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How to Check For Skin for Trouble Spots

Posted on May 16, 2013 by laicos

Find out how to examine your own skin for moles and spots that could be skin cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61,646 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in 2009 and over 9,000 people died from it. In observance of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, find out how to check your skin for trouble spots and early signs of skin cancer. Talk to your general practitioner or dermatologist as soon as possible if you spot a suspicious mole or problem area.

Stick to a skin check schedule
Make a point of checking your skin regularly. Many signs of skin cancer are related to changes in the appearance of moles and areas of the skin. To detect a change, you need to be reasonably familiar with how your moles look. Try setting an alert on your computer or phone to check every couple of months. Take pictures if that helps you stay on top of changes to certain moles or areas of your skin.

Visit your dermatologist or general practitioner for a full exam
Nothing can substitute a doctor’s care and careful, knowledgeable gaze when it comes to detecting abnormalities on the skin. According to Medline Plus, treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early.

Know the signs of an irregular mole
The National Cancer Center reports that the most common sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Look for signs such as moles with more than one color, very dark moles, scabbing or roughness on or around a mole, bleeding and irregular or jagged edges. Bring any changes or concerns to your doctor. It’s best to get a professional opinion or have a biopsy performed, if necessary.

Concerned with a mark on your body? Visit Miami Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital for state-of-the-art cancer services to help patients before, during and after treatment. For more information on The Miami Cancer Center, please call (305) 285-2195.

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Breastfeeding: What to Know When You Return to Work

Posted on May 9, 2013 by laicos

Nursing moms can learn how to balance work and breastfeeding.

When a new mom has to return to work, breastfeeding can be a challenge. Find out how to continue breastfeeding your baby after you’ve returned to the workplace.

Use a good breast pump
Most women find that a hospital grade breast pump works best for long term pumping. This is more gentle on your breasts, more effective and quick at expressing milk. WomensHealth.gov recommends labeling your stored breast milk with the day you pumped as well as your child’s name if your child is in daycare. There are many breast pumps on the market. Read reviews and know that if you plan on pumping often, you’ll need to rent a good pump from the hospital or invest in one.

Communicate with your employer
Work with your employer to find a safe, clean and private area to pump breast milk. You will also need a small cooler or access to a refrigerator to store your milk. If you don’t have access to a sink, you can purchase cleansing wipes to keep your breast pump clean during the workday between pumping sessions. Share the Business Case for Breastfeeding with your employer to help your workplace understand your needs as a nursing mom.

Be gentle with yourself
If you find that it’s too stressful to continue nursing while working, it's ok. You may be able to supplement with formula during the day and continue nursing before and after work. Your breasts will adapt to this schedule. Alternately, if you choose to switch to formula full time, know that you’re doing the best for your baby by doing what’s best for you.

Transition your baby to the bottle
Give your baby time to get used to taking the bottle as well as the breast, or instead of the breast. You may find it easier to let your partner or another adult feed the baby to avoid confusion or resistance to taking a bottle.

Get a healthy start breastfeeding before you go back to work. Our Lactation Center can provide private consultations that will help with any of your breastfeeding needs. For more information on the Lactation Center, please call (305) 446-2229.

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Is Your Breastfed Baby Getting Enough to Eat?

Posted on May 2, 2013 by laicos

Find out how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.

It’s common for nursing moms to wonder if their baby is getting enough to eat. We’re used to nourishment that can be measured and seen. Breastfeeding involves trusting your body’s process and it can be hard to rely on instincts alone. Luckily there are ways to tell if your baby is eating enough while nursing.

Newborns
Many babies lose a small amount of weight in the first days after birth. In those early days, try not to stress if your baby loses a small amount of weight. Her stomach is very tiny and can only digest one or two teaspoons of milk.

After the first week
Babies generally gain from two-thirds to an ounce a day after the first week of life until around three months. If your baby is steadily gaining weight in small increments and appears reasonably content, she’s getting enough milk. From one month to six months of age, babies consume between 19 and 30 ounces a day. Unless you’re pumping, you won’t be able to measure this exact amount, but you should be feeding your baby around every three hours.

Identifying a well fed baby

  • Pay attention to your breasts and your baby to understand whether or not your baby is getting enough to eat. Your baby’s behavior can indicate if they're hungry. Your breasts should feel a little softer after they’ve eaten once you’ve established a solid routine.
  • A baby who is hungry will not be wetting or soiling enough diapers. Ask your medical care provider to help you chart your babies diapers in the first weeks of life. This is tedious but it can soothe your worries and help you track your baby’s eating. The urine should be clear or yellow, not dark.

Mercy Hospital wants to help you succeed at breastfeeding your baby. Our Lactation Center can provide private consultations that will help with any of your breastfeeding needs. For more information on the Lactation Center, please call (305) 446-BABY (2229).

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What to Know about Lymphedema

Posted on April 25, 2013 by laicos

Lymphedema is an uncomfortable condition that often develops after breast surgery.

Like many parts of the body, you may never notice your lymph vessels when they are functioning properly – but when something goes awry, the problem becomes quickly obvious. Whether the vessels are damaged, removed, impaired, or just missing altogether, without the ability to flow, lymphatic fluid will accumulate and cause swelling in the arms or legs. When untreated, the National Lymphedema Network warns that the swelling can become uncomfortable or painful if an infection develops. It can also interfere with your body's ability to heal wounds.

Causes
The National Cancer Institute categorizes lymphedema depending on its cause. Primary lymphedema occurs without an external influence. In some cases, patients may be born with lymphedema. Other patients may develop an abnormality in their lymph vessels that results in the condition later in life.

Secondary lymphedema is caused by damages to lymph vessels that occurs during a procedure, accident, injury, or illness. Many cases of secondary lymphedema are found in patients who have undergone breast surgery.

Management
There is no cure for lymphedema, but managing the condition can keep symptoms at bay and prevent complications from arising. With the help of a healthcare professional, you can learn how to encourage health drainage through compression, massage, and exercise. Patients will also need to regularly check their skin for signs of slow-healing wounds or infections.

If you struggle with Lymphedema, the Kohly Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation can help you manage your symptoms and reduce discomfort. Learn more at our website or give us a call (305) 285-2966.

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How Do You Know if You’re in Labor?

Posted on April 18, 2013 by laicos

Discover the common signs of labor and how to know when you head to the hospital.

If you’ve never gone into labor before, it can be very difficult to tell when labor is really starting. While some women experience their water breaking, many enter labor slowly and in stages that can be hard to identify. Here are some ways to know if you’re in labor.

Nesting. Some women experience a flurry of energy and the impulse to cook or clean, which can be a sign that labor is approaching.

Bloody discharge. According to Medline Plus, if you have bloody or brownish discharge from your vagina, it may mean your cervix has begun to dilate. You may also see your mucus plug or remnants of it. This is what sealed your cervix.

Loose stools. As labor begins, some women experience loose stools. This can be the body’s way of preparing for labor.

Change in the baby’s position. As labor begins, your baby may “drop” or move into place against your cervix. This can be felt as pressure or having to urinate even more often than usual. Some women experience this weeks before labor, while others don’t until active labor has begun.

Contractions. Many women experience “false labor” before labor really begins. When you’re not sure if you’re having real contractions, try drinking some water and resting to see if the pattern changes or stops. If your contractions begin to come at regular intervals and increasing intensity, call your doctor and head to labor and delivery to get checked out.

Keep in mind that early signs of labor don’t mean you’re in active labor or very dilated yet. Many women prefer to labor at home during the early stages, which can go on for many hours. Call your doctor or midwife if you’re unsure about anything at all.

Mercy Hospital offers several prenatal and postnatal classes to help you make the adjustment to parenthood. Check our classes and events calendar regularly to find out what is being offered each month. To register for childbirth classes, fill out the online class registration form or call (305) 285-2770.

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What Happens in a Stress Test

Posted on April 11, 2013 by laicos

Get the facts on what happens during a stress test.

Stress testing helps doctors understand how your heart performs when you’re under physical stress. While it may sound scary, it’s just a way of measuring how fast your heart is beating due to exercise. When you’re physically exerting yourself, it’s easier for doctors to diagnose certain problems.

Why are stress tests used?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, stress testing helps diagnose coronary heart disease (CHD). The tests are also used to find out the severity of CHD, which is a serious issue because it can lead to heart attack and other heart issues. When doctors can identify CHD, they can treat it and help to lower your risk of heart attack.

What happens when you go in for a stress test?

  • When you visit your doctor or a medical center for a stress test, a technician will start by placing electrodes on your chest. These are just stickers and will not cause any discomfort. They are used to monitor the electrical activity in your heart.
  • You will then be asked to perform physical activity. Your stress test might including walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. The technician will guide you through, slowly increasing your exertion.
  • According to Medline Plus, you will be monitored for 10 – 15 minutes after exercising, or until your heart rate returns to baseline. Your test may stop when you reach a target heart rate or if you experience shortness of breath, pain or other signs of a problem.

Want to learn more about heart health? Our cardiac and vascular website is a great place to start. If you have further questions or if you would like a physician referral, call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at (305) 285-2929.

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Caring for Yourself While Breastfeeding

Posted on April 4, 2013 by laicos

Learn how to stay healthy while nursing your little one.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful commitment to your baby’s health and can be a positive experience for mom and baby. Remember that it’s not unusual to hit speed bumps, especially at the beginning of your breastfeeding experience. Learn how to take care yourself and deal with common problems.

Stay hydrated and eat well
When you’re nursing, you’re sharing your body’s nutrients with your baby, similarly to the way you did while your baby was still in the womb. Eat well for your health and your baby’s health. Snack as much as you’d like and don’t try to adhere to a diet that limits calories. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. According to Medline Plus, a nursing mother can safely drink moderate amounts of caffeine, or about one cup of coffee a day.

Nurse comfortably
Every woman has a unique take on breastfeeding. Nurse however you feel most comfortable. Whether you prefer privacy or you don’t mind nursing in public, you should find ways to nurse that make you feel comfortable. Wear clothes that allow you easy access and create comfortable nursing areas in your home with everything you need within arm’s reach.

Get help when you need it
WomensHealth.gov reports that limiting stress can make nursing a better experience for you and baby. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a lactation consultant if you feel like you need a little help getting started nursing or if you run into issues. Breastfeeding and pumping shouldn’t be painful and if they are for a prolonged amount of time an expert can help you adjust the way you nurse to stay comfortable. Ask friends and family for the help you need to focus on your newborn.

Get the support you need at Mercy Hospital. Our Lactation Center can provide private consultations that will help with any of your breastfeeding needs. For more information on the Lactation Center, please call (305) 446-2229.

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What to Know About BMI

Posted on March 28, 2013 by laicos

Learn more about Body Mass Index and what it could mean for your health.

As you embark on a journey to get fit and feel better, take time to learn about your body’s current level of health. Find out how your height and weight can be used to determine how much weight you should lose to lower your risk of dozens of chronic health problems.

What is BMI?
When it comes to measuring fitness, the number on the scale isn’t an accurate indicator of health. Instead, doctors use a measurement called Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this measurement provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI is used to categorize weight and determine whether or not an individual is at a weight that could lead to health problems.

What is my BMI?
Not a math whiz? Don’t worry. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a great BMI calculator online. All you need is your current weight and your height to determine whether or not you’re classified as underweight, a healthy weight or overweight.

What if I’m overweight?
If you are overweight, you should talk to your doctor about safe, healthy ways to lose the extra pounds. In some individuals who are classified as obese, doctors may recommend various forms of medical weight loss. This can range from a nutritionist-guided diet to weight loss surgery.

How do I learn to eat better?
In addition to getting around 20 minutes of physical activity each day, you should watch what you eat. This doesn’t mean going on a severe diet. Instead, manage your portions and get a general idea of how much you should be eating. Eat balanced meals that include plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains. Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SuperTracker to get the skinny on what you’re eating.

Thinking about weight loss surgery for obesity? Mercy Hospital offers Laparoscopic adjustable band (Lap-Band), Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Roux-en Y and the Sleeve Gastrectomy. For answers to some of your questions on bariatric surgery, view our Frequently Asked Questions or give us a call at (305) 285-2929.

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Babyproofing for Poison Prevention

Posted on March 21, 2013 by laicos

Learn how to make your house safer for your kids.

During National Poison Prevention Week, learn how to poison-proof your home to keep your kids safer. Remember that no amount of babyproofing is the same as adult supervision. Kids are resourceful and while you should babyproof, you should also never leave your young kids unattended. Here are some tips for babyproofing to prevent poisoning:

What substances should you be aware of?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, parents should consider the following substances when babyproofing:

  • Medicines
  • Household products
  • Chemicals
  • Back to school/art supplies
  • Food
  • Animals/insects
  • Plants, mushrooms and berries

What can be done to keep kids safe from these poisonous substances?
Evaluate your home room by room to ensure that poisons and hazardous substances are kept out of the reach of children. Keep all substances properly labeled, including cleaning goods. Don’t put household cleaning substances into new containers, especially containers that previously held food or other safe substances. All hazardous materials should be locked up and well out of the reach of kids. Remember that curious children will climb.

What about carbon monoxide?
Keep a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and test it frequently. Don’t run the car in the garage with the door closed.

Are plants dangerous?
Some household and yard plants can be poisonous. Ask your lawn care specialist to help you locate plants, mushrooms and berries that could be dangerous if ingested by your child.

What if someone has been poisoned?
If your child or another adult in your home has been exposed to a hazardous substance, including a hazardous gas, don’t hesitate to call the toll-free Poison Help line at (1-800-222-1222).

In case of emergency, know how to get to Mercy Hospital. For more information about health concerns or for a physician referral, call our free Consult-a-Nurse service at (305) 285-2929. Our lines are open at any time, day or night. You can also check our ER wait times right on our Mercy Hospital website.

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Could You Have Colorectal Cancer?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by laicos

Discover the common symptoms of colorectal cancer and why you should get screened.

This is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. While colorectal cancer may not get as much press as breast cancer, it’s a type that's very common. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that of cancers that affect both men and women, it’s the second-leading cause of cancer death. Learn to recognize symptoms with the understanding that your best protection is getting screened regularly starting at age 50 or when your doctor recommends.

Bowel habits: The strongest indicator of an issue
Because of the location of colorectal cancer, some of the earliest and most prominent symptoms you might notice have to do with your bowel habits. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent diarrhea or constipation, unusually narrow stools, bloody stools or a feeling of fullness in the bowels. These could be symptoms of many other issues, but it’s best to get checked out by your doctor.

Additional symptoms to be aware of:

  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Frequent tiredness or a feeling of exhaustion
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Gas or lower intestinal pain that occurs regularly

Screenings: Your best defense
If you are concerned about your risk of colorectal cancer, your best defense is getting screened regularly starting at age 50. Don’t wait for symptoms or pain. Many people do not experience symptoms. The CDC reports that well over half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone had regularly and thorough screenings. Colorectal cancer screenings are simple procedures that can help doctors remove polyps before they have the chance to develop into cancer.

Learn more about the cancer care services provided at Mercy Hospital. For more information on The Miami Cancer Center, please call (305) 285-2195.

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