For Your Health, Summer 2010

For

Your Health

MARTIN MEMORIAL’S WELLNESS MAGAZINE

New Technologies Benefit Stroke and Knee Patients

Know Heart Attack Warning Signs

Martin Memorial

Earns 100 Top Hospitals Distinction for Fifth Time

summer 2010

Martin Memorial Named One of Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals

M

artin Memorial Medical Center has been named one of the 2009 Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals in the United States. This is the fifth time Martin Memorial has earned this esteemed distinction. The study looked at nearly 3,000 hospitals and is based on overall organizational performance.

The study has been conducted annually since 1993. In that time, only 91 hospitals have won the award five times or more — about 3 percent of the total hospitals surveyed — including 14 from Florida.

Research by Thomson Reuters indicates that hospitals that win the award three or more times have particularly high levels of performance over many years.

Martin Memorial was one of 20 winners in the Large Community Hospitals category (250 or more acute care beds in service and not classified as a teaching hospital) and one of only five hospitals from the nearly 300 hospitals in the state of Florida to be honored among the Top 100 for 2009.

A Sign of Our Commitment to the Community

“This is an extraordinary achievement for everyone associated with Martin Memorial,” said President and CEO Mark Robitaille. “Being named as one of the 100 Top Hospitals is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our associates, physicians, volunteers and board leadership. It is also a reflection of our commitment to provide exceptional health care to residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties. We are proud that we have developed a culture of performance excellence, with a strong focus on continually improving clinical quality, patient satisfaction and operational productivity.”

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: National Benchmarks study evaluates performance in these areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety;

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Contents QUICK ACTION SAVES PORT ST. LUCIE MAN’S HEART 4

average length of stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; and postdischarge mortality and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia. To conduct the study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 2,926 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals.

RAISING THE BAR FOR QUALITY AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

“This year’s study magnified the value that 100 Top Hospital award winners provide to their communities. Even during the economic downturn, the 100 Top Hospitals maintained positive operating margins while raising the bar for clinical quality and patient satisfaction,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals programs at Thomson Reuters. “The insistence of these hospitals’ leaders — their boards, executive teams and medical staffs — on overall excellence makes the difference.”

According to the study’s researchers, if all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated in these 100 Top Hospitals award winners: • An additional 98,000 patients would survive each year • About 197,000 patient complications would be avoided every year • Expenses would decline by a total of $5.5 billion a year • The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day To learn more about this distinction, visit mmhs.com.

Barry Lombard knew his worsening chest pain needed medical attention right away — now he wants everyone to know the warning signs of a heart attack.

MARTIN MEMORIAL CONTINUES TO LEAD IN STROKE EDUCATION AND TREATMENT

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Martin Memorial is again recognized for delivering the highest levels of care for stroke patients.

STROKE REHAB TAKES A FUTURISTIC STEP

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Therapists at Martin Memorial are using a sophisticated new tool to help stroke victims and others regain mobility and independence.

VISIT OUR NEW FITNESS CENTER IN PORT ST. LUCIE

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Come get healthier! We’ve just opened another facility that features fitness programs that can help improve your well-being.

For Your Health, a publication of the Marketing Communications Department of Martin Memorial Health Systems, is designed to help you and your family make informed health care decisions.

You can also find answers to your health-related questions by visiting our Web site at mmhs.com. If you have further questions or comments, please contact Susan Polowczuk at (772) 223-2835, or e-mail info@mmhs-fla.org.

Editor: New Growth Media, LLC Featured Writers: Arthur “Rusty” Brink, New Growth Media, LLC, Susan Polowczuk, Scott Samples Art Direction: New Growth Media, LLC Photography: Steven Martine, Peter Gorman Studios Martin Memorial Health Systems is a not-for-profit, communitybased health care organiza­tion. It offers a continuum of care, including preventive, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, fitness and rehabilitation services. Its 2,900 associates and more than 385 affiliated physicians operate in 12 different locations serving Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Cover: Because of the speedy treatment she received at Martin Memorial after her stroke, Ruth Johns is back to her active lifestyle and enjoying tennis again.

Summer 2010 For Your Health 3

Listen to Your Heart: Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

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n 2007, Port St. Lucie resident Barry Lombard experienced discomfort in his upper chest and thought it was merely indigestion.

When it began to worsen, he immediately went to Martin Memorial Health Services at St. Lucie West, where he learned he was having a heart attack. The very next day, interventional cardiologist Stephen McIntyre, MD, performed stent placement surgery on Lombard at the Frances Langford Heart Center at Martin Memorial.

Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether chest pain is simply indigestion or a heart attack. For Lombard, seeking medical care at the onset of symptoms helped avoid complications.

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, and knowing how to respond, could save a life.

These symptoms may appear in men and women: • Chest pain, pressure or squeezing • Shortness of breath • Sweating • Tightness in the chest • Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw • Heartburn or indigestion with or without nausea and vomiting • Sudden dizziness or brief loss of consciousness These symptoms are more common in women: • Indigestion or gaslike pain • Recurring chest discomfort • Dizziness, nausea or vomiting • Sense of impending doom • Unexplained weakness or fatigue • Discomfort or pain in the arms, stomach, jaw, neck or between the shoulder blades • Difficulty sleeping • Cold sweat

Port St. Lucie resident Barry Lombard is back on the golf course thanks to Martin Memorial.

4 For Your Health Summer 2010

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If you or someone you are with has one or more of these symptoms, don’t delay. Call 911 immediately. Lombard’s ability to recognize the signs of a heart attack helped him receive quick treatment, which allowed for a faster recovery and a better outcome.

“After the surgery, I felt great,” Lombard recalls. “The doctors, nurses and everyone in between were always one step ahead. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience considering the severity of the situation. The staff at the heart center made a very difficult time seem easy.”

Lombard’s trip to the heart center was also a learning experience.

Now, at age 68, Lombard shares with family, friends and neighbors the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and he assures them that they will receive excellent care at Martin Memorial.

“Since visiting the heart center, I’ve had other unrelated health concerns,” says Lombard. “When I was faced with the choice of where to have my knee surgery, it was an easy decision. I went to Martin Memorial.”

Q&A for the Heart Q. What is the difference between heart disease and a heart attack?

A. When the arteries that lead to your heart become thickened, hardened or clogged with fat and cholesterol, that’s called heart disease. If one or more arteries become completely blocked and the blood flow to the heart is cut off, that’s a heart attack.

Heart disease is the number-one killer of men and

women alike. Your risk increases as you grow older, beginning at age 45 for men and age 55 for women.

A family history of heart disease also raises your risk.

There are risk factors for heart disease that you

can control, as follows:

• • • •

Don’t smoke Eat a nutritious, low-fat diet Maintain a healthy weight Exercise 30 minutes a day, most days of the week

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control

• Know the warning signs of a heart attack (see page 4)

Q. How important is diet to a healthy heart?

A. A healthy diet lays the foundation for overall wellbeing. And heart-healthy fruits and vegetables — between two-and-a-half and six-and-a-half cups

Explore the Frances Langford Heart Center Online The Frances Langford Heart Center at Martin Memorial offers a full spectrum of cardiac care, from advanced interventional

each day — are the cornerstone.

Your healthy daily diet also should include at least:

• Three ounces of whole-grain foods • Three cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy products • Only small amounts of fats and sweets

services, such as angioplasty and stenting, to open-heart surgery and valve replacements. Visit mmhs.com and click on

To counter heart-related problems, pump up your intake

“Services & Locations,” then “Heart Center.” From there you can:

of omega-3 fatty acids by eating about a three ounce

• Meet the heart center doctors • Learn about the heart center services • Take a virtual tour

serving of salmon or tuna three times a week. Limit sodium

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to less than 2,300 mg. And keep daily cholesterol intake under 300 milligrams by avoiding high-cholesterol foods such as liver, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products.

Summer 2010 For Your Health 5

Martin Memorial Retains Certification as a Primary Stroke Center

S

troke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and one of the most common causes of disability. However, the damage can often be minimized if medical care is provided quickly by highly trained clinical staff.

To help ensure that patients who suffer from stroke receive the best treatment possible, Martin Memorial recently retained certification as a primary stroke center. Martin Memorial was reviewed by The Joint Commission — a health care accrediting body — and received official notification that it had again achieved certification. The Joint Commission certifies health care organizations that meet national standards and performance measurement expectations. The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification program was developed along with the American Stroke Association. Martin Memorial initially received certification in November 2007. To retain certification, hospitals are reviewed on site every two years.

“Stroke patients who are cared for in a primary stroke center have better outcomes with less variation in care, so there are less debilitating aftereffects,” says Jason Stabley, DO, medical director of neuroscience services at Martin Memorial. “This program has been a tremendous benefit for the community, providing not only exceptional acute care treatment, but also valuable information about stroke prevention and the need to seek immediate medical care when a stroke occurs. Those are valuable tools in mitigating the damage of stroke.”

Thanks to an immediate call to 911 and quick treatment from Martin Memorial after That includes understanding risk her stroke, Ruth Johns is healthy and enjoying an active lifestyle again. factors that can lead to stroke, as well as smoking, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol. And because knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke. While some risk there is a limited window of opportunity to provide effective factors — such as age, family history, race or gender — can’t medical treatment, it’s important to recognize the signs and be controlled, others can. Among those risk factors are high symptoms of stroke. blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases, cigarette

6 For Your Health Summer 2010

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What are the most common symptoms of stroke?

What are some other symptoms of stroke?

The following are the most common symptoms of stroke.

However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 right away.

Treatment is most effective when started immediately.

Symptoms may be sudden and include: • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding • Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes • Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination • Problems with movement or walking • Severe headaches with no other known cause

All of the above warning signs will not necessarily occur with each stroke. Do not ignore any of the warning signs, even if they go away — take action immediately. The symptoms of stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Other less common symptoms of stroke may include the following: • Sudden nausea, vomiting or fever not caused by a viral illness • Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures or coma Martin Memorial has earned The Joint • Transient ischemic attack (TIA), Commission’s Gold or mini-stroke, which can cause Seal of Approval™. many of the same symptoms as a stroke. However, TIA symptoms are transient and last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours.

Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded

by TIAs.

Act fast when stroke symptoms present Port St. Lucie resident Ruth Johns knows all

too well the signs and symptoms of stroke.

off circulation to the brain. Tissue plasmin-

ogen activator (tPA) is a clot-busting drug

Johns, age 80, suffered a stroke while

A stroke occurs when blood clots cut

playing tennis, but the quick actions of

that reduces post-stroke disability, but it

the court’s tennis pro made a critical

must be administered within three hours

difference.

after symptoms appear. Unfortunately,

studies show fewer than half of stroke

“He hit a ball to me, and I didn’t

respond. I couldn’t see very well, and I was

patients get to a hospital in time to receive

having a hard time answering his ques-

this lifesaving treatment.

tions. The entire left side of my body felt

numb,” says Johns. “Luckily, he had EMT

shows no signs that she had a stroke.

training, recognized I was having a stroke

and called 911 immediately. An ambu-

within a day and a half,” says Johns. “I share

To learn about Martin Memorial’s stroke

lance took me to Martin Memorial, and I

my story with the hope of helping others.

center and to take a stroke risk assess-

was treated with tPA within 80 minutes

It is so important to act fast. I tell my

ment test, visit mmhs.com and click on

of the onset of symptoms.”

friends and family to never wait for

“Services & Locations,” then “Stroke.”

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Today, Johns is healthy and active, and

symptoms to subside and never try to drive to the emergency room. Call 911 immediately.”

“It’s amazing. I was back to normal

Summer 2010 For Your Health 7

New Bioness Technology Helps

Stroke Patients Walk Again

F

rank Abell suffered a stroke in 2007 and has been recovering ever since.

The 85-year-old Stuart resident was recently introduced to a new high-tech treatment system at Martin Memorial’s Richard C. Raub Rehabilitation Center, and after just a few visits, is out of his wheelchair.

Stroke patients like Abell and other patients suffering from foot drop are offered a new treatment option through Martin Memorial’s rehabilitation program using the wireless NESS L300™ Foot Drop System from Bioness Inc. The innovative wireless system helps patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and incomplete spinal cord injury walk again with a more normalized gait, giving them more function and freedom.

“We are excited to be among a select group of rehabilitation centers in the country to offer this treatment system,” says Doug Brown, Martin Memorial physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. “The NESS L300™ accelerates and complements traditional therapy. By adopting the NESS L300™ System as a standard of care, we hope to maximize patient rehabilitation. For Frank, this therapy is helping him clear his toe when he walks, something he wasn’t able to do when he first arrived.”

The innovative NESS L300™ is the first functional electrical stimulation system that is wireless, low profile and lightweight.

The system has three components: a gait sensor worn in the shoe, a wireless stimulating leg cuff worn below the knee and a clinician-programmed control unit. When the gait sensor detects “heel off,” it sends a message to the leg cuff, which then stimulates the leg muscles to lift the foot accordingly. The advanced IntelliSense Gait Sensor™ technology of the NESS L300™ Foot Drop System allows patients to achieve a more normalized gait on changing terrains and at varying speeds.

“My therapists have done a wonderful job, and this technology has really made a difference,” Abell says with a smile. “This is the first time I’ve been able to walk without a walker.”

For Abell, reclaiming independence through mobility is a big step on the road to recovery.

Frank Abell, alongside Martin Memorial physical therapist Doug Brown, is out of his wheelchair and walking without a walker thanks to new technology at Martin Memorial's Richard C. Raub Rehabilitation Center.

8 For Your Health Summer 2010

To learn more, call Martin Memorial’s Richard C. Raub Rehabilitation Center at (772) 223-4936.

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Robotic Arm-Guided Knee Surgery Benefits Patients

A

tennis injury four years ago left Avis Voorhes with so much pain in her right knee that even walking around the block was a difficult task. Finally, at age 80, Voorhes decided it was time to do something about it.

She spoke with Scott Desman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Martin Memorial, who told Voorhes about a new, minimally invasive partial knee replacement procedure called MAKOplasty® that could benefit her.

“I was intrigued about the procedure, especially when I learned the incision was smaller, there was less loss of blood and recovery is quicker than a total knee replacement,” says Voorhes.

“All of those things were true.”

In fact, Voorhes was out of bed and walking the hospital hallway the same day as her surgery. And four days later, she was at home cooking a meal for a dinner party with friends.

“I was delighted that first day to be up, and I tried to walk more each day,” says Voorhes. “I feel very positive about the entire experience.”

MAKOplasty® is innovative new technology that allows orthopedic surgeons to perform a minimally invasive partial knee resurfacing procedure for early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. MAKOplasty®, powered by the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic system, provides incredible precision and improved results for partial knee resurfacing.

Martin Memorial is the first hospital on the Treasure Coast to have MAKOplasty®, with the closest facility in Broward County.

“Using the MAKOplasty® technique, the surgeon can plan and perform a virtual surgery on the computer before going to the OR, and then carry out the plan using the robotic arm system to allow a degree of precision never before possible,” says Dr. Desman.

“This allows for a truly minimally invasive procedure that speeds recovery in the short term and, most importantly, will improve the durability for better long-term results.”

Scott Desman, MD

MAKOplasty®, powered by the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic system, provides incredible precision and improved results for partial knee resurfacing.

Through innovative technology, MAKOplasty® is able to improve the level of precision with partial knee resurfacing. During a MAKOplasty® procedure, surgeons utilize a robotic arm and a 3-D virtual visualization system to facilitate optimal joint resurfacing and implant positioning.

The system provides the surgeon with a presurgical plan that details the technique for bone preparation and customized implant positioning using a CT scan of the patient’s knee. During the procedure, the system creates a three-dimensional, live-action, virtual view of the patient’s bone surface and correlates the image to the preprogrammed surgical plan.

As the surgeon uses the robotic arm, its tactile, acoustic and visual feedback limits the bone preparation to the diseased areas and provides for the best possible positioning and placement of the implant for each individual patient.

“MAKOplasty® allows us to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis at earlier stages and with greater precision,” says Norman Palmeri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Martin Memorial.

“Because it is less invasive and more of the patient’s natural knee remains, the goal is for patients to have more natural knee motion postoperatively.”

Norman Palmeri, MD

For more information, please call 1-866-361-HOPE (4673).

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Summer 2010 For Your Health 9

Philanthropy Matters

TM

If you are WILLing

I Arthur “Rusty” Brink Jr., Vice President and Chief Philanthropic Officer, Martin Memorial Foundation

t’s reported by a variety of sources that seven out of 10 people in the United States do not have a will.

Are you one of those 70 percent?

People often believe they do not need a will because their estate is too small. Everyone needs a will! Frankly, the only way you can guarantee that your estate — whatever size it is — gets handled the way you intended is to have an attorney prepare (or update) a will to meet your personal, financial and philanthropic objectives.

Why do you need a will?

Do you have new children and/ or grandchildren? Has your marital status changed, or have you recently lost your spouse? Have you moved to a new state, changed jobs, received an inheritance, or bought or sold a business, a home or real estate? Have your assets increased or decreased in any substantial way? Are there guardianship interests for children and/or grandchildren? Do you own property in more than one state? Do you know that you could pay income taxes equal to as much as 50 to 70 percent of the value of your IRA or other tax deferred accounts? Will your tangible personal

property go to the heir you want to receive it? Would you like to make specific bequests to heirs and/or charities like Martin Memorial?

These are just a few examples of why you need a will that meets your personal needs. It is not a very difficult process, but it can ensure that your wishes are met. Remember, if you do not have a will, the government will decide for you how your assets are distributed after you are gone.

Consider philanthropy

The Martin Memorial Foundation encourages you to prepare a will to ensure that your personal and financial objectives are met, but also to give you an opportunity to consider philanthropy as a part of your estate planning strategy. Martin Memorial continues to benefit from the generosity of the thoughtful people who included Martin Memorial, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, in their wills.

It’s easy to get started. Visit the “Will Wizard” at GIVEmmhs.org today.

Without philanthropy, Martin Memorial could not offer the quality health care services it provides to the community. We invite you to help. To learn more, call Arthur “Rusty” Brink Jr., CFP, at (772) 223-5635 or visit GIVEmmhs.org for details on how you can make a lifesaving gift.

The spirit of giving Anne Moon’s passion for Martin Memorial was evident in the

dedication to Martin Memorial continued.

amount of time she spent volunteering at the hospital. In

26 years, Moon accumulated more than 15,500 hours of service

Memorial. Funds from the gift will also benefit the heart center.

as part of the Martin Memorial Auxiliary.

Ripper, senior vice president and chief nursing officer, who knew

She served as president of the Auxiliary from 1988 to 1989

Moon left a second gift of $250,000 in her will to Martin “Anne personified the spirit of our volunteers,” says Karen

but continued giving back long after her tenure was complete.

Moon for many years. “Her compassion and her dedication to

Moon spent countless hours volunteering in the intensive care

helping Martin Memorial provide the best possible care to the

unit waiting room as well as in the emergency department.

community were inspirational to everyone around her.”

But Moon was generous with more than her time. In 2005,

she made a gift to the Martin Memorial Foundation for $250,000, dedicated to the Frances Langford Heart Center that would open

For a free, no-obligation booklet on how to plan your will,

the following year. In January 2010, Moon passed away, but her

call (772) 781-2729.

10 For Your Health Summer 2010

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Martin Memorial Auxiliary Pledges $150,000 to remodel Medical Center conference center

W

hen the Martin Memorial Auxiliary completed its $1 million pledge for the Frances Langford Heart Center early in 2009, its members decided to turn their attention to another big fund-raising project.

So the Auxiliary — which includes nearly 900 volunteers who contribute approximately 200,000 volunteer hours each year — has announced its commitment to raise $150,000 to refurbish the conference center at Martin Memorial Medical Center. The Auxiliary paid the first installment with a $50,000 gift at the end of 2009 and anticipates completing the commitment by 2011.

This isn’t the first time the Auxiliary

has contributed funds for this purpose: In 1982, the volunteers donated $75,000 for the construction of the conference center.

Today, the conference center serves a wide variety of purposes that can include everything from educational seminars to support groups, community celebrations to hospital staff and Auxiliary meetings.

“We felt this was an important project that needed to be accomplished, and we were happy to help facilitate it,” says Eva Kemp, immediate past president of the Auxiliary.

“The conference center provides a centralized meeting location that serves the needs not only of the hospital’s staff and Auxiliary, but of the entire community as well.”

The Auxiliary raises funds through a variety of sources. That includes purchases from the gift shops at Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South, the thrift shop located at Smithfield Plaza, Philips’ Lifeline personal response service, as well as numerous fundraisers throughout the year.

Funding will be used to purchase a new audio-visual system, as well as functional and aesthetic renovations for the nearly 30-year-old conference center. Renovations will be performed in phases, beginning with an upgrade to the audio system. Plans will then be made for upgrading the visual system and other needs after October 2010.

Save the Date: Goombay Bash, July 17 Join the Martin Memorial LifeSavers at the Ninth Annual Goombay Bash on Saturday, July 17, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Four Fish Marina, 2225 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. Proceeds from this sizzling summertime party benefit the Martin Memorial Maternal-Child, Pediatrics and Pediatric Rehabilitation departments. Visit GIVEmmhs.org or call (772) 223-5634 for tickets and information.

Join sponsorship chairs (clockwise from top left) Katie McCarthy and Missy DuBois along with event chairs Lauren Anderson and Becky Klein at the 2010 Goombay Bash on July 17.

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Summer 2010 For Your Health 11

Personal Trainer Colt McDonough works with Frank Hartsell, a member at Martin Memorial Health and Fitness at Port St. Lucie Community Center.

Martin Memorial Opens Fitness Center at

Port St. Lucie Community Center

M

artin Memorial Health Systems has opened a new fitness facility in the Port St. Lucie Community Center.

Martin Memorial Health and Fitness at Port St. Lucie Community Center is located at 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd.

This fitness center includes a full line of cardiovascular and strength equipment, personal training and massage therapy.

Silver Sneakers classes are also offered. This class is a fun way of moving to music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of motion and activities for daily living.

Martin Memorial operates six medically directed health and fitness centers in St. Lucie West, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Palm City, South Stuart and Hobe Sound. Each center provides members with access to highly trained staff

12 For Your Health Summer 2010

dedicated to improving and sustaining individual wellbeing through fitness. That includes programs designed to improve disease management and to integrate clinical care.

Members can receive individual fitness profiles that will help them reach personal goals, identify potential problems and highlight areas that can be worked through with assistance from Martin Memorial’s certified personnel.

Special introductory personal training rates are available.

Start getting fit today! Call Martin Memorial Health and Fitness at Port St. Lucie Community Center at (772) 344-0451 or visit mmhs.com and click on “Services & Locations,” then “Fitness Centers” to learn more.

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Bring on the Beans!

B

eans, beans, they’re good for your heart — and lots of other things, too. Research shows that in addition to lowering heart disease risk, eating beans regularly can help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer and may even help you lose weight.

Plus, they’re cheap.

The lowly bean is really a diet superstar. Packed with protein and key nutrients, like folate, potassium, magnesium, zinc and lysine, beans are also cholesterol-free and low in fat. Because they contain lots of fiber and carbohydrates that digest slowly, beans tend to fill you up, not out.

“The fiber in beans can also help control blood glucose levels,” says Sally Hastings, MS, RD, LD/N, Martin Memorial’s clinical outpatient nutritionist. “Fiber slows the breakdown of nutrients, allowing glucose from foods to move into the blood little by little.”

Bean Basics

Beans are considered part of a healthy diet for everyone. National nutrition guidelines call for eating three cups of legumes, such as dry beans, peas and lentils, weekly.

For maximum health benefits, eat beans several times a week. One study showed women who ate four or more servings a week had a lower risk for colorectal cancer than those who ate one serving or less.

In other recent research, people who ate one-half cup of pinto beans, which are high in fiber, daily had lower cholesterol than those who didn’t eat any.

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Double Duty

One-half cup of cooked beans counts as a serving of vegetables, according to dietary guidelines. But because they’re also high in protein, beans can stand in for meat, too. One-half cup of cooked beans is equal to two ounces of meat, fish or poultry.

Complement the Protein

“To make bean dishes more nutritiously powerful, add nuts, seeds or grains to the meal. This produces a complete protein with all 10 essential amino acids needed to build and repair tissue,” says Hastings. “For centuries, many cultures have combined beans and rice for a meatless meal full of all the protein needed to thrive.”

Turn Down the Gas

Minimize the downside to beans — intestinal gas. Boil beans for two to three minutes, soak overnight in fresh water and replace water again before cooking. Or use canned beans.

Nutrition counseling services, as well as group and private weight management services, are available at the Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing to help you make healthy choices.

For more information, visit mmhs.com and click on “Services & Locations,” then “Center for Health and Healing,” or call (772) 223-4916.

Blender Bean Dip Makes about two cups of dip Ingredients 1 15.5-oz. can of beans (red kidney beans, navy beans or black beans) 1 14.5-oz. can of diced tomatoes, with chilies and spices added 1 Tbsp. powdered cumin 1 Tbsp. chili powder ½ cup fresh cilantro Directions 1. Drain and rinse beans and put into blender.

2. Drain tomatoes and add to blender.

3. Add cumin, chili powder and cilantro.

Blend to desired consistency.

4. Refrigerate until ready to serve with baked corn chips or toasted whole wheat pita triangles.

Per Serving (about ¼ of recipe) Calories 56, Total fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 492 mg, Carbohydrates 10 g, Dietary fiber 4 g, Protein 3 g

Summer 2010 For Your Health 13

Welcome New Physicians!

Look What’s Happening

The following physicians recently joined the Martin Memorial team:

Mark your calendar for these health-related events. For a complete list of community events, visit mmhs.com and click on “Calendar of Events.”

Margaret Altman, MD Internal Medicine Kenneth Kohen, MD Gastroenterology Yvonne Romagosa, MD Dermatology Louis Sabatini, DO Emergency Medicine For a physician referral, call 1-800-DOCTORS.

FREE BALANCE SCREENING Martin Memorial's free balance screenings are now located at the Tiffany Rehabilitation Center in Port St. Lucie.

Tiffany Rehabilitation Center 1651 S.E. Tiffany Ave., Suite 202 Port St. Lucie Call (772) 398-1885 to schedule an appointment.

Bariatric Patient Information Sessions Tuesdays, May 18, June 15, June 22, July 13 and July 20 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Learn about Martin Memorial’s weight-loss programs.

Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Room C 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart Call 1-866-361-HOPE (4673) for future dates.

Stroke Support Group Thursdays, May 20 and June 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Room A 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart Call (772) 223-5945, ext.3642, for more information.

National Cancer Survivors Day Friday, June 4, 12 to 2 p.m.

Cancer survivors and their families and friends are invited to share inspirational stories and enjoy musical entertainment and refreshments.

Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, Resource Center, Second Floor 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart Space is limited; please RSVP to (772) 223-5945, ext. 3736.

14 For Your Health Summer 2010

Heart Link Cardiac Club Tuesday, June 8, 2 to 3 p.m.

Martin Memorial Medical Center Conference Center Call (772) 221-2094 for more information.

Living Tobacco Free Smoking Cessation Program Wednesdays, June 16 to July 21, 12 to 1 p.m.

Receive educational, behavioral and nutritional support in a group setting to help you quit tobacco use.

Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, Second Floor 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart Call (772) 223-4916 to register.

Weight Management Class For physician Mondays, July 12ato Oct. 4, referral, call 1-866-361-HOPE (4673) or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. visit mmhs.com and click on Receive educational, behavioral and “Find ainDoctor.” nutritional support this 12-week group weight management class.

Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart Call (772) 223-4916 for more information.

ninth Annual Goombay Bash Saturday, July 17, 7 to 11 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Martin Memorial Maternal-Child, Pediatrics and Pediatric Rehabilitation departments.

Four Fish Marina 2225 N.E. Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach Visit GIVEmmhs.org or call (772) 223-5634 for tickets and information.

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Martin Memorial Health Systems

P.O. Box 9010 Stuart, FL 34995-9010

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For Your Health is published four times a year by Martin Memorial Health Systems, P.O. Box 9010, Stuart, FL 34995-9010. Š 2010. All rights reserved.

For Your Health and its graphic representation are trademarks. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. No material in this issue may be reproduced without written permission.

All articles in For Your Health are written and edited by professionals in health care communications and reviewed for accuracy by appropriate specialists. For Your Health does not promote any form of medical treatment, nor does it encourage the selfmanagement of medical problems. It is meant to supplement, not replace, the advice and care of health care professionals.