Medical Center of Lewisville

Do I Need to Go to the Emergency Room?

laicos — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:56:31 +0000

Don't waste time during an emergency! Here's how you'll know a visit to the ER is in order.

A trip to the emergency room isn't a lot of fun. Wait times can get long. You're surrounded by people in pain. Your medical bill may be a little more than you'd like. But sometimes, going to the ER is exactly what you need to do. Can't decide whether your current situation warrants immediate care, or if you can wait until your own doctor available? Ask yourself these questions.

Could my symptoms be related to a heart attack? If you are experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, or other warning signs of a heat attack, call 911 right away.
Could my symptoms be related to a stroke? The most common warning signs are numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body or face. Stroke patients may also experience a sudden and severe headache, unexplained confusion, garbled speech, or difficulty walking.
Am I losing a lot of blood? Uncontrollable bleeding requires medical care ASAP.
Do I feel like my life could be at an immediate risk? Don't take any chances if your instincts are telling you something is seriously wrong.
How bad is the pain? If the pain is unbearable, it's better to seek medical attention now rather than later.
How quickly are the symptoms escalating? If your condition is progressing quickly, don't wait it out.
Has your doctor made a recommendation? if you can get ahold of your primary physician, he may have advice on what you should do. Don't ignore instructions to get to an ER.

You can trust us in an emergency! Whether you are experiencing chest pains, signs of a stroke, or a severe injury, you can count on us for efficient, expert care. Learn more about the emergency services we offer at Medical Center of Lewisville by visiting us online.

Bringing Home Your Premature Baby

laicos — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:56:08 +0000

A preemie often requires a longer hospital stay and special care once he or she comes home.

If your newborn was a premature birth you might have not only fewer weeks to prepare to welcome your little one into the world, but also a few more questions about bringing your baby home.

When can I take my baby home?
Only your doctor can answer this question. However, a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy often requires a longer hospital stay than a full-term baby, and commonly benefits from being in the NICU. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the odds are that he or she will have health problems such as apnea, jaundice, anemia, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infections and other conditions. A preemie can usually head home once he or she weighs at least four pounds and is steadily gaining weight, can breastfeed or bottle-feed, and can both breathe and maintain body temperature without assistance.

What will I need to know to care for my baby?
Our trained staff will educate you on how to care for your newborn including using any special equipment and administering any necessary medication. They’ll also teach you how to spot potential problems and make sure you know when and how to contact your doctor. Your baby may already be on a regular eating and sleeping schedule from his or her days in the hospital, or you might establish a routine at home. Typical fussiness due to being tired, hungry or in need of a diaper change are easily remedied.

What if I have questions?
Talk to your pediatrician about any concerns and schedule regular appointments to monitor health and development. In addition, a support group can be a good way of networking with other parents of preemies, who are often a great source of information and ideas.

The Medical Center of Lewisville Level III NICU is equipped to care for premature and critically ill infants and can be reached at 972-420-1089 for more information. Our Pediatric Services department provides comprehensive, family centered care for your little ones and is available to you 24/7. To find out more, please call 972-420-1518.

I Have Prediabetes: Now What?

laicos — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:56:58 +0000

Take prediabetes seriously and let it be your call to healthy action.

Your prediabetes diagnosis probably comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that most people with the condition don't experience any signs. But don't let the lack of symptoms lull you into complacency. Instead, let your diagnosis serve as a wake up call that motivates you to take action that can help you prevent or delay developing diabetes.

• Know that almost everyone who is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, first has prediabetes. But not everyone diagnosed with prediabetes goes on to develop type 2 diabetes.

• The American Diabetes Association says that you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent if you lose seven percent of your body weight and engage in moderate physical activity for a half hour a day, five days each week.

• Eat a healthy diet to both lower your blood glucose level and help you lose weight. Opt for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and fish rich in omega 3-fatty acids to create balanced meals. Avoid snack foods and processed foods. Also choose water over sodas and alcoholic beverages, and pay attention to portion control. Check the nutrition facts label on packaged products to consider sugar content and to help you make healthy choices.

• Quit smoking. Using tobacco products will increase your risk of developing diabetes.

• Consult with your doctor and monitor your health by getting tested for diabetes every year or two.

Find out more about type 2 diabetes from the Medical Center of Lewisville's Health Information page at www.lewisvillemedical.com.

Living with Arthritis: How to Improve Mobility

laicos — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:57:10 +0000

Improving your mobility is one of the secrets to living well with arthritis.

Are you one of the 50 million people who the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates are living with arthritis in the United States? In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we're sharing some ways to improve your mobility. Believe it or not, when moving is challenging, one of the best things you can do is exercise.

• Aerobic exercise can help with weight management, which is important because extra pounds put extra stress on joints making it more difficult to move. Low impact exercises such as walking, bicycling or swimming are less taxing on joints than high impact aerobic activities.

• Lifting weights or doing other weight training exercise is a good way to build and strengthen muscles, which makes moving easier.

• Activities such as yoga or Pilates foster flexibility and help increase range of motion while reducing your risk of injury.

• Participating in physical therapy or working with a trainer can sometimes be a good way to establish a regular exercise routine or to make progress when you've hit a plateau in your weight loss or fitness program.

• Medication may help reduce inflammation and lessen pain and stiffness, making it easier to move. Talk to you doctor about what medication might be best for you.

• In addition to exercise and medication, mobility aids such as a cane, a bed rail, furniture risers or a swivel car seat cushion can help make everyday movements such as walking, sitting and getting in and out of the car easier.

To learn more about osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, talk with your doctor or visit the Medical Center of Lewisville's online Health Information page. If you need to find a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call our Physician Referral line at 855-880-4MCL (4625).

How to Teach Your Child about Swim Safety

laicos — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:43 +0000

Do your children know the basics of water safety?

Kids love to play in the water! Unfortunately, KidsHealth.org reports that drowning is the second most common cause of accidental deaths in the age range of 5 to 24. Teaching your children how to enjoy the water safely is crucial, especially during Recreational Water Injury Prevention Week, May 20-26. Here's how give them the knowledge they need.

Teach them to use the buddy rule. Young child should always be accompanied by an adult while swimming. As your child reaches his teens, he may not need adult supervision, but he should always have a buddy nearby while in the water.
Show them how to decipher the weather. It's not safe to swim during a lightning storm. Teach your children to stay out of the water if they've heard thunder any time during the last 20 minutes.
Help them test the waters. Not all waters are safe to swim in. Water that is too cold is especially unsafe for young children. If you are visiting the beach, teach your child how to determine when the water is too rough for swimming.
Explain to them when they will need a life jacket. Floatation devices are a must for beginning swimmers, especially in the ocean. If you are taking a boat trip, a life jacket must be available for each child.
Train them to be strong swimmers. Professional swimming lessons are the best way to protect your children from accidents in the water. Parents Magazine recommends starting lessons at age four.

Our pediatric department is available this summer, and the rest of the year, for your children. Learn more about our pediatric services and how we serve your family at our website, or call us with your questions at 972-420-1518.

Top Five Tips for Osteoporosis Prevention

laicos — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:58:24 +0000

Take steps now to help prevent osteoporosis in your future.

According to National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates, by 2020 half of all Americans over the age of 50 will have low bone density or osteoporosis. How can you help make sure you're not one of them? Here are some of the top tips for keeping your bones healthy and preventing the disease.

1. Get enough calcium. It's important to eat a balanced diet and get adequate calcium, a critical nutrient for building and maintaining strong bones. It's recommended that adults between the ages of 18 and 50 get 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. Starting at age 51 for women and age 71 for men, they should get 1,200 milligrams daily. Good dietary sources of calcium include:

Collards
Kale
Broccoli
Soy beans
Oranges
Low-fat milk or yogurt
Salmon or sardines
Fortified orange juice or cereal

2. Get enough vitamin D. This vitamin fosters your body's ability to absorb calcium. It's recommended that adults younger than 50 get between 400 and 800 International Units (IU) daily. People 50 and older should get between 800 and 1,000 IU daily. While your body makes vitamin D from sunlight, it's also found in foods such as milk, orange juice and cereals.

3. Exercise regularly. Do both weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities. Consider running, walking, dancing, stair-climbing, lifting weights or other suitable exercises.

4. Don't smoke and don't drink alcohol in excess. Both smoking and drinking more than two or three alcoholic beverages per day can compromise bone health.

5. See your doctor. Visit your doctor for regular checkups and to determine if you need a bone density test or other procedure to ensure the health of your bones.

To learn more about osteoporosis, talk with your doctor or visit our Health Information section online. If you need to find a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call our Physician Referral line at 1-855-880-4MCL (4625).

How To Lower Your Risk of Stroke

laicos — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:57:27 +0000

Knowing the risk factors for stroke can help you make healthy choices.

You've probably heard how serious a stroke can be. The American Stroke Association states that stroke is the leading cause of adult disability as well as the third leading cause of death in our country. While several risks for stroke—being male, being African American, being 55 or older and having a family history of stroke—are beyond your control, there are ways you can lower your risk. In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, here are some things you can do.

• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hypertension and/or high cholesterol can significantly increase your risk for stroke. Have your blood pressure and cholesterol tested regularly, and talk to your doctor about maintaining acceptable levels by eating a healthy diet, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication.

• Eat right. Consuming a diet that is low in fat, sodium and cholesterol while rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help you maintain a healthy weight as well as healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Exercise. Inactivity can contribute to an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as weight gain. Any of these factors can result in a higher risk of stroke.

• Don't drink alcohol in excess or smoke. Making these lifestyle choices can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and your blood vessels and arteries healthy, all of which will decrease your risk of stroke.

• Manage medical conditions. Health concerns including heart disease and diabetes can increase your risk for stroke, which makes it especially important that they be treated and managed effectively.

Learn more about the stroke services we offer at the Medical Center of Lewisville and our affiliation with the Texas Stroke Institute by visiting us online. To find out how you can reduce your risk, or to schedule blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, make an appointment with your doctor. If you need help finding one, call our Physician Referral line at 855-880-4MCL(4625).

Is My Child on the Autism Spectrum?

laicos — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:58:24 +0000

Learning the answers to some commonly asked questions may help you determine if your child is on the autism spectrum.

Wondering if your child is on the autism spectrum? In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, we share answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about autism.

Q: What is autism?
A: Autism, sometimes referred to as autism spectrum disorders, is a developmental disability that is defined by specific behaviors and can result in communication, behavior and social problems. While research is ongoing, there is no known cause of autism at this time. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means it affects different people in different ways and to different degrees of severity.

Q: Is there a test for autism?
A: There is no test for autism. A physician typically makes a medical diagnosis based on evaluations and assessments while using the American Psychological Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as a guide. Input from parents, teachers, caregivers, psychologists and medical professionals commonly provides important insight and information.

Q: What are the signs of autism?
A: Symptoms of autism can vary significantly. Signs often surface in children when they are between the ages of two and six, and typically include delayed or unmet developmental milestones. Milestones to check for include babbling and gesturing by one year of age, single words spoken by sixteen months of age and two word phrases spoken by two years of age. Another thing to note is if your child losses communication skills at any point. Other signs can include lack of eye contact, social problems, obsessive tendencies, unusual and repetitive physical motions and other issues.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my child might be on the autism spectrum?
A: If you have any concerns at all, talk with your pediatrician. He or she can be a source of information and answers about next steps. While there is no cure for autism, treatment is available and is often more successful the earlier it's initiated.

Find out more about autism from the Medical Center of Lewisville’s online Health Information page. To learn all about the services offered in our Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, please give us a call at 972-420-1518.

5 Important Facts About Infant Immunization

laicos — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:58:35 +0000

It's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to immunizing your baby.

Along with a newborn comes the need to be knowledgeable about all sorts of topics. You've likely researched diapers, cribs and car seats, but do you know the facts about vaccinating your baby? In honor of National Infant Immunization Week, here are five important things to know.

1. Infant immunizations are safe. A broad spectrum of health experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe in the safety and potential life-saving power of vaccines and advise parents to have their infants immunized.

2. The benefits outweigh the risks. Immunizations can keep your infant safe from potentially life-threatening diseases. Side effects of these vaccines are typically mild such as soreness or low-grade fever.

3. There is no scientific link between infant immunizations and autism. Research has shown that there is no relationship between any infant immunization, including MMR (for protection against measles, mumps and rubella), and autism.

4. There is a recommended schedule. Some parents question why their child can't wait until school age to be vaccinated. Children are susceptible to diseases prior to reaching school age, so the American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommended immunization schedule.

5. Your pediatrician is a knowledgeable source of information. Your doctor can answer your questions regarding infant immunizations in general and can tell you what is advisable for your child specifically.

To learn about our Pediatric Services department, visit us online or call 972-420-1518. Talk to your child's pediatrician to find out which immunizations your baby needs. If you need to find a pediatrician, use our online Find a Physician service or call our Physician Referral line at 855-880-4625.

Becoming a Volunteer at Medical Center of Lewisville

laicos — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:57:59 +0000

Being a volunteer at Medical Center of Lewisville can be a very rewarding experience.

Looking for a way to lend a hand in the community? At Medical Center of Lewisville, volunteers provide valuable help enhancing the care of patients and the comfort of visitors. Sound interesting? Here are answers to some common questions and some information to help you decide if volunteering with us is right for you.

Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Volunteers for our Adult Volunteer Program must be at least 18 years old. Our Summer Volunteer Program accepts adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17. All applicants must be available to volunteer at least four hours each week.

Q: What do volunteers do?
A: Volunteers may do a number of things including staff our information desk, deliver flowers, distribute mail and newspapers, assist our nursing staff with indirect patient care, perform clerical duties and do other tasks.

Q: What are my next steps if I want to volunteer?
A: First, complete our Volunteer Application. You can also get an application at the front desk in our lobby or call (972) 353-1764 and request that an application be emailed to you. After we receive your completed application, you'll be contacted for a personal interview so that we can best match your interests and expectations with our current volunteer opportunities.

Q: What about training and screening?
A: Volunteers agree to a background check and complete a hospital-provided TB test. They also attend a four-hour hospital orientation program, training regarding the particular area they are to be placed in and meet other training and regulatory guidelines as needed.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, visit us online or call our volunteer services department at (972) 420-1528.