By Vicky Whitley, RN
Surgical Services, CFRH

I recently had the privilege to attend a medical relief mission trip with Dr. John Robertson, General Surgeon, to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. We went with a group called Children of the Nations, International. They had an existing medical clinic in Barahona, Dominican Republic, near the Haitian border. The clinic had been converted into a hospital and the United States Military had transported eleven children there from a clinic in Jimani so that they could receive more focused care.

The medical clinic became our base of operations for the twelve-day trip. Dr. Robertson evaluated the children’s wounds and decided on a plan of action. Many of the wounds were infected and most of the children required further surgery, while some needed daily dressing changes and debridement. One boy needed a significant stump revision, which was accomplished with a gigli saw. With the help of two other surgeons, Dr. Robertson was able to perform major skin grafting operations on four of the children using a manual dermatome and painstakingly meshing the grafts by hand using a scalpel.

To utilize our time there efficiently, we also performed numerous outpatient surgeries for children who previously needed surgery but were unable to afford it. Thanks to Dr. Robertson and the two other surgeons, we performed approximately sixty surgeries during our stay.

I feel very fortunate to have been able to witness Dr. Robertson in action and be a part of his team. Dr. Robertson’s gentle and friendly nature helped the children to relax and feel secure in his care. I watched him take extra time with the children and their parents using the help of a translator to make sure they understood what was going to happen.

Dr. Robertson maintained the highest standards of care in ‘not so perfect’ circumstances. He was flexible and able to improvise without sacrificing quality of care. He got along well with all members of the team and conducted himself in a professional manner. He was able to bring harmony between the different healthcare professionals and help them envision and realize a common goal and plan of care.

Watching Dr. Robertson work tirelessly for the benefit of others made me realize what a fine example of a caring doctor he is, and I would like to thank him for his many sacrifices. Thank you Dr. Robertson, you’re the best!

By Jennifer Mazarredo, RD, LD/N

As a primary caregiver, you are constantly juggling activities for your loved ones, family and yourself. The constant balancing of activities can be stressful. Stress causes certain hormones to be released that may cause cravings for high sugar, high fat foods. These high calorie foods can have a temporary calming effect on the body; however, over eating these foods can lead to an increased amount of fat being stored. Excess weight is associated with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Although you may take the time to make sure that your loved one eats properly, it is also important to ensure good nutrition for yourself to help reduce stress and weight gain. One way to ensure healthy eating is to keep healthy foods handy. For example, place a bowl of apples and bananas (or any other fruit that does not require refrigeration) on the kitchen counter, and keep washed, bite sized vegetables, almonds or other nuts, low fat cheese sticks and yogurt in the refrigerator. They will not only satisfy your immediate need to eat, but they will also offer important nutrients.

It is important to learn what is triggering your overeating and understand how to address it in a healthy way. Try to find other ways to relieve stress such as talking with a friend, keeping a journal or taking a brisk walk. Remember, it is important to listen to your body and take care of it for both you and your loved one.

If you have questions about diet and exercise feel free to contact our team at Central Florida. Call us at 407-321-4500 or visit us on the web at www.centralfloridaregional.com

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. In conjunction with getting proper screenings, patients can help maintain their colon health by following simple dietary guidelines. These guidelines not only support the colon, but also overall health.

Effects of Colon Health
Maintaining a healthy colon ensures that the digestive tract stays healthy. Moreover, it prevents other symptoms and medical conditions. In addition to digestive problems like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and bloating, poor colon health can cause the following:

• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Chronic fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin problems
• Backache
• Sore throat
• Impaired sexual response
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Lung and sinus conditions

Improving Colon Health
The impact of proper diet on the colon is well documented. The guidelines for proper colon health are generally met by following routine nutrition recommendations:

1. Drink plenty of water. Water helps the body to process fiber more effectively and also promotes proper peristalsis (muscle contractions) of the colon. Water also softens the stool, making it easier to expel from the body.
2. Eat lots of high-fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Dietary fiber increases the bulk and size of stool, so that the body can pass it more easily. Fiber also helps prevent conditions like diverticulitis.
3. Avoid processed foods, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. These products are more difficult for the body to digest. They can also clog the colon, providing a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria.

In addition to proper diet, exercise also improves colon health. It stimulates the colon and keeps the abdominal muscles in better condition. Some health care providers advocate eating yogurt or taking an acidophilus supplement, but the evidence that this helps colon health has been inconclusive.

Taking measures to improve colon health will help people improve their overall health, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and myriad other conditions. When implemented along with regular screening, a colon-friendly diet can help prevent a wide spectrum of diseases and medical conditions, including colon cancer.

By Donna Hayden, Director of Cardiopulmonary at Central Florida Regional Hospital

You probably feel a little tired and even more stressed after a time change. But don’t worry: It takes 2-3 days for your body to adjust to daylight savings time. To help you with your spring forward, here are a few helpful tips:

• Exposure to light help’s your internal clock reset itself. So get outside and ride your bike or take a long walk with your extra hour of sunshine.
• Slow down and let your body adjust. Don’t try to pack too much into those first few days after the time change.
• Don’t nap. Try to get to bed a little earlier even if you have to block the light in your windows with a heavy blanket. Darkness is very important. (Think about what our night shift has to go through.)
• Gradually move your wake up time by 15 minutes a day until you adjust. This way your body has time to adjust prior to the actual Daylight Savings Time change.
• Avoid increasing your caffeine intake and increase your water consumption.
• Remember that stress levels, concentration, and productivity can all be affected by daylight savings time and it helps to prepare ahead.

For more information on getting a good night’s sleep, visit Central Florida Regional Hospital’s Sleep Laboratory.

By Stephen Reed, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon

The CDC estimates that arthritis impacts the lives of over 19 million adults nationwide. Although the most common forms of the disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other forms include childhood arthritis, fibromyalgia, general arthritis, gout and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus).

Arthritis may develop several ways. Sometimes it arises from an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system actually begins attacking the joints. The condition may also begin due to a broken bone, an infection or simple “wear and tear” on the joints over time. Regardless of its causes, arthritis can be debilitating because it causes pain and reduces mobility.

The condition tends to affect more women; roughly 60% of women will develop some form of arthritis during their lifetimes. Men are more prone to gout. Age and genetic predisposition also determine the likelihood of someone’s developing arthritis. Controllable risk factors include obesity, joint injuries, and infection. Some occupations also increase people’s risk for arthritis, especially those that require repetitive bending and squatting.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, a health care provider may recommend or prescribe a variety of interventions to alleviate symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medication, the use of an assistive aide like a cane or walker, or even surgery. Meanwhile patients can be proactive about managing their symptoms through weight loss and exercise. A combination of low-impact aerobic exercise, strength building and flexibility activities help the body to support the joints and improve muscle function.

In cases of severe arthritis, the best course of action may be joint replacement. The most common of these are hip and joint replacements. Dr. Stephen Reed, an orthopaedic surgeon at Central Florida Regional Hospital, will be holding a lecture on these procedures at Oakmonte Village on March 24, 2010 at 4:30. Register for the event by visiting CFRH online at http://www.centralfloridaregional.com/CommCal.asp.

The Central Florida Regional Hospital family wishes a fond farewell to Dr. C.F.B (Brooke) Smith. He recently retired after over 50 years as an internal medicine doctor at Central Florida Regional Hospital. Dr. Smith brought both dedication and humor to his patients and profession.

Dr. Smith saw his last patients on February 18, 2010. In a few weeks, he will be moving to Catawva, Virginia with the assistance of his three sons. Dr. Smith looks forward to further developing his farm. He plans to spending his time fishing and getting advice from horticulturists and foresters on cultivating Frasier firs, walnuts, and birches.

A tireless physician, Dr. Smith saw “a mess of patients” over the years, regularly seeing 15 to 20 patients daily. Yet Dr. Smith’s best advice comes not from medical school, but from his own experience: “Follow my diet, and you can retire on a farm one day at my age.”

In partnership with schools in Volusia and Seminole counties, Central Florida Regional Hospital recently kicked off its second annual Youth Art Contest.  The contest anticipates our celebration of National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2010. 

Guidelines:

• Students submitting artwork must be in grades K-12.
• Artwork must fit on an 8.5” by 11” sheet of white paper.
• Artwork must be original and hand drawn.
• Students are allowed to use color with paint, pens, pencils, crayons and markers.
• Artwork should depict the student’s idea of “Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
• No internet art, clipart, or cutouts
• Artwork must have the student’s name, grade, and school printed clearly on the back.
• Artwork must be submitted to the school office by Monday, March 15, 2010.  Or you can mail your entry to Marketing Department, Central Florida Regional Hospital, 1401 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford, FL  32771.
• Note that winners may not have their artwork returned, and artwork may be used for nursing career awareness projects.

Prizes

• The Grand Prize winner in each age group will receive a $100 gift card.  The artwork will also be displayed in the lobby of CFRH, developed into a hospital Nurses’ Week greeting card, and featured on our hospital website, www.CentralFloridaRegional.com.
• The First Place winner in each age group will receive a $25 gift card.  The art will also be displayed in the hospital lobby and on our website, www.CentralFloridaRegional.com.

Age Groups

• Grades K-2
• Grades 3-5
• Grades 6-8
• Grades 9-12

More than 50 members attended the monthly H2U Brunch and Learn meeting held last week at Central Florida Regional Hospital.  The guest speaker was Dr. Lawrence Vallerio, board certified cardiologist and current chair of the cardiology department at Central Florida Regional Hospital.  The presentation was entitled “Updates in Cardiology” and included several clinical vignettes: Coronary Disease, Heart Attacks and Treatment, Risk Factors, and Women and Heart Disease.

A Timely Overview of Heart Disease Facts

The clinical causes of a heart attack were outlined with a focus on blood clots and plaque. The signs of a heart attack differ for men and women; men tend to feel a squeezing fullness or pressure in their chests; pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea and/or lightheadedness.  On the other hand, women may feel pain in the chest, upper back, jaw or neck; and shortness of breath, but may also have feelings of anxiety; loss of appetite; fatigue or weakness; and/ or flu-like symptoms. 

While surgery was the first line of treatment for heart attack years ago, treatments now include clot busting drugs, angioplasty and angioplasty with stents (bare-metal stents or drug eluding stents).

There are several risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) over which we have no control: increasing age, male gender, family history of heart disease, race and past heart disease and stroke.  However, many factors for CHD can be controlled: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and use of tobacco.  Making the decision to change one’s lifestyle and following doctor’s orders with regard to blood pressure and cholesterol medication can have a major impact on extending the life of patients with CDH.

Of the one million people who will die of CHD each year, 53% are women.  More women die of CHD than all other diseases combined.  This is due, in part, to women’s inaccurate perception of their health threats.  Women tend to believe that cancer is the greatest threat to their health when in actuality CHD  is the leading cause of death among women.  As women age, they lose estrogen, which puts them at greater risk for heart disease.  Women also tend to be unaware of the symptoms of a heart attack and therefore, do not seek treatment. Both men and women need to know their numbers—cholesterol and blood pressure and be aware of the risk factors for CHD.

For more information regarding treatments for heart disease, please call Central Florida Regional Hospital’s Heart Institute at 407-321-4500, ext. 5372  To find out how to join the H2U program, please call 407-321-4500, ext 7385 or visit H2U at our website, centralfloridaregional.com.