Top 10 Tips for Reducing Pain from Arthritis
1. Find out your risk factors. If you have had past knee injuries, your risk of arthritis in that knee rises by 57%. Find out how your health history may affect your chances of osteoarthritis. If your risks are higher, talk to your physician about what you can do to slow the onset and take care of your joints now. 2. Keep moving. Staying active is the most important thing you can do to ease joint pain. Considering how much joints can ache, moving more feel like the last thing you want to do. However, low-impact exercise will increase flexibility, lessen pain and stiffness and improve joint strength and potential mobility. We challenge you to try it and see what happens! 3. Stretch it out. Make time every day to stretch your muscles. It will be particularly helpful after you have been still for a while, such as first thing in the morning or after a long day sitting at work. 4. Keep off the weight. Did you know that being even 10 pounds over weight will increase the stress on your joints by 30 – 60 pounds with every step you take? By eating a healthy diet and staying active, you can maintain a normal weight without putting any excessive stress on your joints. 5. Consider diet changes. Speaking of maintaining a healthy diet, talk to your physician about foods that might help your condition. Some painkillers may cause constipation, so be sure to stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet. Also, some antioxidants have been known to reduce pain, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can help reduce inflammation. 6. Get help. As motivated as you might be to get ahead of your arthritis, it is important to be realistic about your physical limitations and ask for help. Either call on family members more often or find and use special tools around the house that will reduce the pain of some everyday tasks. 7. Anticipate obstacles. Think ahead and consider what parts of your day may be more or less difficult with joint pain. The weather, illness and extra work obligations can all affect your joint pain. Make sure to plan rest periods and try not to over schedule yourself. 8. Take your medication. Be sure to follow your physician's medication instructions carefully. Find out what foods or medications affect what you're taking and make sure to take your prescribed medications on time every day. 9. Stay informed. Be sure to do your research and learn as much as you can about osteoarthritis. You may be surprised to find out how much pain you can prevent just by understanding how this condition affects your joints and by following up on tips from medical experts. 10. See your doctor regularly. As much responsibility as you take for your condition, you will need help managing it correctly. Stay in contact with your physician and keep regular appointments. If anything seems to change, worsen or improve about your condition, share that information so that treatment can be adjusted accordingly. The orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists at The Medical Center of Plano are experts in their field. They offer effective treatment options for joint pain and other orthopedic conditions. Find out more about therapy, surgical options and our Joint Camp online here. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-665-TMCP.  |
.jpg)
According to the
Top Five Surprising Facts About Robotic Surgery
1. Robotic surgery is always performed by an experienced surgeon.
2. Robotic surgery means smaller and fewer scars.
3. Robotic surgery results in less pain or risk of infection.
4. Robotic surgery results in a much faster recovery period.
5. Robotic surgery treats gynecologic conditions.
Read this impressive patient comment about her recovery from a da Vinci Hysterectomy: "I walked four hours after hysterectomy which removed uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and what turned out to be 100 lymph nodes for pathologic study. I went home after 17 hours in the hospital and resumed a normal lifestyle that included walking several miles at the end of the week of surgery." –Brenda Gordon, da Vinci Hysterectomy for uterine cancer Looking for a physician that performs robotic surgery? Call our physician referral service at 855-665-TMCP (8627)  |
.jpg)
The term "robotic surgery" might seem slightly intimidating to some. Surgery is not something many look forward to anyway, but considering surgery with a "robotic" element may leave many feeling even more apprehensive about the procedure than they did before. If this is how you feel, we're here to put your fears to rest. The Medical Center of Plano now offers an innovative robotic surgical system, the da Vinci Si, designed to improve surgical outcomes and offer a safer procedure to patients. How, exactly? Here are five surprising facts about the da Vinci Si Surgical System.
Bariatric Surgery – Are You a Candidate?
The underlying causes of excess weight are multiple and complex. It is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that in many cases it has a genetic basis. Studies have also demonstrated that once the problem is established, traditional countermeasures such as dieting and exercise often fail to provide long-term improvement. The relative ineffectiveness of these conventional approaches has resulted in an increasing use of surgery to achieve weight loss. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, some 220,000 Americans underwent weight-loss procedures in 2009, the most recent year for which figures are available. Understanding Morbid Obesity Several other factors come into play, including growing knowledge about the risks of “morbid obesity” – excess weight that may trigger one or more health conditions or serious diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) which have the potential to cause significant physical disability or even death. Morbid obesity is usually defined by either a:
Surgical Options Surgery should be viewed first and foremost as a method for alleviating debilitating, chronic disease. For many patients, going without surgery carries a higher risk of death than do the possible complications associated with a given procedure. Patients who have undergone surgery and are benefiting from the results report improvements in their quality of life, social interactions, psychological well-being, employment opportunities, and economic condition. Anyone contemplating bariatric surgery is encouraged to be proactive in learning about the benefits and risks of these potentially life-saving procedures. The Medical Center of Plano’s Bariatric Surgery Institute hosts and coordinates informational seminars and support-group meetings for prospective patients on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The meetings take place on the TMCP campus in Building 3, which is located one block west of the main hospital at 4001 West 15th Street. Attendees learn about the most popular approaches to weight-loss surgery, and have an opportunity to hear what patients who have already undergone bariatric surgery have to say. Prospective patients are encouraged to bring along family members and other loved ones who will form their support system following surgery. For more information, please visit Medical Center of Plano online of call the Bariatric Surgery Institute at 972-596-5225.  |
According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than 134 million Americans − more than two-thirds of the nation’s adult population − are overweight or obese. It’s a condition that results from an accumulation of fat that is out of proportion to the body’s skeletal and physical standards.
Ten Surprising Facts About Skin Cancer
1. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, skin cancer accounts for as much as 50% of all cancers combined, resulting in 1 million cases of skin cancer being diagnosed each year. 2. Melanoma causes 75% of skin cancer deaths. If it is caught before the tumor penetrates the skin, 99% of those diagnosed survive. If melanoma advances, the survival rate is less than 15%. 3. One or more deep sunburns that causes the skin to blister can double the risk for skin cancer. 4. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer for adults ages 24-29. 5. Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners have a 74% higher chance of a melanoma diagnosis than those who have never used a tanning bed. 6. Skin cancer is most deadly for African Americans, Asians, and Latinos, since skin cancer is often diagnosed at later or advanced stage. 7. Regular exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium increases your risk of skin cancer. 8. Skin cancer symptoms include any changes in skin including: mole changes, itchiness, tenderness, oozing, bleeding, changes in color, scaliness or pain. When in doubt, have your skin checked out. 9. Skin cancer is highly curable if caught early, and as many as 85-95% of non-melanoma cancers are completely cured. 10. Annual skin cancer screenings can help prevent or catch skin cancer before it becomes dangerous. Would you like to be screened for skin cancer? Attend our Free Cancer Screening Day on Saturday, April 28, from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the hospital atrium at The Medical Center of Plano. We will also be screening for thyroid cancer, head and neck cancer, and oral cancer. Mammograms will be offered in the Women's Link Diagnostic Center if scheduled in advance. Call 972-612-6500 to make your appointment. For more information about the event, please visit us online here. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-665-TMCP.  |
.jpg)
For many Texans, spending time outdoors in the sun is a work requirement or simply part of a daily lifestyle. Unfortunately, without proper protection, extensive sun exposure can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, which can be deadly. To increase awareness about the risks of skin cancer, we would like to share some surprising facts about this disease. You might want to share this information with any friends or family members who spend time outdoors or in tanning booths.
The Medical Center of Plano Receives Prestigious Magnet Recognition AgainDid you know that The Medical Center of Plano has a nationally recognized nursing staff? In fact, we have recently achieved Magnet Redesignation as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. This voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing. This credential is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands:
So, what does this mean for the patients? A hospital with magnet recognition offers its community the following:
The Medical Center of Plano is extremely proud of our nursing staff for achieving this national recognition for their outstanding efforts in patient care. We know that their hard work and commitment has a significant affect on the lives and care of each patient that comes to our hospital. If you would like to learn more about our Magnet Recognition, please visit our website here. For physician referrals, please call 1-855-665-TMCP.
 |
Top Five Reasons to Become an Organ Donor
1) You could save as many as 8 lives. By donating a number of organs or tissues at once, one organ donor can provide the gift of life to many people. Read some inspiring stories about how organ donation has changed lives here. 2) There is a critical organ shortage. There are over 113,702 people currently waiting for an organ donation. Every 13 minutes, a new person is added to the national transplant waiting list. As many as 18 people die every day waiting for an organ. 3) Organ donation costs you and your family nothing. An organ donor and his or her family are never billed for any expenses related to organ donation. Organ donors also never receive compensation for organ donation. 4) Organ donation is only considered once all life-saving efforts have been exhausted. Most donors are victims of severe brain damage resulting in no brain activity or no ability to breathe without a respirator. Organ donors must be declared brain dead before any organs are considered for donation. 5) It is easy to register. You can register to become an organ donor right now. Just click this link and it will take you to an online Donor Registration Form. Also, be sure to tell your spouse, family and physician about your wish to become an organ donor. If you have more questions about organ donation, be sure to visit the Donate Life Texas website or contact your physician. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-665-TMCP or contact The Medical Center of Plano here.
 |
.jpg)
Maybe you have been meaning to register to become an organ donor but just haven't gotten around to it. Maybe registering has never crossed your mind. Or maybe you are a little nervous about what organ donation actually means for you. April is
Five Healthy Eats On-The-GoIf you’re spending the day out and about, don’t derail your efforts to eat healthy. Fitnessmagazine.com recommends these five quick and tasty snacks as nutritious alternatives to standard “grab and go” treats:
Whether you pack this simple snack yourself, or swing by a mini-mart and pick it up, this delicious combination provides protein, fiber and whole-grain carbs. At around 240 calories, a single serving of crackers and one string cheese keeps your stomach satisfied and your waistline in check.
Get a bottled yogurt smoothie at around 100 calories (for the entire bottle), and add a banana (70 calories) for a delicious, low calorie, nutrient-dense mini-meal. Make sure to read the label and avoid smoothies with high fructose corn syrup, as refined sugar will cause your blood sugar to peak and quickly crash.
This simple snack might remind you of being a kid, but provides a nutritional punch with fiber, calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin. Plus, one medium apple and 18-ounce carton of milk only has 170 calories – a light, delicious, nutritious snack!
Need something a bit more substantial? Spread 1 tbsp. of reduced-fat cream cheese on top of one-half of a whole-wheat bagel. This hearty 200-calorie snack keeps your stomach fuller, longer.
In the mood for comfort food? Skip the French fries and go for a single serving of chocolate-covered pretzels. While they’re not full of nutrients, they do provide enough calories (130 per serving) and a small amount of fat – just enough to keep your stomach satisfied and your mind off of eating. By eating well throughout the day and exercising, you can help reduce your risk for certain conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. For more information on your health and nutrition, visit us online at The Medical Center of Plano or give us a call at 972-519-1207.  |
.jpg)
An Apple and Fat-Free Milk
The Effects of Alcohol on Your Health
• Firstly, a drink is commonly defined as 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, defines drinking in moderation as no more than 1 drink per day for a woman and no more than 2 drinks per day for a man. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 1 drink per day on average for a woman and more than 2 drinks per day on average for a man. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks at a time for a woman and 5 or more drinks at a time for a man. Heavy drinking and binge drinking are both considered excessive alcohol consumption. • Some studies have shown that for some people, consuming alcohol in moderation may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and gallstones. • However, alcohol can be detrimental to your health simply because it impairs judgment and puts you at an increased risk for accidental harm including falls, traffic accidents and drowning. In addition, impaired judgment can sometimes lead to risky sexual behavior, which can result in disease. • And excessive alcohol use can be harmful to both mental and physical wellbeing. Over time, it can contribute to depression, anxiety, heart problems, dementia, stroke, cancer, liver disease and other serious medical conditions. If you struggle with alcohol addiction or have an alcohol-related health concern, The Medical Center of Plano is here to help. Begin by talking to your primary care physician. If you need a referral to a physician, call 1-855-665-TMCP.
Related Posts:  |
So you’ve heard that alcohol can provide certain health benefits, but you also know alcohol can be detrimental to your health. Confused? April is
When to Worry About a Head Injury
• Nagging, painful headaches or stiffness of the neck Also note that any improvement in symptoms followed by a sudden reoccurrence of symptoms can be a sign of a problem. If you suspect that a head injury may be serious, seek immediate medical care. In addition to offering level II trauma services, The Medical Center of Plano is home to NeuroLink offering comprehensive brain and spine services. NeuroLink means a combination of pioneering physicians, innovative technology and an extremely high level of neuroscience care. For more information, visit us online or call us at (972) 596-6800.
Related Posts:  |
.jpg)
A
Generic vs. Brand Name Drugs: Is There a Difference?When it comes to prescription drugs, who doesn’t want to save money? That is, unless it would negatively impact your health. So, just what is the difference between generic and brand names drugs, and is there really a difference at all?
The Similarities
The Differences • Because a generic drug maker doesn’t assume the costs associated with developing and marketing a drug from scratch, generic drugs are very often much less expensive than brand name drugs. On average, the price of a generic drug is between 80 percent and 85 percent less than the cost of its brand name equivalent. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save people approximately $9 billion a year. • Not every brand name drug has a generic equivalent. When a drug is first made, it has a patent that protects against copying the drug for a period of time, typically 20 years. After a patent expires, other companies can begin to make and sell an FDA-approved generic version of the drug. Think you might benefit from switching to a generic drug? Talk to your doctor and use the Drugs@FDA catalog of FDA-approved drugs to find out if there is a generic equivalent to a brand name drug. For more information on generic vs. brand name drugs, or to talk with a doctor and find out what’s best for you, visit The Medical Center of Plano online or call us at (972) 596-6800.
Related Posts:  |