Inspired Tampa Bay: Spring 18

The Health and Wellness Magazine of Florida Hospital

S PR ING 2 018

BLOOD PRESSURE

IS YOURS TOO HIGH? KIDS & ASTHMA

KNOW THE SIGNS

WHEN TO SEEK CARE:

ORTHOPEDICS

FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 1

2/7/18 8:33 AM

YOURCARE. CARE. YOUR YOURNETWORK. NETWORK. YOUR YOURLIFE. LIFE. YOUR

FHWFD-10334

FHWFD-10334

Smile more.

Stress less.

Smile more.

Stress less.

And discover your best self And discover your best self along the way.

Because with the along the way.

Because with the Florida Hospital network care Florida Hospital network of of care behind you through every step, behind you through every step, every milestone, every turning every milestone, every turning point, you can live your fullest point, you can live your fullest lifelife every age and every stage. at at every age and every stage.

FHCareNetwork.com (844) (844) 880-8786 FHCareNetwork.com 880-8786

FH_Spring_2018_final3.indd 2

2/7/18 3:12 PM

Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

—Theodore Roosevelt

SPRING 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

10

4

SEEING IS BELIEVING

How one diabetes patient found the motivation to change his lifestyle.

6

KIDS & ASTHMA

Careful management helps children breathe easier.

8

BLOOD PRESSURE NEWS Understanding the new, lower guidelines.

10

COLONOSCOPY

6

12

14

What to expect from this lifesaving screening.

12

SPRING CLEANING

Don’t overlook your medicine cabinet as you spruce up for spring.

13

BETTER SLEEP HABITS How to get the rest your body needs.

14

WOMEN & URINARY INCONTINENCE

Medical help is available for this common problem.

16 FHWFD-10334

ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES

18

When to seek care.

18

POWER FOOD

A salute to spinach.

FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 3

2/7/18 8:33 AM

SEEING IS BELIEVING SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

HOW ONE DIABETES PATIENT FOUND THE MOTIVATION TO CHANGE HIS LIFESTYLE AFTER WITNESSING WITH HIS OWN EYES THE DIFFERENCE DIET AND EXERCISE CAN MAKE. PAUL RAY OF ZEPHYRHILLS is a down-to-earth, no-nonsense guy. He doesn’t care for advice or speculation. He just wants the facts.

There’s one source, however, he always trusts—his wife, Carolyn, a retired nurse.

A few years ago, she said something that made him take notice: “I love you so much, I don’t want to lose you. We’ve got to get your health problems in check.”

She was referring to Paul’s type 2 diabetes, along with his high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Paul had grown nonchalant about these issues. Sure, he’d gained weight since he stopped working, and his blood-sugar levels had skyrocketed. But he was taking medications for all his conditions and didn’t see why he needed to change.

Then his wife noticed a twoday diabetes seminar that was

being held at Florida Hospital in Zephyrhills, and he allowed himself to be talked into going.

They attended the seminar led by Myriam Parham, RD, CDE, the hospital’s diabetes education coordinator. Paul had no intention of actually paying attention and fidgeted his way through several hours. By the afternoon, however, he found himself listening with increased interest.

“The success of our program,”

4 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 4

2/7/18 8:33 AM

“WHAT CHANGED ME WAS CHECKING MY BLOODSUGAR LEVELS AFTER A MEAL AND WITNESSING THE DIFFERENCE FOR MYSELF.” — Paul Ray says Myriam, “is that it’s interactive, whether participants are aware of it or not. We sat with Paul and went over what he ate and how he took his blood-sugar levels. Then we came up with an individualized plan.”

She also suggested that Paul try an eating experiment for several days. “I was to eat exactly as I always did, but take my blood sugar before a meal, then wait two hours and take it again,” says Paul. “When my wife and I went out, I checked my sugar and it was 175. After a fried-fish dinner, I went home and took it again. It was almost 300. What an eye-opener— that the foods I eat every day caused such elevated levels.”

The power of threes

Commitment is key The more Paul walked and followed his eating program, the more weight began to come off. Then, his pain began to ease. “My back pain decreased, and so did my ankle pain,” he says. Paul even found a way

OPPOSITE: Paul Ray credits a diabetes class at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills with helping him to see how he could influence his own health.

ABOVE: Paul with diabetes educator Myriam Parham, RD, CDE.

to alter his stride so he could walk on his tender knee.

By the time Myriam and her staff called for a follow-up four months later, Paul was jubilant: “In 119 days, I’d dropped 40 pounds, and my blood-sugar levels had decreased from 8.5 to 6.0.”

Paul no longer needs medications for diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol—his indicators for each condition are normal without them.

Myriam says, “Paul’s improvement was exceptional, but a lot of people get amazing results with our handson program.”

“What changed me,” says Paul, “was checking my blood-sugar levels after a meal and witnessing the difference for myself.”

Those illuminated numbers were facts Paul could believe in, and they changed his life.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

To help people with diabetes learn as much as possible about the disease and how to manage it, Florida Hospital offers a variety of services, including classes, support groups and individual counseling.

To learn more, visit us online at FHCareNetwork.com.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

And there was another seminar lesson that stuck with Paul—how you can improve diabetes by the power of threes: monitoring what you eat, the amount you eat and your activity.

For exercise, Paul’s doctor suggested a daily walk of 45 minutes. Paul says, “I was a fat man, 252 pounds and 73 years old, but I agreed to try.”

In the beginning these walks were a terrible chore. “I had 40,000 reasons why I didn’t want to do them. Everything hurt: my back, my left ankle and my knee.

“My doctor said, ‘Use your pain as your guide. Like the Marines when they’re wounded—they walk through their pain until they reach their goal.’”

Paul kept that in mind as he lurched down the street each day.

5 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 5

2/7/18 8:33 AM

KIDS & ASTHMA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

WHILE NOT CURABLE, ASTHMA CAN BE CAREFULLY MANAGED TO LET CHILDREN BREATHE EASIER.

6 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 6

2/7/18 8:33 AM

SPRING FLOWERS can take your

breath away. And not just because their beauty is such a welcome break from winter landscapes. For children with asthma, the high pollen counts that come with spring can spell breathing trouble.

During an asthma attack, the airways swell, produce excess mucus and narrow, limiting the amount of air that gets into the lungs. Asthma is a chronic condition, and attacks can vary from mild to severe enough that they require immediate medical attention.

Pediatric asthma is a leading cause of emergency room visits and absences from school.

Allergic reactions to environmental triggers, such as pollen or pet dander, can cause asthma attacks.

In the Tampa Bay area, pollen from cedar, cypress and oak trees can wreak havoc on allergy and asthma sufferers. Exposure to smoke and cold air also can trigger attacks, as can physical expressions of emotion (crying, laughing or yelling, for example).

Many children with asthma experience symptoms when they’re physically active, a condition called exercise-induced bronchospasm. Your

child’s doctor can help devise an action plan that makes participating in sports safe, for example by using an inhaler before physical activity.

Exercise can actually strengthen airway muscles, improving their function.

The exact cause of pediatric asthma is unknown, but research suggests interplay between the immune system and early exposure to environmental irritants. Genetics may also play a role.

Though there’s no known cure for asthma, most serious effects are avoidable with proper treatment. Your child’s doctor can help you identify and avoid triggers, and develop an action plan to share with school personnel. Medications can help prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways, and inhalers can be used to relax the muscles around the airways during an attack.

In some children with environmental allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help reduce asthma symptoms, making it easier for children and parents alike to relax and enjoy the many pleasures of spring.

Asthma symptoms can present themselves without any obvious cause, but often asthma is aggravated by common triggers like these: • Allergens, including pet hair and dander, dust mites, mold and pollen • Infections, including a cold or the flu • Weather changes, especially colder weather • Pollutants like cigarette smoke and general air pollution • Physical and emotional exertion, including exercise, strong emotions and stress

COMMON

SYMPTOMS Consult your child’s pediatrician if you suspect asthma.

Symptoms to watch for include:

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS Since asthma affects breathing, it can be deadly in a worst-case scenario. When in doubt, go to the hospital.

Definitely go to the emergency room if your child is:

• Frequent cough • Wheezing while breathing Changes in facial color, like bluish lips

• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing • Chest pain, tightness • Fatigue

Wheezing nonstop

Breathing with the help of stomach muscles

Flaring nostrils while breathing

• Poor sleep • Breathing trouble that limits play

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

So out of breath he can’t finish a sentence

COMMON

TRIGGERS

7 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 7

2/7/18 8:33 AM

A NEW LOW FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A LOWER THRESHOLD MEANS MANY MORE AMERICANS SHOULD MAKE CHANGES TO AVOID THIS THREATENING CONDITION. NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS now have blood pressure above the normal range, based on new guidelines set late last year by the American College of Cardiology and 10 other health-professional organizations. The new guidelines define high blood pressure as a reading of 130 over 80—down from 140 over 90.

That means the most common chronic cardiovascular condition in the United States just became a lot more common. Under the previous guidelines, which had been in place for 14 years, only 32 percent of U.S. adults were considered to have high blood pressure. Now experts estimate that 46 percent of us are affected.

Based on the new definitions, the American College of Cardiology predicts that the number of people younger than 45 with high blood pressure will likely triple among

American men and double among women.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, causes harm by increasing the workload of your heart and blood vessels.

This condition can cause chest pain, heart attack or stroke. Additionally, one in five adults with high blood pressure has chronic kidney disease.

Not all people who suddenly find themselves with a diagnosis of elevated or high blood pressure will require medication. With the new guidelines, which were developed after a panel of 21 scientists and health experts reviewed more than 900 published studies, doctors aim to identify affected patients earlier. This will allow them to raise awareness and provide resources to help patients bring blood pressure down through lifestyle changes, reducing the risk of future complications.

WHERE DO YOU FALL?

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

If you know your blood pressure, check the chart below to see whether you may need to review your situation with your physician. If you’re older than 40, African-American or have a family history of hypertension, you should be screened every year. Other adults should have their blood pressure checked every two years.

BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY

SYSTOLIC mmHg (upper number)

DIASTOLIC mmHg (lower number)

NORMAL

LESS THAN 120

AND

LESS THAN 80

ELEVATED

120–129

AND

LESS THAN 80

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1

130—139

OR

80—90

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2

140 OR HIGHER

OR

90 OR HIGHER

8 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 8

2/7/18 8:33 AM

WHAT YOU

CAN DO

Lifestyle can have a big impact on blood pressure. Each of the habits below can help you keep yours at a healthy level.

Maintain a Healthy Weight. Shedding excess pounds is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure.

Keep Your Diet Healthy. Choose vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, fruits and whole grains. Avoid salt, saturated fat and cholesterol. Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Exercise Consistently. In people who are not physically active, blood vessels constrict, increasing blood pressure. To start moving more, try going for a walk at lunch and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Work toward 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week.

Don’t Smoke. Smoking raises blood pressure. Regardless of how old you are, quitting will help you live longer.

Reduce Stress. Ongoing stress can raise blood pressure. Take a look at what makes you worry, and develop strategies to help you cope with situations you can’t change.

HOW YOUR

HEALTH IS AFFECTED Over time, the damage high blood pressure causes to your arteries and heart can lead to serious conditions, including: Stroke Vision Loss Heart Failure Heart Attack Sexual Dysfunction

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

Kidney Disease/Failure

9 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 9

2/7/18 8:33 AM

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

THE SCREENING YOU SHOULDN’T AVOID

10 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 10

2/7/18 8:33 AM

THE COLONOSCOPY’S UNPLEASANT REPUTATION IS, FOR THE MOST PART, UNDESERVED—AND IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE. THE 50TH BIRTHDAY. It’s quite a milestone. Those who make it to the half-century mark rightly feel a sense of accomplishment. But that feeling can be tinged with just a little apprehension. In the back of our minds, we know: It’s time for that first screening for colorectal cancer.

While preparation for a colonoscopy is still quite a comedown from birthday cake, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the stressful experience you may have heard about from a friend or family member.

A dangerous disease Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but when colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. That rate goes down drastically if the cancer spreads outside the colon or rectum.

Screening gives doctors a chance to find and remove polyps before they become cancer—a process that can take five to 10 years—and to excise small cancers before the situation becomes critical.

The scoop on preparation In order to detect polyps, doctors need to get a clear view, which means the colon has to be emptied.

While that used to mean drinking a large amount of unpleasant liquid in a short timeframe the night before the procedure, today the process is far easier.

COLORECTAL CANCER

There are a few factors that put you at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Some of them, like your age or family history, you can’t control.

But here are a few factors you can influence.

WEIGHT: Excess weight and larger waistlines increase risk. Work to reach or maintain a healthy weight.

ACTIVITY: Regular exercise reduces risk. A half hour of moderate physical activity (brisk walking, swimming, mowing the lawn) five days a week is recommended.

DIET: Eat more vegetables, lean proteins, fruits and whole grains. Eat fewer red and processed meats, such as hot dogs.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

RISK FACTORS FOR

Now, you can drink about half of the bowel-clearing liquid the night before, and the remaining dose about six hours prior to the colonoscopy. Planning to be home during this time will, of course, ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Starting a few days before the procedure, you’ll be asked to start eating a low-fiber diet free of grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and raw fruits and vegetables. The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll be restricted to clear liquids, such as broth, black coffee or tea and clear juice. For the exam itself, you may be advised to take the day off work and should ask a friend or relative for a ride home afterward, as you’ll likely still be under the influence of a sedative.

Although having a colonoscopy every 10 years is the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening, there are other options. CT colonoscopy, also known as a virtual colonoscopy, usually is done every five years. This method uses X-rays and computer imagery to give doctors a picture of the colon.

Another choice is flexible sigmoidoscopy, which allows doctors to check the inner lining of the rectum and the lower colon. There are even highly sensitive home-test kits that can detect unseen blood in the stool. Those require no bowel preparation, but must be done every year. Talk to your doctor about the best screening option for you based on your health history, symptoms and risk level.

11 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 11

2/7/18 8:33 AM

SPRING CLEAN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

SAFELY DISPOSE OF UNNEEDED MEDICATIONS TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS AND DRUG ABUSE. IS YOUR MEDICINE CABINET brimming with half-empty bottles of unneeded or expired medication?

Many people accrue a collection of leftover drugs over time, the result of injuries that healed sooner than expected or old medication that wasn’t needed once a new drug was prescribed in its place.

You may not give your unwanted drugs a second thought, but there are sound reasons to get rid of old medications cluttering your cabinet.

Safeguarding children. A curious child who looks through your cabinet may wonder why you have colorful “candy” in the bathroom, then sample a few pills.

This can lead to poisoning or even death.

Stopping drug abuse. A teen or adult who’s seeking a high may check your cabinet for pain medication or other substances, assuming that you’ll never miss pills from a forgotten vial. This is particularly worrisome if your medicine cabinet holds highly

addictive prescription opioids.

Sharing isn’t caring. Even giving your unneeded pills to a friend or relative who takes the same medication can be harmful, especially when the dosage is higher than intended or the medication has expired.

You may be inclined to flush unwanted medications down the toilet, but this can contaminate the water supply in your area.

Instead, seek out a drug-take-back program, which many counties and municipalities offer.

Every take-back program is different, so find out whether the one you plan to use accepts both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and if there are any restrictions on liquids or syringes.

Be sure to black out or remove all personal information before putting prescription drugs in a drop box.

This simple gesture will help keep your loved ones safe, the environment clean and your medicine cabinet tidy.

RX DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

It’s simple to dispose of unneeded or expired medication in our area. Use the links below to learn more about programs and locations in each county.

Hillsborough County AntiDrug Alliance: hcso.tampa .fl.us/Articles/Articles/ Prescription-Drug-DropBoxes.aspx Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention: PascoASAP.com Pinellas County’s Operation Medicine Cabinet: pinellasdrugabuse .com/?page_id=51

12 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 12

2/7/18 8:33 AM

Habits 6 Better Sleep for

TOO LITTLE SLEEP HAS A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HEALTH. OUR EXPERT TIPS WILL HELP YOU GIVE YOUR BODY THE REST IT NEEDS. 1. Resist the snooze button. As good as that extra seven minutes might seem, it won’t be the quality sleep that will make you feel rested. Instead, set your alarm 10 minutes later, then get up right away.

2. Do something physical. A daily 30-minute walk might be the change you need. A 2013 poll found that people who exercise report sleeping better and feeling more rested than those who don’t exercise. Get outside, if possible: Sunlight will help regulate your internal clock.

THE DANGERS OF

LOSING SLEEP

Not sleeping enough increases your risk of: • Diabetes • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Impaired memory • Lack of alertness • Obesity • Stroke

3. Put your phone down. Turn on the do-not-disturb mode to prevent notifications and give your mind a break. Better yet, buy an alarm clock so you can leave your phone outside the bedroom.

4. Keep your room dark.

Hang room-darkening curtains or purchase an eye mask. Even light from your cable box can be disruptive.

5. Avoid alcohol.

Drinking before bed may give you the illusion of better sleep, but studies have shown it doesn’t get you the quality sleep you need. Also avoid caffeine from early afternoon on, and heavy meals late at night.

6. Keep a consistent schedule. No matter how good it feels to ignore the alarm clock on weekends—don’t. It can shift your body’s natural clock. Keep your sleep/wake schedule as consistent as possible.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

THINK YOU’RE not getting enough sleep? You’re not alone.

One-third of U.S. adults don’t sleep for the recommended seven hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And life in 2018 isn’t helping.

Your cell phone, tablet and television all emit a type of blue light that restrains melatonin, which controls your sleep/ wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep. Certain settings can restrict some blue light, but they don’t limit the distraction that comes from the constant stream of information.

Not to mention all of the day-today stresses that your mind tries to sort out anytime your head hits the pillow, a problem that tends to amplify the less that you sleep.

Missing out on sleep can negatively affect your mental and physical health (see sidebar).

But the proper amount of sleep isn’t out of reach. Making these six habits stick might be all you need to start waking up refreshed and ready to go.

13 FH_Spring_2018_final2.indd 13

2/7/18 2:39 PM

TAKE CHARGE OF INCONTINENCE YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH URINARY INCONTINENCE, A COMMON PROBLEM FOR WOMEN. LET’S BE HONEST. Leaking urine can spoil a lot of moments, from a heartfelt laugh to a personal-best athletic feat. Among women, 25 to 45 percent report at least some urinary incontinence. The good news: It usually doesn’t indicate a serious disease, and excellent treatment options are available.

Two causes

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

There are two primary types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence is when movement, such as coughing, jogging, sneezing or laughing, puts pressure on the bladder and causes leaking. This condition is often brought on by pregnancy or childbirth, which can damage the muscles that control urination.

Urge incontinence (leaking) happens when you have a strong, sudden need to urinate.

Abnormal bladder contractions caused by incorrect signals from the brain can force urine out of the body. The cause of urge incontinence often cannot be identified, but it can occur with conditions such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment options Several treatment alternatives exist for urinary incontinence, depending on its cause. The first step is to see your doctor. He or she will take a medical history and may perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests, such as urine cultures and blood tests.

For stress incontinence, treatments include behavioral and lifestyle changes, Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and bladder training.

In the area of lifestyle, your doctor may suggest limiting fluids before bedtime or limiting caffeinated beverages, which can make incontinence worse. Excess weight can play a role, so exercise and a healthy diet are important.

Medical devices, such as a urethral insert or pessary, can help to physically block urine leakage. Surgery may be an option, although it’s generally seen as a last resort.

Treating urge incontinence is slightly different. A technique called “urgency suppression” can help you manage the need to urinate by training your bladder to maintain control. Biofeedback can help you learn to recognize when your bladder is overactive.

In addition, medications are available to relax the bladder. Botox, the drug used to decrease facial wrinkles, can be injected into the bladder to relax the muscle, resulting in a decrease in incontinence.

Getting help The important thing to remember is that urinary incontinence is not something you have to live with. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment option to fit your specific situation and lifestyle.

14 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 14

2/7/18 8:33 AM

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

THAT CAN HELP Maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise and choose healthy foods to avoid or reduce excess weight, which can contribute to incontinence.

Quit smoking. Smoking can cause coughing, which can make leaking worse.

Perform pelvicfloor exercises, such as Kegels, to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder.

Limit your intake of beverages containing alcohol and caffeine.

Avoid lifting heavy things.

Don’t drink a lot of fluids before you exercise or go to bed.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

15 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 15

2/7/18 8:33 AM

ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES:

WHEN TO SEEK CARE MOST OF US EXPERIENCE EVERYDAY INJURIES FROM TIME TO TIME. SHOULD YOU SEEK MEDICAL CARE? THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU DECIDE. EVEN THE MOST coordinated among us will likely experience injury at various times in our lives: an overzealous serve on the tennis court; a simple trip over an unnoticed obstacle; aching knees from…who knows what. Most often, these types of common injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), and maybe an over-the-counter pain reliever.

In some situations, however, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor—a specialist who treats injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons. Why? Because some conditions can get much worse if not treated quickly and properly.

In the knee, one such condition is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The symptoms can include hearing a ‘pop’ during the injury, immediate inability to continue activity, knee swelling in the first 24 hours and knee instability. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Hip problems are also common and can lead to serious complications if not treated. Always

consult your physician for personal medical advice, but a general rule is to seek medical help for hip pain that came on suddenly or is the result of a fall. Other red flags include hip pain that occurs at night or when resting; swelling, redness or warmth around the joint; not being able to put weight on the hip; and not being able to move the leg or hip.

Eighty percent of people will experience back pain in their lifetime. Most cases resolve themselves with a day or two of rest, application of heat or cold to the painful area, and over-thecounter pain medication. However, see a doctor if you have tingling or numbness, if the pain is the result of a fall or injury, or if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest. In addition, seek medical care if back pain occurs with unintended weight loss, with fever, with swelling or redness on the back, or if it spreads down one or both legs.

Not every injury or pain requires a trip to the doctor, but in the situations outlined above, getting prompt treatment can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a lifelong problem.

As always, these are guidelines, not rules.

WHEN TO SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

SEE A DOCTOR

Make an appointment if you experience: • Chronic pain; anything lasting longer than 12 weeks • Range of motion that becomes more limited • Instability while walking or standing • Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as walking the dog or using stairs • A soft-tissue injury, like a sprain or twisted ankle, that doesn’t improve despite applying RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

16 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 16

2/7/18 8:33 AM

THE

AGE FACTOR After age 40, people are more likely to experience an orthopedic injury. These are most common: • TENNIS ELBOW Weak grip strength and pain or burning sensation outside the elbow • STRESS FRACTURES Minor hairline fractures caused by impact and overuse, common in runners

• ROTATOR-CUFF TEARS Sore shoulder or limited mobility caused by normal wear and tear in athletes and as people age • MENISCUS AND ACL TEARS Pain in the knee that can be caused by everyday activities like hiking, kneeling or walking down stairs

FLORIDA HOSPITAL (844) 804-9378 | SPRING 2018

• LOWER-BACK PAIN Caused by obesity, arthritis, loss of bone density and a sedentary lifestyle

17 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 17

2/7/18 8:33 AM

A SALUTE TO

SPINACH

POPEYE HAD IT RIGHT WHEN IT CAME TO THIS POWER-PACKED VEGETABLE. WHILE THIS LEAFY GREEN may strike us as an American classic—thanks largely to a certain cartoon sailor—its origins actually go back to ancient Persia, and then to China in the 7th century. Even Italy plays a part in its story. You’ve heard the term “Florentine” used to describe a dish with spinach in it? Florence, Italy, was the birthplace of Catherine de’ Medici in the 16th century, and she favored this vibrant veggie. But the real story of spinach is its nutritional value.

POWER UP

SPRING 2018 | INSPIREDTAMPABAY.COM

Spinach’s dark color indicates high levels of chlorophyll and health-promoting carotenoids­—phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties. Well known for being rich in iron, spinach is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and folic acid, and a pretty good source of manganese, magnesium and vitamin B2. Spinach is available year-round, but it’s in season in the springtime, from March through June.

BUY | STORE |SERVE Select spinach with leaves that are medium to dark green, fresh-looking and free from any browning. The

2.9

grams of protein in every 100-gram serving of spinach

33%

boost in U.S. spinach consumption in the 1930s credited to Popeye

vegetable should be stored loosely packed in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge, where it will keep for about four days. Don’t wash spinach before storing—moisture will cause it to spoil. But do make sure it’s washed properly before serving, as the leaves and stems can collect soil and chemicals.

Raw spinach has a mild taste. When cooked it’s sometimes described as metallic-tasting and can be bitter thanks to its oxalic acid content. (To minimize bitterness, avoid the largest leaves and go for baby spinach instead.)

Spinach is tasty on sandwiches and in salads. If you’re cooking it, opt for steaming, sautéeing or microwaving rather than boiling to preserve more nutrients.

DID YOU KNOW? In the 1930s, U.S. spinach growers credited Popeye’s popularity with prompting a 33 percent increase in domestic spinach consumption—just in time to help meet nutritional needs during the Great Depression. Today, Alma, Arkansas, which holds a spinach festival each April, proclaims itself the “spinach capital of the world.”

Indeed, the U.S. is the world’s No. 2 spinach producer.

But the top nation, China, grows 60 times as much!

26+

million tons of spinach produced annually worldwide

75%

of U.S. spinach is grown in California

FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 18

FHPG-10326

18 2/7/18 8:33 AM

FHPG-1

Convenient Care

You Can Trust WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE: It’s the weekend and you’re running a fever or your child has a sore throat. Nothing serious enough for a trip to the emergency room, but something that can’t wait until Monday morning either.

That’s why Florida Hospital Express Care is proud to provide expert treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, making it easier for you and your family to get the care you need, when you need it. Our goal is to help you feel better, faster.

EXPRESS CARE SERVICES Caring for adults and children over the age of 18 months.

Physicals & Wellness Visits

Vaccines

Illness, Aches & Pains

Minor Injuries

Skin Conditions

Medications & Treatments

Open 7 days a week in most locations Wide range of healthcare services Same day appointments Online scheduling Walk-ins welcome

Ages for specific services may vary.

Board certified nurse practitioners

Most insurance plans accepted

LOCATIONS

Continuum of care through the Florida Hospital Network

N O W O PE N Schedule an appointment or walk in today:

FHExpressCare.com

FHPG-10326

(844) 397-0018

ACROSS TAMPA BAY Northdale

Dunedin

West Hillsborough Ave

Largo

East Hillsborough Ave New Tampa Brandon

New Port Richey Land O’Lakes Palm Harbor

Clearwater St. Pete: 4th St. North

St. Pete: 49th St. North Madeira Beach Spring Hill

Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens is operated by Florida Hospital. The health care providers at Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens are employees of Florida Hospital Physician Group. The health care providers are not employees or agents of Walgreen Co. or any Walgreens subsidiary or affiliated company.

FHPG-10326 FHEC_flyer_(F).indd 1 FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 19

10/25/17 11:33 AM 2/7/18 8:33 AM

Florida Hospital Hidden River Corporate Center Three 14055 Riveredge Drive, Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33637

RESS CARE AT WALGREENS

entered into a collaborative agreement to have Florida Hospital etail health clinics located within Walgreens stores across the nside Florida Hospital Tampa.

Walgreens Clinic Locations in Tampa Bay

OUR NETWORK OF CARE

HERNANDO

nts to experience the compassion and excellence of Inspired nuity of care from their initial clinic visit through referrals to our with a well-known and respected national brand like Walgreens

As a statewide health care system, Florida Hospital proudly serves the Tampa Bay region with a network of 6 Florida Hospitals, 6 Centra Care Urgent Care Centers, 15 Florida Hospital Express Care Clinics See Addresses & Map for Reference) at Walgreens, and more than 45 Florida Hospital Physician Group practices.

sician Group this summer, at which time they will be named will be flushed out and finalized over the coming months,

PA S C O

Connerton

Zephyrhills

o will be hired by FHPG.

Florida Hospital Carrollwood Connerton, Long Term Acute Care North Pinellas t the goal is to standardize across all locations.

Tampa n consistent post-transition.

Wesley Chapel Zephyrhills

Wesley Chapel

Central Pasco

ut FHPG Operations will communicate if a need for physicians who would like to volunteer.

North Pinellas Tampa Palm Harbor

275

Carrollwood

Florida Hospital Freestanding ER Central Pasco Palm Harbor Centra Care, Florida Hospital Urgent Care

P I N E LLA S

Florida Hospital Physician Practices

H IL L S B O RO UG H

Florida Hospital Express Care Locations Tampa Bay

FH_Spring_2018_final.indd 20

275

FHWFR-10128 REV121217

Find a Physician: FloridaHospital.com (844) 804-9378

6/3/15 12:54 PM

2/7/18 8:33 AM