The Home Infusion Program at St. Petersburg Hospital is a service that allows patients to receive certain treatments outside of a hospital setting. If you need to receive regular intravenous care, this program may be right for you.

Some medical problems cannot be treated with oral medication so an intravenous needle or catheter is used to administer the proper medication. Some common diseases that might require infusion therapy include infections, cancer, dehydration, gastrointestinal diseases, hemophilia, Crohn’s disease, congestive heart failure, and multiple sclerosis.

St. Petersburg General Hospital is dedicated to providing the best care that meets the needs and protects the rights of all patients.

Some available services include:

• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Enteral Nutrition
• Hydration
• Pain Management
• Pediatric Infusions
• TPN
• Wound Care and Other Specialized Therapies

The needs of patients are met through a hospital-based pharmacy with clinical pharmacists who are available 24 hours a day. The program has an excellent reputation in the community and among other agencies. The staff who run the program have extensive experience in managed care. The Tampa Bay area and surrounding communities are provided with timely deliveries. Education and counseling are available to all patients.

Benefits of the Home Infusion Program:

• Therapy is cost effective.
• TPN formulation and monitoring is available.
• Vancomycin/aminoglycoside dosing is provided.
• Pediatric therapies are available.

The Home Infusion Program at St. Petersburg General is known for strong continuity of care, while costs are kept under control. Patients are satisfied that their needs and expectations are met and exceeded. The resources are hospital based, so care and service can be personalized. Contact us to learn more; you’ll be glad you did. You can call 727-341-4828 or 1-800-863-0336 or visit us online.

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Back pain and joint pain: these issues affect thousands of Americans. Did you know that according to the American Chiropractic Association, one half of working Americans suffer from back pain every day? In fact, it is one of the leading factors for missed work in the United States. In addition, many of us live with joint aches and stiffness, which sometimes causes us to avoid activities we really enjoy.

With that in mind, it's very important that you take precautions to take care of your spine and joints. Orthopedic pain can lead to serious conditions, which may require surgery and prevent you from performing normal everyday functions. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your back and joints in tip-top shape. 

1. Avoid lifting with your back. When addressing heavy objects, always bend your knees and lift with your legs, focusing your strength in your core muscles, not your back. 
2. Keep a healthy weight and diet habit. Being obese can cause a massive amount of strain on the back muscles and joints, leading to very serious problems down the road. 
3. Maintain a proper posture. Avoid slumping and slouching as this will weaken the back muscles. Avoid bending over to reach objects; instead bend your knees and use your leg muscles. 
4. Sleep on a firm mattress. Soft mattresses can increase spinal curvature over time. 
5. Stretch and exercise on a regular basis. Make sure you warm yourself up properly before performing any exercises or fitness routines. Walking and swimming are excellent ways to exercise the back muscles, and they are easy on the joints, too.
6. Avoid/quit smoking. Smoking reduces necessary blood flow to the vertebrae and between discs. It can actually deteriorate discs over time and lead to serious back injuries. 
7. Never carry heavy loads in a sling. This practice puts unbalanced weight and pressure on your spine. Always evenly distribute weight when carrying loads. 
8. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels. This will help your posture and alignment as you walk throughout the day. 
9. Avoid prolonged bed rest. This can create a stiffness in back muscles and joints, which leads to tearing and pulling. Try to be as physically active as you can every day. 
10. Practice yoga.  Yoga is one of the best exercises for back muscles, joints, and overall health. Just 20 minutes a day can stretch the muscles while also strengthening them, leaving you limber and feeling great. 

If you want to learn more about keeping your back and joints healthy, St. Petersburg General Hospital has a top-notch Orthopedics department. Our team can assess your situation and help develop a treatment plan just for you.

In addition, we are offering two seminars next week that can help. Join us!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Management Options of Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis — Conservative vs Surgical

Hosted by Kurt Hirshorn, MD

12 Noon

YMCA Jim & Heather Gills

3200 1st Avenue South

St Petersburg, FL 33712

Wednesday, January 25, 2012: Have You Been Told You Need Surgery for Your Back or Neck Pain?You Should Have a Second Opinion!

Hosted by Howard Sharf, MD

Board Certified Orthopaedic/Spine Surgeon

6:00pm

St. Petersburg General Hospital

Auditoriums A & B

6500 38th Avenue North

Petersburg, FL 33710

The process of becoming free from a dependency on drugs or alcohol can be daunting, even for someone who wishes desperately to quit. Medical stabilization, however, can provide the life-changing support that makes a difference.

What It Is
It can be unsafe for some people, especially those who have a long history of use, to stop using drugs or alcohol suddenly. Medical stabilization is the process of medically managing withdrawal symptoms while the patient is in a hospital setting. This process is not only safer, but it also increases the chance that the patient will have a successful recovery.

How It Works
Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can cause both physical and emotional symptoms ranging from anxiety, depression and insomnia to nausea, breathing difficulties and heart palpitations. Medical stabilization utilizes a team of qualified medical professionals to assess, monitor and treat patients throughout the withdrawal process while patients remain in a hospital setting.

Inpatient medical stabilization services for adults age 18 and older are now available at St. Petersburg General Hospital. We have contracted with SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation to offer a medical stabilization service called New Vision™. We work with patients who are experiencing life-altering problems and extreme withdrawal symptoms. The service includes a medically supervised hospital stay, which is commonly between 3 and 5 days in length, and is comprised of assessment, medical stabilization and referrals to rehabilitation and counseling services.

To learn more about New Vision™ at St. Petersburg General Hospital, and find out how we can help you or someone you care about, visit us online of call 727-341-4913 or 800-939-2273.

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Now that 2012 is here, it’s time to make a resolution that will have a lasting impact on your health and happiness. Obesity is a serious condition and is a leading cause of death is in the United States. Weight loss from obesity is a goal for many people each year; however, it can be very difficult to face alone.

Will this year be your year for weight loss surgery? At St. Pete General Hospital we offer Lap-Band weight loss surgery, which has helped many people who have suffered from obesity and weight-related health problems.

What is Lap-Banding?

This is a minimally invasive procedure geared toward reducing the intake of food over a period of time. Many people choose this procedure over gastric bypass because not only is it FDA approved, but it’s also reversible and adjustable.

What are some benefits to Lap-Banding?

Patients who undergo the Lap-Band procedure are affected in a big way. They find that the procedure is a significant weight reducer; helps control weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes; improves all-around quality of living; and boosts self-esteem.

Will I lose weight immediately?

The weight loss is slow and steady after surgery. An average of 1-2 pounds weekly is a normal expectation for weight loss in the beginning. You will find that less food will satisfy you, and eventually you will begin forming better eating habits to promote further weight loss. It all depends on your medical conditions and weight loss goals.

Can the Lap-Band be adjusted?

During certain situations, such as a pregnancy when more food is required, the Lap-Band can be adjusted. This usually occurs by administering a needle into the device and pumping saline solution in or out of the Lap-Band, therefore adjusting its size. Your physician will be able to consult with you on situations where adjustment is necessary.

How do I begin?

At St. Petersburg General, we have an excellent bariatric surgery program and would be happy to begin discussing options with you. Feel free to use our Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-888-741-5122 to schedule an appointment or visit us online. To view video testimonials of Lap-Band success stories from our hospital, click here.

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A New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start, and a great time to make some healthy resolutions.

Eat a healthier diet. Look at what you eat each day and see how you can improve your diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Steer clear of fat, salt, cholesterol, and sugar. Use the USDA’s MyPlate program as a guide to healthy eating and weight management.

Get more exercise. The CDC recommendations are to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, and to do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.

 Take some “me” time. Having some time to yourself can help you manage stress effectively. Cultivate healthy habits such as reading, walking, or meditating during this time.

Schedule a doctor visit. Don’t skip well visits, and when you meet with your doctor, discuss a schedule of screening tests, possibly including procedures such as a mammogram, cholesterol screening, blood pressure check, colonoscopy and others.

Stop smoking. It’s never too late to quit. After not smoking for 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to within normal range. Two to three months after quitting, lung function improves. Ten years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer decreases to about half that of a person who has continued to smoke.

Get more sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, and many aren’t getting nearly enough. Sleep is an important contributing factor to overall health, and getting enough quality sleep can help boost mood, improve memory, reduce the risk of depression, fight inflammation and more.

To learn more about how St. Petersburg General Hospital can help you live a healthy lifestyle, visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-741-5122 to speak with a registered nurse.
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Living with diabetes is a daily balancing act. If you have diabetes and get injured, you need to know how to protect yourself from further danger. Diabetes can lead to itchy dry skin. Compromised skin can crack easily, allowing germs and bacteria to get inside. Due to elevated glucose levels, infection can set in quickly and be devastating. Diabetes often comes with poor blood circulation. When blood circulates slowly, healing can take longer than usual and even lead to the need for amputation. Wounds and infection can throw off your blood sugar levels, leading to more dangerous health conditions. Take special care of wounds with diabetes by following these guidelines.

Preventing Wounds and Infections

• Keep skin, especially hands and feet, clean and undamaged. Extremities are most susceptible to infection due to reduced circulation.
• Wear proper foot and hand protection, depending on weather and activities.
• Use moisturizer regularly to keep skin from cracking.
• Monitor skin regularly for any injury or potential break in the skin.
• Use antibiotic ointment and bandages to cover any weak or broken skin.

Treating Wounds

• Take even the smallest cut/scrape/crack in the skin seriously.
• Clear any dirt or irritations from the wound with warm water and an antiseptic wash.
• Wipe down the injured area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
• Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent further infection.
• Cover the area with a non-stick gauze pad that will cushion and protect the area.

Identifying Infection

• Watch for welling and redness.
• Note any bad odor.
• Check for leakage or drainage.
• Feel for warmth in the injured area.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

• Keep toenails neat and trimmed.
• Wear properly fitting shoes.
• Wear clean, soft, seamless cotton socks.
• Avoid going barefoot to avoid stepping on something sharp.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin hydrated.
• Wear cotton to allow your skin to breathe.

St. Petersburg General Hospital is here to help you manage your diabetes and avoid infection due to skin wounds. The Wound Care Center at St. Petersburg General is proven successful by a national study. The resources available to the medical staff are shared by other wound care centers, leading to the highest level of care. You can call (727) 341-4939 to make an appointment to learn more about caring for diabetes and preventing infection.  

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Holiday traditions are always enjoyed among loved ones: caroling, baking cookies, crafting new ornaments for the tree … sniffling, sneezing, and gaining weight? Don’t let poor health become a holiday memory for your family. Stay healthy this winter season with these tips:

• Wash your hands. Shopping carts, toy stores, and public holiday events are breeding grounds for germs that make you sick. Stay clean and stay healthy.
• Plan nutritious recipes. A few careful substitutions can make traditional holiday cuisine low-fat, low-sodium, or low-cholesterol – without sacrificing taste.
• Soothe any holiday stress. Letting holiday stress get to you will compromise your immune system and encourage unhealthy eating habits. Schedule some “me time” amid all your holiday plans.
• Watch out for allergies. If someone in your household can’t stop sneezing or blowing his nose, he might be allergic to your Christmas tree or the candles you are burning.
• Get enough sleep. Busy holiday schedules don’t often leave time for the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep, but your physical and emotional health will demand it.
• Cut down on impulse snacking. Yes, sugar cookies and chocolate pies are everywhere this time of year. Save them for the occasional dessert, not a mid-afternoon snack.
• Prioritize an exercise routine. At minimum, you only need three 30-minute blocks of activity a week. Make time for it.
• Bundle up in cold weather. Even Florida cold fronts can bring out fevers and flu. If you’re heading outside, check the weather forecast to make sure you are properly dressed.
• Practice food safety in the kitchen. Holiday meals often feature several cooks around the stove. Don’t let the kitchen chaos confuse you. Undercooked meats or cross-contamination could have serious consequences.

If your stubborn winter cold isn’t letting up, or you suspect you have an undiagnosed allergy, the staff at St. Petersburg General Hospital can help. You can get a physician referral by calling our Consult-A-Nurse® hotline at (727) 341-4055. This free service is available 24/7, even on holidays 

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Learning to ride a bike means fun, freedom, and above all responsibility. Whether you ride for fun, for exercise, or competitively, being safe on your bicycle is essential. According to a Florida public service announcement, pedestrians are injured each day by motor vehicles. Bikers are also at risk for injury and even death if the rules of the road are not followed. Next time you plan to put the pedal to the metal, follow these safety tips.

Always wear a helmet. All bike riders from small children to adults should wear a properly fitted safety helmet that displays a sticker showing it is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The strap must be fastened under your chin and the helmet worn level on your forehead, not pushed back. Replace your helmet after any crash as they will not be as protective after a first impact.  

Check your equipment. Ensure that all gears, chains, reflectors, pedals, and seat are in proper working order. The seat should be at a comfortable level. Never ride a bike that is not in good condition.

Dress appropriately. Secure pant legs so they do not get caught up in the chain or gears. Wear clothing that will protect you from scratches in the case of a fall. Wear bright or reflective clothing that will alert motorists to your presence on the road.    

Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for wet or slippery areas, including wet leaves or standing water. Be aware of cars driving, doors opening, pedestrians, and other bikers.

Learn the rules of the road. Some of the standard rules include: keep both of your hands on the handlebars, check both ways for traffic, cross only at designated intersections, ride with traffic, use designated bike lanes when possible, obey all traffic laws including stop signs and red lights, ride single file, pass other riders on their left and alert them by saying, “on your left” before you pass them. Use hand signals to indicate turning.

Being safe while riding a bike will ensure you can continue to enjoy this fun pastime for many years to come. Check out this Florida Public Service Announcement to learn more about sharing the road safely with motor vehicles. The Emergency Department at St. Petersburg General Hospital hopes you won’t need to visit us, but in the case of an emergency, we’re here for you. Our Emergency Care team is top-notch and well trained in treating a variety of emergency situations, and you can count on our average ER wait times to beat the national average. We post them on our homepage every day.

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The word midwife may evoke images of a time gone by. However, midwives are very active in bringing new babies into the modern world. Having a baby is a huge decision. Another big decision is choosing the doctors and nurses who will help you during your pregnancy and delivery. A midwife can play a critical role on this medical team.

What is a midwife?
A midwife is a highly qualified, certified advanced nurse practitioner who works hand in hand with your hospital. Midwives provide service in the areas of prenatal, postpartum, normal newborn and gynecological care. Midwives help during labor and delivery, throughout the pregnancy, and afterward. Midwives offer assistance with pregnancy planning, gynecological examinations, diet, exercise, hygiene, and other aspects of healthy living.

A midwife must have a bachelor’s degree and may even have a master’s or doctorate. A midwife must complete nursing and midwifery training and pass a certification test. A midwife must work in conjunction with a licensed physician.

What are the duties of a midwife?
During pregnancy: She monitors the health of mother and baby.

During labor: She offers emotional support, evaluates progress, and facilitates family involvement.

After birth: She performs a newborn examination, offers breast-feeding advice, provides infant and new mother health care advice, and prescribes medications and vitamins.

Is a midwife covered by insurance?
Private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid, along with many of the managed care programs, will cover a nurse-midwife.  

Why would I choose a midwife?
The choice of a midwife  must be made after careful consideration. A midwife offers a more personalized approach to the birth process. A midwife is likely to remain with the mother through the duration of the labor, while a physician is likely to come in and out while attending to other duties. A midwife’s role is to support the wishes of the mother regarding pain medication and birth procedures as long as they are safe. The midwife experience often can assist a new mother through physical and emotional challenges she faces. A midwife stays with the mother throughout the entire labor and delivery, even assisting in the operating room if a Cesarean section is indicated to maintain the safety of the baby and mother. A traditional physician is more likely to handle only the medical aspects of the birth, but of course, this varies from doctor to doctor.

You can learn more about the benefits of having a midwife on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at 6 pm.  Amy Johnson, ARNP Certified Nurse Midwife, will present “Tender Loving Care – The Midwife Experience and Obstetrics (OB) Tour.” This free event and tour of the Labor and Delivery unit and Nursery will be held at St. Petersburg General Hospital in Auditoriums A & B at 6500 38th Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33710. To register, call 1-888-741-5122. 

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How can something you can’t even see be so dangerous? Germs and viruses can attack your family at any time. However, there are ways to protect you family from illness this year. Follow these tips to be safe and healthy. 

Wash up
Germs and viruses can travel from person to person and even linger on objects like toys, doorknobs, phones, and other shared items. Washing your hands frequently with soap and hot water or using a liquid hand sanitizer can go a long way in keeping germs at bay. Teach children to wash up frequently and thoroughly. At least 20 seconds of lathering is required for soap to be effective—that’s twice through the Happy Birthday song!

Disinfect your environment
Wipe down counters, toys, and other commonly touched surfaces in your home frequently. Use specifically designed disinfectant cleaners. Send in disinfecting wipes to your child’s school to ensure the teacher has plenty of supplies for keeping the room clean and sanitized.

Prepare foods properly
Keep raw meats separate from other foods such as vegetables when cooking. Always use a sanitized surface and clean utensils. Germs from food can live on surfaces for hours and even days. Cook all foods to the proper temperature to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. 

Get vaccinated
Viruses like the flu can be prevented through vaccine. Get a flu shot early in the season and follow your doctor’s recommendation for other vaccines. 

Medicate properly
Antibiotics are for treating bacterial illnesses. All family members should follow doctor’s orders exactly as prescribed when using antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot treat viruses like the flu and should not be used, since there can be negative effects on your health due to misuse.

Be safe around animals
Pets are members of the family and need their proper vaccinations and medications. Some germs can be transferred from animals to people, so make sure your pets are kept healthy. Always wash up after playing with pets. Beware of wild animals. They have not been vaccinated against any illnesses and may give germs and viruses to children or adults who come in contact with them. Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance, and call your town animal services if you see a hurt or ill animal. 

Get educated
St. Petersburg General Hospital wants your family to be healthy and safe. Check out this fun video about the flu.

You can also learn more about protecting your family from germs and viruses on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 6 pm. Dr. Roopa Ganga, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease, will be presenting “Protecting Yourself from Germs and Viruses.” This free event will be held at Magnolia Gardens, 3800 62nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park, FL 33781. To register or get more information, visit our online calendar of events or call 1-888-741-5122. 

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