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Super Bowl parties are exciting and fun, but have you considered making this year’s gathering more healthy? Try some of these tips for a get-together that is both safe and enjoyable.Â
Provide a Safe Environment
Provide plenty of seating, and remove any trip hazards for your guests. If you are offering alcohol, try to make your party located away from staircases. You might also want to put your small pets somewhere safe for the event.  Â
.jpg) Serve Healthier Snacks
What you serve at your party will go a long way toward promoting good health. If you want to reduce the amount of trans fat, cholesterol, sugar and other unhealthy foods, serve veggies with dip and other health-conscious alternatives. Provide a non-alcoholic drinks, and have water or coffee ready to serve to those who drink too much alcohol.
Monitor Alcohol Usage
The number one health risk for events such as Super Bowl Sunday is drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol took over ten thousand lives in 2009, according to Fastlane.dot.gov. Monitor your guests. If someone has had too much alcohol, consider cutting that person off from more alcohol. Do not allow your party-goers to get into their cars if they are intoxicated. Have a designated driver who can provide transportation for those who need it.
Be Prepared for Health Emergencies
Be prepared ahead of time in case one of your guests is injured or needs medical care for any other reason. Have hospital information numbers ready and know the location of your local emergency room.
The hospitals of HCA East wish you a safe and happy Super Bowl celebration. For more health information, hospital locations, or to make an appointment, use our free, 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-866-442-2362.
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Don’t Drop the Ball
 The effects of a blow to the head are often mild and temporary. Concussion becomes a concern when the impact is more severe and the effects that come afterward are pronounced and lingering. When choosing how to react to a concussion, erring toward caution may be your wisest choice.
Physical Pain from a Concussion
The physical effects may be the easiest signs to spot when determining whether a concussion is serious. They include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or balance issues, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, numbness, slurred speech, delayed responses and lack of physical coordination. You should take heed if you observe any of these symptoms after an injury or fall.
Diminished Consciousness from a Concussion
Concussion can lead to diminished consciousness, which might often be mistaken for drowsiness. Other symptoms related to an inhibited level of consciousness are sleeping longer, sleeping less, trouble sleeping, and a lack of energy. If you or someone you know has suffered a physical impact, be sure to take note if sleep patterns change.
Cognitive Effects of a Concussion
A concussion may affect the ability to think clearly. You may notice impaired memory, lack of concentration, and difficulty with thought processes. Because these symptoms may be harder to spot, asking questions of the affected individual may help in determining if the condition is serious.
Emotional Signs of a Concussion
Inappropriate or random emotional reactions may occur as a result of a concussion. Emotional hallmarks of a concussion may be irritability, sadness, or anxiety. SafetyResource.org suggests looking for reactions that are out of proportion to the circumstances.
Severe Concussion
A severe concussion may include complete unconsciousness. Other signs to look for are slurred speech, lack of balance, and an inability to focus the eyes. Though these are the most obvious signs, if you suspect a lesser concussion, medical attention may still be needed.
What to Do If Concussion Is Suspected
After a fall or blow to the head, athletes should be removed from competition or practice if you suspect a concussion. It may be possible to determine the level of concussion by severity of the symptoms. However, it is best to seek professional medical assistance if you or someone you know experiences any of the signs. It is critical that anyone who has had a concussion takes time to fully heal before taking the playing field again.
If you have concerns over an impact or sports injury that may involve a concussion, the hospitals of HCA East Florida can help. We provide the very best of emergency care, and you can count on our ER wait times to be low.
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Posted in Signs and Symptoms
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Tagged auto injury, Broward County, concussion, concussion diagnosis, concussion symptoms, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, HCA, hca east, HCA East Florida Division, head impact, head injury, sports concussion, sports injury
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Cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you may wonder what to do next. There are many treatments and strategies available, and it is important that you discuss your options with your doctor. If you are facing chemotherapy, learn all that you can before the process begins.Â
The Purpose of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy targets cells in the process of division. Because cancer growth depends upon cell division, chemotherapy blocks the spread of cancer within your body. Its purpose, according to HealthiNation.com, is to kill and shrink cancer while attempting to keep the patient more comfortable.
During Chemotherapy
During chemotherapy, you will likely experience a number of side effects. According to Cancer.gov, these include anemia, loss of appetite, nausea, hair loss, and fatigue. Some people may feel nausea and fatigue soon after treatment, while others may be more affected within two days. Each person is different.
Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
Once you begin to see how your body reacts to chemotherapy, you will be able to cope with the side effects. Many people choose to eat a light meal before treatment. They find that handling the treatment on an empty stomach is difficult. To combat nausea throughout the chemotherapy process, many patients focus on eating bland foods, such as crackers and rice. The best advice is to eat whatever sounds good to you so you can keep your energy level up.
During chemotherapy, you may find that fatigue keeps you from some of your favorite daily activities. Try to schedule outings around the times when you normally feel best. If you often are tired the day after treatment, make those easy days so you can stay home and off your feet.
If you lose your hair, try to make the best of it. Buy yourself a wonderful hat or scarf, or go shopping for a wig. You can be creative and have some fun. Remember that your hair will grow back, as your body begins to recover.
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.jpg) Accept Help
Fighting cancer is not something you should do alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help from family members and friends. You may appreciate a ride to and from treatment, as well as someone who can help cook and run errands for you. Check out support groups as well. You can benefit from sharing information with others who are facing the same challenges that you are.
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Ask Questions
If you have questions about chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your physician can help you learn what to expect and can help you weigh all your options.
The hospitals of HCA East Florida offer the very latest in cancer care. To learn more or to make an appointment with one of our doctors, call our free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-866-442-2362.
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 If last year’s health resolution didn’t work, try following these handy tips to make 2012 a healthier year.
Walking may be one of the best exercises available. It is free, easy and you can do it virtually anywhere. It is available to a wide range of ages and health situations. It can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone and mental well-being.
Bicycling is a great way to get your heart pumping. It may also help to increase alertness and create a better state of mind. Tailor your bicycle exercise to your specific needs with the gear you use, the speed you travel, and the route you choose.
Sit-ups, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, stretches and hundreds of other options are available at home. Create a list of exercises that use nothing more than your own body. You can fit exercises in between other activities, getting 30 minutes with relative ease.
Outings will invariably include walking, and the sightseeing may give a natural lift to your spirits. Choose interesting locations that will inspire you to move about and explore.
- Â Active Breaks During the Workday
Instead of moving from one chair to another during your break, why not get active? Walk the halls or stroll around the block. Stretches are an easy alternative. When you can, take the stairs rather than the elevator.
- Â Start the Each Day with Exercise
Getting your metabolism started early in the day may help to burn off unwanted fat. Try a mild stretch routine or a brisk morning walk to start your day. Let your body know the day has begun.
- Â Clean the House or Garage
Cleaning the house as a form of exercise kills two birds with one stone. The brighter living space combined with a good workout might also brighten your mood. Use cleaning as an exercise to turn the tables on excuses.
What could be more fun than dancing to get your exercise? It gets your heart beating while making you smile. FitWatch.com suggests dancing as one of the best ways to get a free workout at home.
- Â Take Up an Age-Appropriate Sport
No matter what your age or gender, a sport exists in which you can take part. Find a group that enjoys similar interests and get started. Sports are social and fun while being a great form of exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle is not conducive to prolonged health. Get your body off the couch and into some form of activity.
 Whether in your living room or in the great outdoors, make the choice to be more active in 2012. Want to kick-start your health with a checkup? The hospitals of HCA East Florida can help. For more information or to make an appointment, use our free Consult-A-Nurse line at 1-866-442-2362
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New Year's Eve is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for caution. Alcohol-related injuries and fatalities mar the year-end holiday. But taking precautions may help you ring in the New Year wisely.
New Years Eve Injury and Fatality
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2008, New Year's Eve drunk-driving fatalities constituted roughly one-third of traffic-related deaths for the entire year. The high number of drunk drivers on the road in the early hours on the first day of January is well-documented phenomenon. Despite efforts to educate the public against drunk driving, the year-end holiday remains a dangerous night for both drivers and pedestrians.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reported that habitual drunk drivers will drive under the influence nearly eighty times before the first arrest. The CDC said that nearly half the children killed in drunk-driving accidents were in the car with an alcohol-impaired driver.
MADD exposed that while twenty percent of teens admit to drinking heavily, only one percent of parents believe that their child does so. MADD added that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, one-third of those being alcohol related.
A Safer New Year Celebration.jpg)
You can contribute to a safer New Year's celebration. If you are having a party, consider serving less alcohol or none at all. Keep an eye on your guests and let them know beforehand that you will not allow them to leave in their cars if they are intoxicated. Cabs are available for people who have had too much. Get the number for these services ahead of time and have them handy if you or your friends go out to celebrate at a venue that serves alcohol. Choose a designated driver. A second preventative step is to keep an eye on your designated driver. Make sure he or she doesn’t drink. Don’t be afraid to exert control to keep your friends safe.
If you have teens, be sure they know that drinking is dangerous and they should never get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, also assure them that they can call you for a ride if they or their friends are impaired.
Emergency Assistance
If you are involved in an accident or you witness one, be prepared to take action. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services if you feel they are needed.
The hospitals of HCA East Florida wish you a happy and safe New Year's Eve. To find out more about safety, learn about emergency services ahead of time, or simply schedule an appointment, call our free Consult-A-Nurse line at 866-442-2362.
 Family medical history might not be a subject you enjoy thinking about, but using your relatives’ history of disease and illness may be to your advantage. This holiday season, take the time to discuss your family’s medical history with your immediate family and other relatives. You may wind up saving a life, including your own.
Predict Health Risk Factors
Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and various other diseases often occur in higher incidence within the same family line. Knowing your family medical history can help you to avoid suffering the same illnesses. You can reduce the risk factors for many diseases through diet, exercise and other methods designed to combat one or more illnesses that run in your family. The American Medical Association relates that genetic medicine can now be used to manage more diseases. By knowing which diseases have occurred in your family line, your doctor can target specific symptoms.
Share Family Medical History with Your Doctor
You should always share your family’s medical history with your doctor. Medical professionals will be able to provide you with better care when they know about your disposition to certain diseases. Your doctor can recommend treatments, lifestyle changes and specific testing.
Inform the Emergency Room of Your Family Medical History
Being prepared for a trip to the emergency room may help to save a life. If emergency department personnel know about previous illnesses and current medications, they will be able to offer swifter and safer treatment. You might try having a slip of paper in your wallet or purse that describes medical history for you and your family. DiabetesAdvocacy.com promotes diabetic tattoos as an ever-present message to medical professionals.
Use Family Medical History to Live Smarter
Understanding which diseases may affect your family will help you to create a lifestyle aimed at better health. Learn what foods and activities will help to prevent high-risk diseases. Teach your children patterns now that they will be able to practice throughout their lives.
Take Advantage of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of disease saves lives. Take advantage of your family medical history and schedule regular checkups. With good preventative measures, and early diagnosis of any illnesses that do occur, you and your family can live longer, happier lives. If you haven’t visited your doctor recently, schedule an appointment right now.
For more information on how to make positive use of your family medical history, talk to your doctor. If you need a physician referral, the hospitals of HCA East Florida can help. To schedule an appointment, use our free Consult-A-Nurse line at 866-442-2362
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 When you think of the holidays, you likely think of shopping, spending time with family, and indulging in rich food. You may also think about parties and planning and feeling stressed. However, there are ways you can protect your health, even around holiday time.
Health Year-Round
Year-round health can begin anytime, and the sooner the better. No matter what month it is, you may want to take steps to improve your lifestyle. Most of us will admit that we don’t exercise nearly enough. We may also want to shed those extra pounds. Consumer Reports states that over 40% of those surveyed said they drank sugary drinks at least once a day, even while on weight loss diets. Take a look at your condition and the overall health of those around you. Could it use some improvement? Most of us will answer yes.
Diet and Exercise
Improving your diet and increasing exercise are key factors to better health. Are your children overweight? Do the elderly members of your family get enough physical activity? Are you feeding your family the right foods? You should address all of these questions. Obesity, inactivity and poor diet are enemies of good health. You will likely have family get-together this month. Why not use the holiday season to promote a healthy lifestyle for all of you? Increasing awareness of health issues may prolong the lives of the ones you love, in addition to making each day more enjoyable.
Health 2 You
Understanding what good health is and how to attain it is the first and, possibly, most important step toward the well-being of your loved ones. Health 2 You, or H2U, promotes health education by providing access to materials such as magazines, websites and other informational media. You can learn about your risk factors, understand the symptoms for common diseases, and receive expert dietary and exercise advice. The informational health resources provided by H2U will help to make you an active participant in your ongoing efforts to maintain a well-functioning body.
The Gift of Health for the Holiday
If your health or the health of a special loved one is on your mind, try giving a gift membership to H2U. Long life and improved health may be the greatest gift you ever give.
If you would like to know more about H2U and how the hospitals of HCA East can help you, call our Consult-A-Nurse line at 866-442-2362.
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Posted in How to be Healthy
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Tagged Broward County, diet, disease symptoms, early diagnosis, exercise, H2U, H2U program, HCA East Florida Division, health, Health 2 You, Health 2 You program, health awareness, health education
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 Unsafe toys appear in our stores every year. It's important for parents and other gift givers to know what makes some toys unsafe and understand how to avoid them.
Most Common Toy Hazards
You can increase the safety in your household by learning what types of risks certain toys present. By knowing the dangers, choosing what to buy your child will become easier. The most common toy hazards for children are;
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Asphyxiation
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Eye damage
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Toxins
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Impact
Inflatables
Inflatable toys can sometimes fall into the danger category, especially if they are deflated, which might create asphyxiation risks. The inflatable toys used in the swimming pool might also prove dangerous. Make sure your children do not attempt to stand on or jump onto their floating toys. Such an attempt might result in an impact against the side of the pool.
Toy Weapons
Take special care when considering toy swords and guns. Both can encourage aggressive behavior, and their parts can be dangerous. Swords, even plastic ones, can have sharp tips, and guns may shoot projectiles made of various materials. These can lead to eye injuries and other hazards.
Unsafe Chemicals
You should find out what paints and dyes your children’s toys contain. Although lead has received attention, manufacturers might use other chemicals that are harmful. Artificial hairs on toys might also contain unsafe toxins. Some decorations on toys will rub off or detach. Always read the label to see if the manufacturer has printed warnings about the product.
Loose Parts
World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) cautions that some fiber-like hairs might detach from toys and become a choking hazard while U.S. Public Interest Research Groups warns that magnets can cause serious internal problems if they attract one another after being swallowed. Inspect all toys for parts that might fall off and do damage.
Common Sense
Consider the dangers the toy might present while you are still in the store. Will the toy potentially make your child trip or fall? Does it have small parts that might wind up in the mouths of younger children? Are the decorations on the toy affixed so that they will not detach as choking or chemical hazards?
Taking Control of Toy Safety
Do your research and use common sense when buying toys. Get rid of toys that have caused injuries. Read the labels and learn what the most common risk factors are. Buy toys that you can wash. When considering toy safety, realize that not all countries have the same safety standards. If you have concerns over an injury your child has received, never hesitate to seek professional medical services.
We know that despite all precautions, children sometimes get hurt. For emergencies, dial 911. To make an appointment with an HCA East physician or to learn more about keeping your child safe and healthy, use our Consult-A-Nurse line at 866-442-2362.
Posted in Health for Children
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Tagged Broward County, child safety, childrens hospital, dangerous toys, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, hca east, pediatric physician, toy dangers, toy hazards, toy safety, toys
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 Depression can strike for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately for some, the holidays bring reasons for sadness rather than joy. Knowing how to fight back might help.
Loneliness during the Holidays
Most people consider the holidays a reason to gather together and enjoy the company of friends and family. If you are alone during the holidays, the idea that you should be with others might cause depression. Wishing for the companionship of others during the holidays is not uncommon. Many people flock home for one or all of the seasonal events. Often, we cannot visit our loved ones and favorite friends. If you find you are facing a lonely holiday this year, call nearby friends and find out what they are doing. You can plan a holiday celebration together if they do not have other plans. If not, your local community might have events you could attend. Lastly, you can create a warm holiday of your own. Keep in mind the holidays carry predetermined ideas for behavior. Hooah4Life.com, a website dedicated to army personnel, suggests casting aside expectation that you should feel a specific way during a holiday.
Outgrowing the Holidays
One common reason for depression during the holidays is the loss of childhood sensations. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the other hallmarks of the season bring with them warm childhood memories. When you grow older, you may realize you no longer feel the thrill you once experienced. It’s a good idea to consider that adulthood has perks and freedoms that childhood does not. A tradeoff exists between useful experience and youthful elation. You might try making the most of the wisdom you have gained by creating an exciting holiday for others, especially if you have children.
Activities to Beat Holiday Depression
Some activities you might try when battling holiday blues are:
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Attending community-sponsored holiday events
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Decorating the place where you live
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Planning a holiday event with friends
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Joining a local club that will keep you in good company over the holidays
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Taking a mini-vacation
Asking for Help
If you are feeling blue, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to friends and family about your emotions. You many also benefit from professional counseling. Many HCA East Florida hospitals offer behavioral health services. You can receive a physician referral by contacting the Consult-A-Nurse line at 866-442-2362.
Whether you are asking a friend or consulting a professional practitioner, remember that it is OK to seek assistance from others. Getting help may be one of the best ways to manage your depression.
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 The typical caregiver is pulled in a multitude of directions. On average, a family caregiver is approaching fifty, is female, and often still has older children at home. So a caregiver may be tending an elderly loved one, as well as providing care and guidance to a teenager. All of this comes at a time when the caregiver is still working outside the home.
The National Family Caregivers Association began championing the cause of caregivers in 1994, and every president since President Clinton in 1997 has issued a proclamation honoring our nation’s caregivers, with November being recognized as National Family Caregivers Month. The rewards of being a caregiver are great and include knowing that your loved one is receiving the best and kindest of care, but there are risks, specifically to the caregiver.
Coping as a Caregiver: Being a caregiver can provide a great deal of satisfaction from taking care of someone in need; however, it can also put a tremendous amount of stress on the caregiver. According to Caregiver.org, the biggest signs of burnout for caregivers include the feeling that they are not doing enough, expectations of themselves that are far too high, the lack of control over the situation, and often, confusion over roles (parent versus child, for example). As these symptoms creep in, a caregiver can become quite stressed and may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and in some cases, just angry. Since the average caregiver spends years in the caregiver role, it is important to know the mechanisms to relieve some of the stress and, hence, the burnout.
Coping Mechanisms: A truly important coping mechanism, and one of the hardest, is to ask for help. Quite often the duty of caregiver ends up being a task for one person when there are other family members available to take a turn. Learn how to ask. Other coping mechanisms include:
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Consider using respite care on a regular basis. Let the professionals do some of the heavy lifting so you can take a needed break.
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Accept your limitations on how much you can realistically do and maintain your personal time and relationships.
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In an article published by the National Institute of Health, it is suggested that caregivers take mini-breaks from their responsibilities. Remember that the care of the caregiver is as important as the one being cared for.
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Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise improves your overall outlook and keeps you healthy.
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Eat well and get plenty of rest.
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Take advantage of the feeling of well-being, just knowing you providing compassionate care to a loved one.
Outside Help: When caring for someone, one of a caregiver’s roles is to know when it is time to ask for outside help. The staff at HCA East Florida Hospitals stands ready to assist you in these decisions. For qualified and complimentary advice, give the Consult-A-Nurse® professionals a call at 1-866-442-2362.
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