Understanding ACL Injuries

Calendar June 18, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Know more about your ACL so that you can protect it.

The ACL is particularly susceptible to injury and can be difficult to mend. When you understand how this key ligament works, you can take measures to prevent accidents when exercising, playing sports or executing everyday activities.

What is the ACL?
ACL is an acronym for anterior cruciate ligament. Anatomically, this ligament lies at the juncture of the femur bone of the thigh and the tibia bone of the calf, directly behind the knee cap. A ligament is a tissue that binds bones together while also providing a certain amount of elasticity and flexibility, like a rubber band. In the case of the ACL, it is also crucial to providing stability and some shock absorption for the leg and the entire body.

How does the ACL become injured?
Because the ACL is a taut connection and because it bears most of the body's weight, sudden twists and jerks or an impact can tear part or all of the ACL. These often occur during sports that require sudden changes in direction, such as basketball or skiing or when a person is exercising without proper form. Tripping and falling also contribute to ACL injuries.

How can I avoid ACL injury?
Thinking ahead and paying close attention to your movements is the key to injury prevention. Here are several ideas for protecting your ACL:

  • Always warm up thoroughly before working out or participating in a sport.
  • Note how your body moves so you can avoid sudden motions.
  • Know the proper form for lifting, lunging, squatting, swerving or pivoting during fitness activities.
  • Perform exercises that strengthen the muscles that surround and support the ACL.

Are you experiencing pain, swelling or instability in the knee area? Raulerson Hospital offers Physical Rehabilitation Services to provide therapy and other treatment options for your ACL injury. If you have any questions or if you would like to request a physician referral, call us via our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8642.

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Preventing ACL Injuries

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How Stress Can Hurt Men’s Health

Calendar June 11, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Recognize the effects of stress on a man's health so you can find a more satisfying way to live.

June 10-16 is International Men's Health Week and a good time to invest in your health. Learn more about stress and the harmful ways it can effect your body and eventually, your life.

What is stress?
Stress is the body's reaction to a challenge in the environment, whether psychological, such as a job loss, or physical, as in a near accident in dense traffic. Stress enables the body to prepare for "fight or flight" even if the challenge doesn't require battle or running. When a person undergoes regular stress with little relaxation, known as chronic stress, they may suffer physically with symptoms such as headaches, sleeplessness or depression.

What elements of a man's health are affected by stress?
Fertility. Different kinds of stress, including physical, occupational and emotional, can affect a man's fertility. Stress alters important hormone production, which maintains a healthy sperm count.

Heart disease. Stress makes the heart work hard, raising blood pressure and increasing one's risk for heart disease and heart attack. Stress has also been linked to weight gain, which raises blood pressure to unhealthy levels.

Stroke. Likewise, any problem involving your arteries, such as high blood pressure, may prove a stumbling block for blood carrying oxygen to the brain.

Diabetes. Stress affects many hormones that instruct various organs to do their jobs. Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise and the pancreas to produce too little insulin.

Rapid aging. Chronic stress causes your body to contract muscles and increase senses in preparation for fight or flight, eventually wearing down your body. Stress also weakens your immune system, making you vulnerable to disease or unhealthy conditions that may contribute to premature aging.

Relaxation is a necessary element of health management. Learn about the benefits of anti-stress activities such as meditation, tai chi or deep breathing exercises. To talk to a medical professional about stress or to schedule an appointment, call Raulerson Hospital via its free, around-the-clock Consult-A-Nurse® service at 763-9228.

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Ten Ways to Make Your Pool Safer

Calendar June 4, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Make your pool a summer haven with these important measures.

As temperatures rise, we turn to our pools for relief and a good splash. However, any body of water poses a hazard to those who live around it, especially children and pets. For Home Safety Month, let's count down ten essential methods for making your pool a safe place.

1. Fence your pool's perimeter according to local height and gate regulations.

2. Keep climbable objects away from the outside and inside of the pool enclosure. This prevents anyone from trying to scale the fence. Even a hose faucet can mistakenly serve as a step, so think carefully before installation.

3. Place lifesaving equipment close to the pool, including a first aid kit and a rescue pole. Explain to children what they are.

4. Provide life safety vests and keep them nearby.

5. Cover surface areas around the pool with non-slip materials.

6. After pool time, stash water toys and accessories outside the pool fencing so that children won't be tempted to go near the pool alone.

7. Secure all pool chemicals so that children cannot reach them.

8. Set pool rules and enforce them for both children and adults. Enforce the 'no running rule' and always close and lock the fence gate.

9. Remove debris from the pool promptly. If there is any doubt as to the hygienic condition of the pool, don't permit anyone to enter the water.

10. Always be present when children are near or in the pool and never take your eyes off of them. A quarter of childhood deaths is associated with water accidents, most of those occurring at home and sometimes with adults present but distracted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If someone may be in danger, call 911 immediately. Raulerson Hospital's Emergency Care Services are always there for you and your family. Learn more about our downloadable smart phone app provided by iTriage and remember that you can check ahead for our ER wait times online.

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Items to Replace or Update in Your Hurricane Kit

Calendar May 28, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

A ready-to-go kit saves time, work and heartache if a natural disaster strikes.

Here in Florida, hurricane preparation is a part of life; it's essential to know about your local shelters and evacuation routes, as well as have a family plan in place. Part of that plan includes updating a hurricane kit you may have created in the past. This National Hurricane Preparedness Week, review and resupply your kit so you'll be ready for anything.

To start, be sure that you have all items recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you place items in a container, make sure it is one you can carry by yourself. If you're filling a box to capacity, then can't lift it, you will lose time repacking. Each family member should choose a small suitcase or backpack to fill with toiletries and first aid products.

Next, review your items to be sure none has expired or deteriorated with age.

Check that:

  • Batteries work
  • Matches are undamaged
  • You have adequate tools such as a non-electrical can opener
  • Your reserve of fuel is full and uncontaminated
  • Friends or family members outside your evacuation zone are able to shelter your pet because few county shelters can house non-service animals

Replace:

  • Expired or changed prescriptions
  • Pain relievers, antibiotic or anti-itch creams
  • Materials needed for special conditions, such as Diabetes
  • Dented canned goods
  • Formula, if you have a baby
  • Products whose seals have been compromised, such as bottled water

Review your documents, remembering to:

  • Add new contact numbers to your list, if applicable
  • Copy or pack new identification documents or ones whose expiration dates may have passed (passports, drivers license, social security cards)
  • Copy wills or insurance papers that may have changed
  • Pack or copy updated immunization records
  • Update your list of valuables, ideally including photos

Give yourself and your family peace of mind by preparing before June 1 when hurricane season officially starts. Ask us your emergency safety questions by calling Raulerson Hospital using our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8642. Remember a hospital is not a shelter.

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Food Safety Tips for Summer Picnics

Calendar May 21, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Get outside and safely enjoy your food in the fresh air.

In summertime, food often goes mobile. Is there anything nicer than picnicking beneath a shady tree on a sunny day? Unfortunately, food + outdoors = unhygienic risks. Here are several tips for safe outdoor eating adventures.

Tips about hygiene and cleaning
Wherever you're planning to eat, prep the area and serving tools in advance.

  • If you'll be cooking or eating in a place where no source of water is available, pack a gallon bottle in advance.
  • Wash any surfaces that have come into contact with meat products with soap.
  • Keep hand sanitizer nearby, but remember that it is not an adequate substitute for soap and fresh water. Never use hand sanitizer as a cleanser for surfaces, food or injuries.
  • Moist towelettes and paper towels go a long way when it comes to washing and cleaning up.

Tips about refrigeration
On hot summer days, keeping raw food cold prevents bacteria from spreading.

  • Meat and its juices can contaminate other foods with their bacteria. Either keep meat products in a separate cooler from beverages and other goods or seal them tightly in plastic ware.
  • Cook food as soon as possible after taking it out of the fridge. Insulated coolers are great for short-term situations, such as transportation, but cannot replace true refrigeration.
  • Keep perishables in the car or in the shade when not in use to maintain as much freshness as possible, for as long as possible.
  • Put new ice cubes in the cooler as soon as old ice begins to melt.

For any outdoor eating situations, consider canned foods, fresh fruits and veggies and the good old fashion peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They require little refrigeration and provide safe options for you and your family.

Plan ahead! Stay healthy this summer by paying special attention to food treatment and preparation. If you need a physician referral, call Raulerson Hospital using our free Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 763-9228..

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The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Stroke

Calendar May 14, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

One of the precursors to stroke is high blood pressure.

Stroke occurs when blood cannot carry oxygen to the brain, whether due to blockage by a blood clot or a narrowing of blood vessels. According to the American Stroke Association, as much as 75% of first time stroke sufferers have a history of high blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as excessive pressure from blood flow against the walls of the arteries. Consistent high blood pressure overworks your heart and can break down arteries. Without healthy blood passageways, your risk of stroke skyrockets.

How can I lower my risk of stroke?
You can control many risk factors of stroke by lowering your blood pressure.

  • Keep a healthy weight. The more you weight, the more body mass pushes down on arteries.
  • Exercise regularly. When you get your blood pumping in a healthy manner, your heart strengthens and arteries stay fit.
  • Cut stress out of your lifestyle. Implement relaxation techniques or take measures to improve the quality of your life, such as switching to a less stressful job.
  • Control your cholesterol levels through healthy eating.
  • Maintain healthy fluid levels in your body. Fluid retention, caused by excessive salt intake, increases blood pressure.
  • Quit smoking.

When it comes to the risks of stroke, knowledge is power.

  • Get screened annually.
  • Write down your blood pressure numbers in a calendar or diary so you can track changes over time.
  • Learn about your family's history of blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
  • Stay fit with responsible exercise.
  • Take note of your sodium intake.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so learn about your blood pressure and your risk of stroke so you can take charge of your health. Raulerson Hospital offers Emergency Care and Rehabilitation services that specialize in stroke care. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at 1-800-449-8642 with questions or for a physician referral.

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5 Health Screenings Women Shouldn’t Miss

Calendar May 7, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Put your health first and live longer by getting screened.

Today more than ever, women juggle many roles. Good health is essential to perform well in everyday life, not to mention feel happy and fulfilled. Given how quickly health can change with the shifting variables in our lives, women benefit enormously from annual exams. These are the top five that could save your life. National Women's Health Week is May 13-19, so here are the areas you need to look out for.

1. Heart

Given that heart disease causes the most deaths and disability of American women today, investing in your heart health is a top priority. Know your LDL and HDL levels, as well as your blood pressure, so you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Heart disease doesn't always have obvious symptoms.

2. Teeth

Not only is it important to catch decay, but gum-related illnesses can affect your whole body. It takes an expert – your dentist and their staff – to assess your mouth's health using X-rays to find problems that aren't visible to the naked eye.

3. Reproductive system

A woman needs to be tested annually for the common human papillomavirus and cervical cancer so that they might be detected as early as possible, should they develop. The Pap test does this by sampling cells from the cervix. Cervical cancer frequently displays no symptoms.

4. Breasts

Along with consistent monthly self exams, the mammogram is key to detecting breast cancer, which can be cured if tended to early. Women survive breast cancer every day. The first step is testing.

5. Colon

Colon cancer, a preventable disease, doesn't happen only to men. A colonoscopy once every ten years after the age of 50 can be a live saver. If colon or colorectal cancer runs in your family, your physician may recommend more frequent exams.

Benefit from these useful screenings and stay in control of your health. Raulerson Hospital's Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging Services offer state-of-the-art tools in a caring environment. Call us with questions or to set up a screening by calling our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8642.

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How to Motivate Yourself to Stay Smoke-Free

Calendar April 30, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

You've made it this far. Don't give up now!

Are you struggling against the urge to smoke after quitting? Even if you slip, don't criticize yourself. Relapse is often part of the quitting process because addiction to nicotine has changed your body and brain. Quitting requires lifestyle changes that take time to master. Others have succeeded, and so can you.

  • Review the health benefits. For every hour, day, month or year that you resist nicotine, the health advantages pile up.
  • Avoid your triggers. Some people experience temptation when they have a glass of wine after dinner; others miss smoking just by being at home. If possible, change your environment, adopt new routines and avoid smoking buddies.
  • Play hard to get. Prevent yourself from obtaining cigarettes. Avoid stores where you used to buy them and destroy any stashed in secret places around the house.
  • Consider meditation. There are many alternative cessation techniques, from hypnosis to herbal remedies. Always seek medical council before embarking on a new health program.
  • Find your people. Therapy, local support groups or even a friend who's gone through the same difficulties can ease feelings of anxiety or hopelessness about the fight against temptation.
  • Exercise. Physical activity pumps up endorphins, reduces stress and rebuilds the body's strength. When you see positive fitness results, you'll feel encouraged to continue on the non-smoking path.
  • Count your blessings. Along with the incredible health benefits, remind yourself of all the money you're saving. Reward yourself when you successfully avoid smoking – you truly deserve it.
  • Talk with your doctor. Many medications are available to help you quit or ease the side effects when you do. Your physician can be a great ally in your victory over nicotine.

You have the power to quit, but it's ok to ask for help. Physicians at Raulerson Hospital can offer treatment options for you. To ask a question or schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-449-8642.

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Great Ways to Add More Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet

Calendar April 23, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Getting the health benefits of eating more produce is easy.

 
Eating more fruits and vegetables is an important way to make your health a priority and reduce your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke and a number of debilitating medical conditions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that eating fruits and vegetables:
  • May reduce the risk of developing cancer or chronic disease
  • Provides essentials vitamins
  • Fills you up without piling on calories
Here are some ways you can add more of those colorful, nutrient-packed fruits and veggies to your family’s meals:
  • Keep canned and frozen fruits and vegetables on hand for when you need to make a meal in a hurry.
  • Eat more dried fruits–they have a long shelf life and make a great snack, dessert or topping for cereals and salads.
  • Spice up frozen vegetables by adding your own flavors, such as lemon juice, garlic powder, or herbs.
  • Keep 100 percent fruit juices (not juice drinks) on hand, and include juice boxes in  lunch bags.
  • For a tasty breakfast treat, make a fruit smoothie—it’s great for a morning meal on the run.
  • Keep a bowl filled with fresh fruit so your family can easily grab a healthy snack.
  • When fresh produce you like is on sale, buy more of it. Freeze what you can’t use right away, or make a dish with the produce that you can freeze.
  • When making dishes that feature vegetables, make extra for leftovers. Veggie-centric dishes can be enjoyed the next day in a salad or wrapped in a flatbread.
  • In restaurants, load up at the salad bar, if they have one. Or combine two or three vegetable side dishes to make a veggie plate.
  • When cooking outdoors, remember that plenty of vegetables—and fruit too—taste great off the grill.
  • Use a crock pot to create a stew filled with your favorite vegetables, which can cook while you’re doing other things.
At Raulerson Hospital, we know that a busy life can make cooking hard. But eating more fruits and vegetables is easier than you might think—and a sure way to improve your health. To learn more about the services offered at Raulerson Hospital, please visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8642.
 
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Are You Too Sick to Go to Work?

Calendar April 16, 2013 | Posted by Raulerson Hospital

Put the health of your coworkers ahead of deadlines.

It's hard to skip work when we care about our jobs or because we feel guilty if we miss a day. But the downside of attending work when sick is the threat you pose to your coworkers' health. The best ways to prevent illness in the first place, of course, are taking advantage of vaccinations and washing your hands frequently.

Which symptoms should definitely keep you at home?

  • Bright yellow or green mucus
  • Fever
  • Wet or constant cough
  • Pinkeye, swelling or pus
  • Skin infections
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Disorientation, numbness or fainting

Otherwise, your decision boils down to how you answer four key questions:

Are you safe to drive to work?
If you're too tired or if you're experiencing blurry vision or confusion, you are too ill to be on the road or operating machinery. Even fatigue will reduce your productivity. Certain medications can negatively affect your functioning and require you to remain home.

Are you contagious?
Even if you're careful to wash your hands frequently, you could still make others sick. Stop the spread by staying home. Contagion varies depending on the illness. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an adult with the flu may be contagious for as long as five days following the first signs of illness.

Can you perform your work adequately?
If you won't be productive, there's no point heading into work. You may actually cost your employer more if you attend without accomplishing much. If you think you are functioning at 75% capacity or lower, stay home.

Can you work from home?
If your employer allows you to telecommute or work online, everybody benefits. Your sickness is isolated at home, you can take breaks when needed and work at your own pace until you regain your normal productivity level.

Be a responsible and caring employee by staying home when you're ill. Need to ask a physician about symptoms? Call Raulerson Hospital at our free Consult-A-Nurse® hotline today at 1-800-449-8642.

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