaking, which is a significant danger because bones don’t heal as fast or as well later in life.

What is a bone density test?

A bone mineral density test, often called a bone density test, is the best way to test the health of your bones, and the only test that can determine if you have osteoporosis prior to having broken a bone. It’s a powerful tool that can diagnose osteoporosis and estimate your risk of future fractures or broken bones. The most common form of bone mineral density test is the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA. It’s performed on your spine or hip, and is a pain-free procedure similar to a typical x-ray.

What can you learn from bone density results?

Bone mineral density test results are in the form of a t-score. A score of zero indicates bone health equivalent to that of a healthy young adult. A score between negative 1 and negative 2.5 indicates low bone mass. A score of negative 2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis. Bone mineral density test results can also be in the form of a z-score, which compares your bone health to others your age.

Your doctor will consider treatment options based on your bone mineral density test score(s). Low bone mass puts you at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.

When should your bone density be tested?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends you have a bone density test if you are:

• a woman age 65 or older
• a man age 70 or older
• a man or woman who has broken a bone after age 50
• a woman of menopausal age with risk factors for osteoporosis
• a postmenopausal woman under age 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis
• a man between ages 50 and 69 with risk factors for osteoporosis

Raulerson Hospital is one of the only healthcare facilities in the State of Florida with accreditation in all five imaging modalities including CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. To learn more about bone health or to schedule a bone density test at Raulerson Hospital, please call our free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8642.

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This summer, Raulerson Hospital began an extensive remodeling of the facility’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This portion of the hospital is reserved for patients with severe illnesses or conditions. Throughout the construction, ICU nurses and physicians provided helpful insight into the design, resulting in a more efficient environment.  Literally everything from the ceiling to the floors and in between is new. The unit is decorated with natural tones: wooden doors with tan trim. While Raulerson Hospital has been Okeechobee’s community hospital for more than 30 years, renovations and updates — of both the facility and its equipment — are continuous. Raulerson Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Lee commented, “We are happy to announce this upgrade and hope that patients and their families will benefit from the added comforts provided in the renovations.”

The ICU renovations were intentionally planned to begin in the summer, since it is the slower season for Okeechobee and the hospital. The completion of the department coincides with the busier season for Okeechobee and Raulerson Hospital. Raulerson Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit can accommodate up to 8 patients. All ICU rooms are private and have the latest monitoring and communication devices for patient health data, including the I-Stat device for Sepsis patients. The Intensive Care Unit at Raulerson Hospital is able to provide the same level of care as a university facility. The ICU at Raulerson Hospital does not treat pediatric patients.

The Raulerson Hospital ICU – Before:

The Raulerson Hospital ICU – After:

Left-Right: Lorie Guerrero RN, ICU Director Deborah Benitez, Raulerson Hospital CEO Robert Lee, Gloria Allen RN gather at the Nurse’s Station in the ICU during a sneak preview tour for staff.

This summer, Raulerson Hospital began an extensive remodeling of the facility’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This portion of the hospital is reserved for patients with severe illnesses or conditions. Throughout the construction, ICU nurses and physicians provided helpful insight into the design, resulting in a more efficient environment.  Literally everything from the ceiling to the floors and in between is new. The unit is decorated with natural tones: wooden doors with tan trim. While Raulerson Hospital has been Okeechobee’s community hospital for more than 30 years, renovations and updates — of both the facility and its equipment — are continuous. Raulerson Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Lee commented, “We are happy to announce this upgrade and hope that patients and their families will benefit from the added comforts provided in the renovations.”

The ICU renovations were intentionally planned to begin in the summer, since it is the slower season for Okeechobee and the hospital. The completion of the department coincides with the busier season for Okeechobee and Raulerson Hospital. Raulerson Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit can accommodate up to 8 patients. All ICU rooms are private and have the latest monitoring and communication devices for patient health data, including the I-Stat device for Sepsis patients. The Intensive Care Unit at Raulerson Hospital is able to provide the same level of care as a university facility. The ICU at Raulerson Hospital does not treat pediatric patients.

The Raulerson Hospital ICU – Before:

The Raulerson Hospital ICU – After:

Left-Right: Lorie Guerrero RN, ICU Director Deborah Benitez, Raulerson Hospital CEO Robert Lee, Gloria Allen RN gather at the Nurse’s Station in the ICU during a sneak preview tour for staff.

The holidays are a wonderful time spent between friends and loved ones but it’s also a hectic, stressful season. You may overlook your own health and well-being to take care of a last minute trip to the mall or make another fast batch of cookies for the holiday party. Staying fit during the holidays is extremely important in maintaining a solid state of mental and physical health, as well as controlling weight. Here are some quick tips to help you stay fit during the holidays without compromising the fun of the season.

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated during the holiday season is important for many reasons. First, it keeps you hydrated and energized while on the move shopping or preparing your home for visitors. On festive occasions, keeping a glass of water in your hand will prevent you from drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body and over-consumption can cause high blood pressure, an increased calorie intake and bad decision making. Drinking water also helps curb appetite and prevent over-indulging during holiday meals.

Keep an eye on calories. During the holidays, the meals we choose to make are often extremely high in calories and low in protein and nutrients. When putting together recipes for family dinners, find nutritional recipes which are high in protein and fiber. Try to avoid high-fat or fried foods or foods with empty calories. Calorie counting is easily ignored during the holidays, so by creating healthy, low-calorie meals, you can afford to enjoy some favorite traditional treats, too.

Control your portions. Holidays are all about the seconds and the thirds. Even though Grandma’s home-made apple pie is a holiday staple, having a reasonably sized slice is different than having half the pie. Remember that portions play a big role in weight control, especially during the holiday season. Instead of getting many servings of one item, take one small serving of many items so you can sample a variety of flavors without compromising portions. If you feel yourself getting hungry, grab a glass of water to curb the temptation for an extra plate of food.

Exercise regularly every day. Buying gifts and preparing holiday meals can get exhausting and mentally challenging. It’s important to set aside even 15-20 minutes a day to be physically active. Find a local health club or gym that may be running a holiday special and take the time each day to exercise. At the Raulerson Wellness Center, our fitness facilities are available to the public Monday through Friday for only $25 a month. Here you can partake in a variety of cardio, aerobic and fitness routines to keep you lean and mean during the stressful holiday season.

For more information on staying fit for the holidays, dieting questions or to contact a local physician please call our 24 hour Consult-A-Nurse service or visit Raulerson Hospital online.

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Healthy Ideas for Your Holiday

No one wants to catch the flu. The results can range from mild discomfort to serious illness and complications. Even in the best scenarios, those who come down with the flu end up missing work and school and feeling run down. This season, get serious about flu prevention and keep yourself and your family healthy by adhering to these top five ways to prevent the flu.

1. Fight Germs

The most obvious way to avoid the flu is to prevent the spread of the influenza virus. Good hand washing techniques, especially in young children, keep germs at bay. Teach hand washing early and remind often. Be sure to wash hands when you leave the house, when you use the restroom and before meals. Keep hand sanitizer with you for times when you’re not near soap and water. If someone in your home is sick, throw away tissues and keep surfaces clean. Advise family members to cough and sneeze into the elbow or a tissue instead of onto hands.

2. Get Vaccinated

Everyone over the age of 6 months should receive a flu vaccine, according to the CDC. Certain individuals, such as health care workers, teachers and those who are in contact with the elderly and immune-compromised, should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. During the flu season, the flu vaccine is available in injection or nasal spray forms. Talk to your health care provider about the right option for you and your family.

3. Understand and Treat Flu

Learn to recognize flu symptoms. Fever, chills, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue are warning signs you should be aware of. If you come down with flu symptoms, don’t go to school or work. According to the CDC, you should stay home  for at least 24 hours after a fever.

4. Visit Your Doctor

If you or someone in your family develops flu symptoms, contact your medical provider. Your medical provider may recommend antiviral medication for the flu, depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Antiviral drugs should be used early for those who have existing medical conditions or are at risk.

5. Practice Healthy Habits

Lower your risk by staying healthy during flu season. Exercise regularly, eat well and avoid stress. Get plenty of sleep and continue taking vitamin supplements if you take them regularly. When you’re out and about, try not to touch your nose or mouth. You shouldn’t limit your normal lifestyle, but during flu season you may want to avoid activities that make it difficult to prevent the spread of germs—such as indoor playgrounds for children.

Raulerson Hospital promotes proactive health care in our community. To learn more about flu prevention, visit us online. For more information, or for a physician referral, use our free Consult-A-Nurse® service. You can contact our nurses 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-449-8642. 

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This holiday season, celebrate without breaking your everyday healthy routines. While it’s tempting to focus on gatherings, gift giving and great food—it’s important to maintain the healthy habits that keep you going strong into the New Year.

Practice Portion Control
Big holiday feasts can mean super-sized portions. To avoid unhealthy binge eating, the Centers for Disease Control recommends skipping the buffet or family style servings and sticking to individual plates with reasonable portions. This way, you’ll be less likely to reach for more and more food no matter how wonderful your aunt’s candied yams are. As you talk to friends and family around the table, try to continue eating mindfully so you’re not just eating as part of socializing.

Avoid Holiday Stress
According to Mental Health America, stress and depression can often flare up around the holiday season. You may feel disappointed by unrealistic expectation or disenchanted by the commercial aspects of the holiday. It may be a time when you miss friends and family or you’re faced with budget concerns. If you begin to feel bad, focus on the behaviors and activities that make you feel good. Call a friend, go for a walk, and don’t give yourself too many tasks. When it comes to giving gifts, keep expectations reasonable and focus on sentiment.

Limit Alcohol
During the holidays, it may be more common to drink socially and at meals. If you abstain from drinking, stick with your regular routine and avoid temptation. This might mean holding a wine glass full of juice or sipping on soda during a gathering. If you sometimes drink alcohol in moderation, you may be at risk for binge drinking at holiday gatherings. According to the CDC, binge drinking can contribute to many problems, including injury and health complications. 

Eat Healthy Snacks
Holiday meals are often finished off with lavish desserts and indulgent treats. Even holiday décor may involve a dish of candy or nuts. This makes it especially hard to watch your eating habits. Avoid reaching for snacks and high-calorie desserts. In your own home, you can control this by not keeping fattening snacks around the house. When visiting friends and family, don’t linger near snack tables. Try keeping your hands busy with a glass of water, or offering to help out with preparations before a meal and after a meal.

To learn more about healthy habits, visit Raulerson Hospital online. For more information, or for a physician referral, use our Consult-A-Nurse® service. You can contact our nurses 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-449-8642. 

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Most smokers are well aware of the risks related to smoking. But knowing that smoking kills over 400,000 people in the United States each year doesn’t translate to an easy road when it comes to quitting smoking. Whether you’re in the process of quitting or you’re thinking about it, use these tips to help work toward a smoke-free lifestyle and a healthier body.

Don’t Do it Alone
Most people need help when it comes to quitting smoking. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from your friends, your family and your doctor. Use a support program. Consider one-on-one therapy, support groups and national quitlines to help you as you work to quit smoking. The CDC suggests using government resources to help you quit smoking.

Use an Individualized Approach
Quitting smoking isn’t a “one size fits all” routine. In fact, research compiled by the National Institute of Drug Abuse shows that men and women may use nicotine in different ways, and may require different approaches to successfully quit smoking. Talk to your health care provider about what approach is right for you. Your doctor will take into account your health history, your mental health and your individual needs when helping you come up with the best methods to quit smoking.

Exercise More Often
Fight weight gain by working out as you’re quitting. Working out can also help you keep busy and keep your mind off of cravings and side effects related to withdrawal. If you’re not into strict exercise routines, consider taking up a casual team sport or trying a fun outdoors activity just to get moving and get some fresh air. Think about how much better the smells of the outdoors will be when you’re no longer a smoker.

Consider Smoking Cessation Products
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are available to help with quitting smoking. These may include skin patches, gum and lozenges. According to the FDA, it’s important to ask your pharmacist and health care provider which smoking cessation products are right for you. Ask your health care provider if you’re a good candidate for prescription drugs that can help you quit.

To learn more about quitting smoking, visit Raulerson Hospital online. For more information, or for a physician referral, use our Consult-A-Nurse® service. You can contact our nurses 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-449-8642.

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Any symptoms of incontinence can alter your daily life, leaving you embarrassed and less likely to lead an active lifestyle. But it is important to know that there are treatment options available. Did you know that there are different types of incontinence with different causes? In fact, incontinence can often be a symptom of another medical problem. Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Fecal incontinence is the loss of bowel control. Incontinence can range from mild to extreme, and be temporary or long lasting. Treatment options for incontinence vary depending on the type of incontinence and severity of the problem.

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help increase bladder and bowel control.

Changes in diet can also be helpful. The National Association for Continence advises keeping a journal to track the relationship between diet and incontinence issues. Depending on the type of incontinence, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and possibly milk may help. In addition, drinking plenty of water and consuming an adequate amount of fiber can prove to be beneficial.

Medications can also help regulate bladder and bowel issues. There is an array of prescription drugs that can help urinary incontinence, while laxatives, stool softeners and antidiarrheal medicines can sometimes help regulate bowel movements.

Surgery is sometimes the best treatment for extreme or chronic incontinence problems. There are a variety of surgical procedures, including ones that implant a device to stimulate the sacral nerve. The Medtronic® InterStim® Therapy System is made up of a neurostimulator that delivers an electrical pulse, an electrical lead that is implanted on the sacral nerve and a programmer that controls the electrical pulse. The system is used to help reduce the occurrence of fecal incontinence by electrically stimulating the sacral nerve that controls the anal sphincter. There is an identical device that helps control urinary incontinence.

No matter how embarrassing it might seem, if you experience the symptoms of incontinence, it is important that you discuss your condition with your doctor. To learn more about incontinence and its treatment options, visit the Raulerson Hospital online Health Library. Use our free Consult-A-Nurse® service to ask questions, find a doctor or make an appointment. You can contact our nurses 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-449-8642.

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As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end today, we would like to show you our latest renovations! Check out how we have remodeled our mammogram room.

Here is our “before” picture.

Here are our “after” pictures!

Women have a number of diagnostic imaging resources here at Raulerson. Depending on her doctor’s recommendation, a woman can be screened for breast cancer using our Digital Mammography System (Senographe DS) with the aid of our iCAD (Computer-Aided Diagnosis) MammoReader System. The iCAD assists the radiologist as a “second set of eyes” when screening for various breast conditions. Patients also have access to MRI and ultrasound technology for accurate diagnosis. For women who need a biopsy, the stereotactic breast biopsy offers women a precise and minimally invasive option.

Do you have any questions about diagnostic imaging at Raulerson Hospital? Would you like a physician referral, or would you like to schedule a mammogram? Please call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8642 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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