Tag Archive - awareness

Important Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Stroke

May 11, 2012 in Community, Lifestyle Tips, Stroke with 0 Comments

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Now that we have discussed the most common instigators of anger which puts you at risk for stroke and the symptoms of a stroke, what can you do about it? Dr. Adam Horvit spoke to the topic of stroke last night at the St. David’s Round Rock Health and Wellness Center. While his presentation was all encompassing on stroke, there were two topics he went over twice saying if the attendees left with anything he hoped it would be theses two.

Prevention

  • 
Treat high blood pressure
  • Control diabetes
  • Stop smoking
  • 
Treat elevated cholesterol
  • 
Limit alcohol
  • Exercise
  • Risk of recurrent stroke
  • Medication compliance

While preventative measures can be taken, Stroke can still occur in you or those around you. Remember, when it comes to Stroke think FAST.

Face

  • Facial droop
  • Uneven smile

Arms

  • 
Arm Numbness
  • 
Arm Weakness

Speech

  • Slurry Speech
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding

Time

  • 
Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately
  • Brain is Time. The quicker you get to the hospital the better your chances are

Attendees at the seminar were also offered free blood pressure and blood sugar checks by the St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center Staff. They were able to leave equipped with several factors that may affect stroke as well as the knowledge on what to do.

This isn’t all for stroke month as we will have Nutritionist Tarie Beldin host a cooking class on Thur., May 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Health and Wellness Center at the CHASCO YMCA. She will cook with the DASH Diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) in an effort to help you reduce your risk for stroke and other diseases. Space is limited and registration is required so sign up today by calling (512) 478-3627 or 888-868-2104.
Hope to see you there!

Holly Krivokapich
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
Health and Wellness Coordinator

5 Myths about Breast Cancer – Knowledge is Power

October 6, 2011 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments

To kick off Breast Cancer awareness month here are 5 myths about breast cancer from Brenda Baumann, director of The Breast Center here at St. David’s Medical Center

Myth 1: I don’t need a mammogram until 50 years of age-

A new study by researchers at the University of Missouri found that screenings in women ages 40 to 49 detected smaller cancers with less chance of spreading to the lymph nodes- which makes them easier to treat –and these cancers might not have been detected on a clinical exam.

Mammograms save lives of women in their 40’s. Women should begin screenings at age 40 and annually thereafter.

Myth 2: Mammograms cause cancer-

The radiation dose during a mammogram is low. It is the amount you would receive from flying for LA to Paris – a trip most of us would not give a second thought about taking.

Myth 3: If Breast cancer does not run in your family, you are not at risk-

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history and many who do have a family history will never develop the disease. The danger lies in a false sense of security. Every woman should talk to her doctor about her individual risks, including age, hormonal factors, and breast density.

Myth 4: Monthly self exams are not necessary-

Though you may have heard advice suggesting self exams do not save lives, many experts still encourage them since mammography and clinical exams are not perfect. Using all three methods is your best chance of early detection. Early detection can improve your odds of being cancer free with less dramatic treatments. Download an instructional self exam card here.

Myth 5: Breast cancer always appears as a lump-

Signs of breast cancer can take many different forms. See you doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • A change in the size or shape of your breast
  • A dimpled or puckered appearance to the skin that resembles an orange peel
  • An itchy, scaly area
  • Nipple discharge other that breast milk
  • Pain on one spot
  • Swelling or redness of the breast
  • An inverted (pulled inward) nipple if it has not always appeared this way
  • A lump

Join us this month in supporting awareness and raising money to find a cure! If you would like to join the St. David’s Healthcare team, simply log on to komenaustin.org, click “join existing team” and search for St. David’s Healthcare.

Thanks for all the great information Brenda!

-Meg

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month!

September 7, 2011 in AFIB, Heart, Heart Rhythm with 1 Comment

It’s that time of year again! The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the professional society for electrophysiology, has designated September as Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Awareness Month. The Society has launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA), gotten Congress to adopt an AF Awareness Resolution, and partnered with the American College of Cardiology to develop an online resource for health care professionals. But what’s the point?

More public education is desperately needed about this serious condition that affects more than 2.5 million Americans, most of them over the age of 60. As the U.S. population ages, the number of people affected by AF is expected to almost double—to 5.6 million—over the next 40 years.

So, AF affects a lot of people, but why is that such a big deal? AF can be debilitating, dangerous, and costly. The condition can cause a major deterioration in quality of life for its sufferers, causing fatigue, palpitations, pain, and sometimes fainting spells. More seriously, AF increases the risk of stroke five times, and according to HRS, AF “and is estimated to be responsible for 88,000 deaths and $16 billion in additional costs to the U.S. healthcare system.” AF accounts for about a third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm problems.

It is vital that the public knows the signs and symptoms of AF—palpitations, fatigue, an irregular heart rate, a feeling akin to “a fish jumping around in the chest”—so folks can tell their doctors and be properly screened. There is a wide variety of treatment options for the condition, ranging from “watch and wait” to invasive catheter ablation. Electrophysiologists, doctors who specialize in heart rhythm disturbances, will work with the patient to come up with the course of treatment that best suits his or her needs.

Visit www.MyAFib.org and the TCAI website for more information about Atrial Fibrillation.