Accidents can happen year round, but with that fun in the sun and outdoor activities summertime can be a breeding ground for injuries and trips to the ER. So before you and your family head out for the 4^th of July holiday weekend, here are some tips to help keep everyone safe:

1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often. According to the American Cancer Society, you should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 20-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
2. Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. The average adult should drink about eight, 8-ounce glasses every day to stay hydrated. In extreme heat, the body loses water faster than it should causing dehydration.
3. Fight the bite. Insect repellant is an important way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, including the West Nile Virus. Insect repellants including DEET and Picardin offer reasonably long-lasting protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
4. Practice safe swimming. Designate a responsible adult to watch young children swimming or playing around the water. Swim with a buddy in the gulf or ocean, trying to select areas that have lifeguards whenever possible. Do not drink alcohol before or during swimming.
5. Wear life jackets while boating. Make sure you and your passengers all wear a life jacket while underway. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates life jackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Do not drink alcohol before or during boating or water skiing.
6. Seek shelter from storms. Get out of pool, off of the golf course, etc. if you hear see lightning. Tampa is the lightning capital of the world and July is one of the most active months for lightning.
7. Leave fireworks to the professionals. An average of 60% of injuries from fireworks in the U.S. happen around the 4^th of July, and 45% of children’s injuries are related to fireworks, the CDC reports. Officials say the safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.
8. Keep grilling safe. When you fire up the grill, make sure you have a meat thermometer. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Put cooked meat/poultry on a clean plate, not on the one that held the raw meat to avoid cross contamination. Also, when you’re finished eating, put leftovers in the refrigerator right away.
9. Wash hands frequently. The best way to prevent spreading germs is to wash your hands before preparing food or eating it, after going to the bathroom, after handling sports or boating equipment. If you don’t have access to running water and soap, use antibacterial products or baby wipes.
10. Avoid snakes. Know how to identify poisonous snakes. Six of Florida’s 44 snake species are venomous and most are not particularly dangerous unless provoked or stepped on, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife.

If you have any summer-related health questions, Consult-A-Nurse can at 1-877-4-HCA-DOCS (1-877-442-2362). And in case of an emergency, wait times at Edward White Hospital’s ER are shorter than other hospitals. Text “ER” to 23000 to get the average wait time or log onto our website at www.edwardwhitehospital.com.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1x_Protect_Your_Skin_From_UV.asp?sitearea=PED

http://www.cdc.gov/features/gotwater/

http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/injury/

http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Fireworks/fire_spot.html

http://www.uscgboating.org/

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/SpeciesInfo_Snakes.htm

X-ray, MRI, CT scan— what’s the difference between these tests? How do you know which one could better help a doctor analyze your medical condition? And how do you know what to expect?

A majority of diagnostic imaging tests are painless and relatively easy, though some require you to lie still inside a machine for a long time, which could be uncomfortable.

X-ray

An X-ray is a painless procedure that lasts a few minutes using a small dose of radiation to create pictures of a body part. It is especially good for looking for injuries to bones, but can also be used to find infections, locate tumors, look for fluid in the lungs, locate cause of an intestinal obstruction and diagnose heart and large blood vessel problems.

Before an X-ray:

• Possibly asked to remove jewelry
• Put on a hospital gown
• Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant
• Lead shield is placed on the body parts not being X-rayed to reduce the amount of radiation exposure. Device is placed over the part of your body being studied
• Remain as still as possible

Once the X-ray is finished, you can resume normal activities. A radiologist exams it and prepares a report for you and/or your doctor.

CT scan

A CT scan uses X-ray technology to take multiple cross-sectional views of the body. It can take clearer images of bone, organs, soft tissue and blood vessels. Some of the main uses for a CT scan include:

• Studying the chest and abdomen
• Determining the size and location of a tumor
• Diagnosing and treating skeletal problems
• Diagnosing blood vessel diseases
• Planning radiation treatments for cancer
• Guiding biopsies and other tests
• Planning surgery
• Identifying injuries from trauma

Prior to the test:

• Doctor will likely ask about medical history, medications, and allergies and whether you are pregnant or tying to get pregnant
• Remove clothes and put on a gown
• Remove jewelry, hair clips, dentures and other objects that could make the images difficult to read

The test, which lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, requires you to lie on a movable bed which slides into the CT scanner. Depending on the type of scan, you may have an IV line inserted into your arm or hand that can be injected with a saline solution and contrast material during the test. The technician will leave the room and give you directions through an intercom.

A CT Scan should be painless, though you may feel warm and flushed if contrast material is injected into your vein. After the test, the technician will review the images, and then a radiologist analyzes them and sends the results to your doctor, who will discuss them with you.

MRI

In an MRI, magnetic waves are used to create 2D and 3D pictures of the inside of the body. The test is used to diagnose internal injuries or conditions or to check if medicines or treatments are working.

Prior to the exam:

• Doctor may prescribe sedative. If so, arrange for ride home, do not eat or drink at least four hours before the MRI
• Technician will asked about medical and surgically history, pregnancy and allergies
• Disclose if you have pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, ear implant, implanted port device, etc.
• Remove all metal objects. Fillings and braces are typically fine
• Remove all medicine patches
• May be given ear plugs or headphones because the MRI machine makes a loud banging noise
• Given an injection of contrast dye into your vein

During the test, you lie very still on a sliding table. Depending on your condition, monitors may be used to track pulse, heart rate and breathing. The table slides into a narrow, enclosed cylinder—though some machines are open on the sides. An MRI is painless, but if dye is injected there may be a slight stinging when the IV is inserted and there may be a slight cooling sensation when the dye is injected.

And MRI takes 40-90 minutes. Afterward a radiologist will examine the images and send a report to your doctor, who will talk to you about the results and any further tests or treatment.

The Diagnostic Imaging Department offers both impatient and outpatient procedures. For more information, log onto www.edwardwhitehospital.com or call (727) 328-6183 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Did you know approximately 1 in 9 Americans seek medical attention for an injury each year? According to the National Safety Council, 13.1 million suffered disabling injuries at home in 2008 with an additional 3.2 million occurring at work.

Since June is National Safety Month, it’s a good reminder for people to be aware of hazards around them. Here are ten tips to help prevent injuries on and off the job:

1. Get trained in first aid, CPR and AED.

2. Identify safety hazards including electrical cords that could cause someone to trip, slippery surfaces, etc.

3. Make sure your home and/or business has working smoke detectors.

4. Conduct emergency evacuation drills.

5. Get ergonomic office furniture.

6. Take breaks when sitting at a desk or working on the computer for long periods of time.

7. Wear comfortable shoes that don’t slip or slide which could cause you to trip.

8. Wearing earplugs in loud workplaces.

9. Use the correct technique when lifting heavy items— lift close to your body, feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees and keep your back straight and lift with your legs. If you have to strain, get help.

10. Use handrails, if available, when walking up and down the stairs.

Edward White Hospital’s Company Care program provides occupational health services including:

· Injury Care

· Pre-employment/DOT physicals

· On-site nursing services & assessments

· Comprehensive drug testing program 

· Breath alcohol testing 

· Diagnostics, screenings & vaccinations 

· Medical surveillance 

· Safety programs 

· Education & consultation 

· Occupational Medicine physician/certified Medical Review Officer

· After-hours drug testing and injury care

· Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) 

· Medical records review

· Medical case management

Company Care also offers physical therapy & rehabilitation services and work site wellness programs. For more information, log onto our website at www.edwardwhitehospital.com or call (727) 528-5932.

Hurricane season is officially underway, and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects it to be an “active to extremely active” one with 8-14 hurricanes, 3-7 of which could be major. The time to prepare is now, not when a storm is bearing down on the Tampa Bay Area.

Important Special Needs Information

Being prepared is especially critical if you or someone you love has special needs. There are several steps you can take now to get ready:

• Register now: Pinellas County Emergency Management recommends people with certain medical conditions, the elderly and the homeless register immediately if you will need to evacuate to a special needs shelter or need transportation to a shelter. Also make sure your local fire department knows your needs.
• Get supplies: People with medical conditions need a two week supply of prescriptions and two week supply of dressing materials, nasal cannulas and/or suction catheters. A cooler for refrigerated medications is also recommended along with special dietary foods and extra batteries for hearing aids.
• Prepare for wheelchair needs: Wheelchair users need to have more than one exit from their home that is wheelchair accessible and should practice how to escape during an emergency. Pinellas County EOC also recommends users bring a patch kit and extra inner tubes, gloves in case of broken glass or debris and an extra battery and/or converter for charging.
• Wear medical alert tags: Be sure to wear your medical alert tags and write down specific instructions for emergency responders.
• Have contact information: Make sure you have a list of contact numbers and a copy of your personal medical information. Edward White Hospital offers free In Case of Emergency (ICE Cards). Click here to fill out a form or call 1-877-442-2362.
• Make plans for pets: Service animals are allowed, but other pets need to be registered with Pinellas County Animal Services. Call (727) 582-2600 to make arrangements for your pet to be taken to a host home.
• Get support: Let friends, family members and neighbors know your plans in case of a hurricane so they can help you or call for assistance.

Click here for a special needs registration form or call (727) 464-3800. You can also call Edward White Hospital’s toll free Consult-A-Nurse hotline with your hurricane health-related questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-4-HCA-DOCS.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be used to effectively treat people with chronic wounds, including cancer patients who suffer from tissue damage following radiation.

“I am so glad that I was referred for the hyperbaric oxygen treatments. It has helped me out with the side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer,” said a patient who was successfully treated at Edward White Hospital’s Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. “I no longer suffer from the burning urination and bleeding that was a result.”

The patient’s name, which isn’t being released for privacy reasons, was treated with radiation therapy. As a result, he suffered from hemorrhagic cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, and proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum that causes bleeding.

“The bleeding was scary, but there was no pain with that, he said. “However, when it came time to having to urinate, I knew that it was not going to be pleasant.”

Doctors at Ed White say while this is not a common side effect, it is known to occur in a small percentage of patients treated with radiation.

“Soft Tissue Radiation Necrosis, which was the cause of the above patient’s ailments, is a common diagnosis that we treat here at the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, and one that often times has a great response to HBOT,” Program Director Ryan Maas said.

There are eight other diagnoses that are indications for HBOT:

· Gas Gangrene

· Acute Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency

· Osteoradionecrosis

· Diabetic Wounds of the Lower Extremities

· Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis

· Acute Traumatic Peripheral Ischemia

· Preparation and Preservation of Compromised Skin Grafts

· Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds

The services that are offered at the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Edward White Hospital are backed by evidenced based research.

“Having been awarded with a Center of Distinction Award for the outcomes achieved in 2009 is testimony to our practice. I would encourage any individual suffering from a non-healing wound to consider being evaluated by our medical team,” Maas added.

Hyperbaric Oxygen has been shown to stimulate angiogenisis, growth of new blood vessels, within previously irradiated tissue restoring measured tissue oxygen levels to about 80% of non-radiated tissue values, according to research published in the Diversified Clinical Services Grand Rounds publication, 2006.

HBOT allows patients to breathe 100% oxygen while being enclosed in a pressurized chamber allowing the blood plasma to become saturated- carrying 20 to 30 times the normal amount of oxygen to the body’s tissue ultimately increasing the body’s immune and healing response.

“When I talk with others that have battled radiation issues for the treatment of prostate cancer, I ask them ‘did anyone ever recommend HBO to you?’ Most ask what’s that?” the patient explained. “So many people have no idea and just think that HBO[T] is for divers with injuries.”

You can learn more about Edward White Hospital’s accredited Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, by logging onto our website at www.edwardwhitehospital.com or call (727) 328-6214.