โฟโMaybe I should be pushing you:โ 95-year-old volunteer wheels patients around Orlando hospital
These volunteers work in different departments of the hospital, helping out with clerical work like answering phones and directing patients at the front desk. Others clean equipment and assist patients with simple errands. They may be doing different tasks, but itโs very evident they are all people-persons.
How a nagging cough began a much bigger ordeal for woman approaching retirement
In the summer of 2013, Rowena was approaching retirement and ready for days full of novels, baking her favorite recipes and volunteering in her community. Before enjoying her golden years, she decided to get a checkup.
A heart attack vs. cardiac arrest: Do you know the signs?
Sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks may sound like the same thing, but they are different conditions. If you imagine your body as a house, cardiac arrest is like an electrical problem, while heart attack is like a blockage in the plumbing.
Can vitamin D reduce breast cancer risk? Hereโs what the experts have to say
Itโs commonly known that vitamin D helps maintain strong bones, helps the body absorb calcium and can improve heart health. But a recent study indicates vitamin D โ specifically, vitamin D3 โ can even help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
What to know about the BRCA gene when it comes to breast cancer
When actress Angelina Jolie found out she had a mutation in her BRCA1 gene that sharply increased her risk of developing breast cancer, she took the aggressive approach of having a preventive double mastectomy. Later, she also had her ovaries removed.
Why robotic surgery could be a better option than open surgery -- and when to know which is best
Fortunately for patients, robotic surgery is less intimidating than it sounds and, in most cases, offers several advantages. Robotic surgery -- or robotic-assisted surgery -- is a minimally invasive type of surgery in which surgeons use a console equipped with controllers that maneuver robotic arms. Benefits of robotic surgeryBecause it is less invasive and more precise, robotic surgery offers several patient benefits when compared to traditional open surgery. Is robotic surgery better? AdIn some cases, open surgery provides surgeons better access to the area on which they are operating.
How robotic surgery is changing the way people are recovering from lung cancer surgery
After skin cancer, lung cancer is the second most common form of the disease, with only prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women diagnosed at higher rates. But newer treatment options, such as robotic surgery, can improve the recovery and outcome from lung cancer surgery. Cigarette smoking is the biggest factor in developing lung cancer, and is linked to 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths, but non-smokers can develop lung cancer, too. There are three main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer, which is found in about 85% of lung cancers; small-cell lung cancer, which occurs in 10% to 15% of lung cancers; and lung carcinoid tumors, which represent less than 5% of lung cancers. Lung cancer treatment optionsOnce a lung cancer diagnosis is made, the doctor will assess the patientโs overall health condition and the disease stage to recommend treatment.
Why does my hand hurt?
Hand conditions come in several forms, from an obvious injury after a trauma to carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis-related pain. If your hand hurts and youโre unsure why, hereโs what you need to know:Types of hand conditionsIf someone has fallen or has had an identifiable trauma, then the cause of their hand injury is clearer. Treatment for hand conditionsFor arthritis-related hand pain, over-the-counter relievers like Ibuprofen can help. In carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, doctors may perform an operation in which they decompress the affected nerve. If you have symptoms of one of the previously mentioned conditions or other hand symptoms that concern you, visit a doctor and get checked out.
5 hospitalized following accident on State Road 408, authorities say
Three adults and two children were hospitalized following a crash on State Road 408 on Sunday, according to Orange County Fire Rescue. The crash occurred westbound on State Road 408 between Pine Hills and Kirkman Road, authorities said. Two adults were taken on trauma alerts to Orlando Health, two children were taken to Arnold Palmer hospital and another adult was taken to Orlando Health, authorities said.
79-year-old man struck, killed while crossing US 17-92 in Seminole County
A 79-year-old Fern Park man was struck and killed while trying to cross U.S. 17-92 Thursday night in Seminole County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal crash was reported at 8:45 p.m. near Lake of the Woods Boulevard in Fern Park. The FHP said an SUV driven by a 56-year-old New York woman was traveling north on U.S. 17-92 and struck the man, who was not in a crosswalk. The victim was taken to Orlando Health, where he died, troopers said. The woman, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured, according to an FHP report.
Orlando Health adjusts rules for non-COVID patients. Hereโs who can visit now
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Orlando Health is adjusting its visitor policy that was put in place at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Feb. 1, patients at most Orlando Health hospitals will be allowed to have two adult visitors during visiting hours. Cold front blasts into Central Fla. | How to register for vaccine in Fla.]AdAt the start of the pandemic, Orlando Health restricted non-COVID patients to one visitor throughout the patientโs stay and it had to be the same person. They will also be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Visits for hospitalized COVID-19 patients are not being adjusted.
Orlando Health is looking to hire RNs, GNs and CNAs
โReally, nurses are the backbone of the healthcare team,โ said Brigit Zamora, the chief nursing officer at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. Zamora said they have about 550 nurses at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital and theyโre hoping to hire about 30-40 additional nurses. Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital is looking to fill various roles during a hiring event this month. Frank Faust, executive director of marketing at UF Health The Villages Hospital, said COVID-19 cases have been on a โsteep declineโ dropping 35% in the past two weeks. The Villages Hospital currently employs 420 nurses.
Health care workers begin to get 2nd dose of Pfizerโs COVID-19 vaccine
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Thursday marked day 21 since emergency medicine physician Dr. Rajiv Bahl received his first Pfizer vaccine, meaning it was time to get his second dose, a booster shot that will now make him and hundreds of other health care workers in Central Florida 95% immune to COVID-19. Both Orlando Health and AdventHealth said they began administering the Pfizer booster shots this week to their health care workers. โPeople experience increased symptoms after the second dose, however, this is expected. According to the data, of those in the 18-54 age group 3.7% reported having a fever after the second dose, however, that number increased to 15.8% after the second dose. As for chills, 14% reported having them compared to 35.1% after the second shot.
Orlando Health to expand vaccination program starting Monday
Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, Orlando Health vaccination events will be open to:All frontline healthcare professionals not affiliated with Orlando Health (including dental staffs and EMS). Orlando Health team members, medical staff family members and loved ones who are age 65 or older. Orlando Health team members and medical staff members who have not yet received the first dose of the vaccine. Appointments became available beginning Jan. 4 at these Orlando Health facilities:Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital.
Governor announces plans to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination efforts throughout Florida
[INTERACTIVE MAP: COVID-19 vaccine sites in Central Florida]DeSantis said hospitals will be critical to the stateโs vaccination efforts. โIf you have hospitals like Jackson (Memorial Hospital), that are meeting or exceeding their targets then weโre going to send them more vaccine,โ DeSantis said. Orlando Health vaccination events are now open to:All frontline health care professionals not affiliated with Orlando Health (including dental staffs and EMS). Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital. The governor said as the state receives more vaccines, more will be sent to hospitals throughout Florida.
FAQ: COVID-19 vaccine in Central Florida
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ People 65 and older looking to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Central Florida this past week faced long lines. Lake County and Osceola County health officials also responded to questions from News 6 on the subject. Osceola County: Individuals are provided with a vaccination card that records their vaccination, including the type of vaccine and date of vaccination. Lake County: Second doses clients will be contacted when their second dose comes in and they will be given an appointment. Lake County: The vaccine distributor ships the vaccine directly to the county health departments.
Gov. DeSantis holds news conference at Seminole County hospital
The vaccine-focused briefing began at noon at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital in Longwood. Orlando Health vaccination events are now open to:All frontline health care professionals not affiliated with Orlando Health (including dental staffs and EMS). Orlando Health team members, medical staff family members and loved ones who are age 65 or older. Orlando Health team members and medical staff members who have not yet received the first dose of the vaccine. โNow we want to rapidly and effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine we have to even more members of our community.โScheduling is required to receive the free Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The remarkable ways social support can improve cancer outcomes
Strong bonds and community tiesOn the flip side, no or low social support can have the opposite effect. Their findings build upon previous studies of women with breast cancer, in which strong social support improved patient outcomes. For those with cancer or other long-term illnesses, social support can come in many shapes and sizes. Thatโs why itโs important to try out several different types of support and support groups to figure out what will work best for you. Learn more about the Orlando Health Cancer Support Community and what it has to offer by clicking or tapping here.
This is why all carbs are not created equal
Youโve probably heard the terms โgood carbsโ and โbad carbs,โ and itโs true that some forms of carbohydrates are better for you than others. The two main types of carbohydrates are simple carbs and complex carbs. While simple carbs are easily digestible and provide quick energy, not all simple carbs are good for you. Complex carbs and fiberComplex carbs make up foods with starch and fiber, including vegetables, whole grains, beans, potatoes and corn. Three levels of carbsTo stay healthy, focus on consuming mostly low and some medium GI foods, while reducing your consumption of high GI foods.
Leaders prepare for mass COVID-19 vaccination sites as first doses are distributed
ORLANDO, Fla. โ For the first time, Orlando Health clinicians and non-clinicians at risk received the COVID-19 vaccine, while AdventHealth continued vaccinating frontline health workers on Friday. In Volusia County, leaders are preparing for large-scale vaccination clinics once a vaccine is ready for mass distribution. โThis may be in large venues such as the Daytona International Speedway,โ Dr. Peter Springer, Volusia County Operational Medical Director, said. โThe COVID-19 vaccine is crucial to preventing further spread from the virus but we need to take an effective fact-based approach to stop the spread.โFor Gomez, that means continuing precautions this holiday season. โKeep in mind the virus is still out there and when you get a chance, get your vaccine.โ
Orlando woman killed in crash with box truck in Orange County
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A 25-year-old Orlando woman was killed in a crash involving a box truck late Tuesday in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The FHP said the box truck was westbound on Landstreet Road when the driver made a left turn into the direct path of a car. The woman, a passenger in the car, was taken to Orlando Health, where she later died, the FHP said. The drivers of the box truck and semi were not hurt. Charges are pending against the driver of the box truck.
Orlando Health prepares to vaccinate high-risk healthcare workers next week
ORLANDO, Fla. โ With Federal Drug Administration approval of a COVID-19 vaccine imminent local hospitals are preparing to vaccine their staff as well as the community as soon as they have the shots in hand. Orlando Health provided a plan to its team members this week including details of how the healthcare chain will conduct vaccination of its clinicians and non-clinicians who are at risk of COVID-19 exposure. The free and voluntary vaccinations for those medical staff identified will begin Dec. 18 at Orlando Health Regional Medical Center. โAs additional supply of vaccine becomes available, Orlando Health will move quickly to establish additional vaccination sites across our system,โ Ralls said. including Health Central Park and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital SkyTop View Rehabilitation Center.
Are you aware of the hidden dangers of PAD?
These are classic symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, a widespread chronic circulatory condition caused by plaque gradually building up in the leg arteries. Between 10 million and 20 million Americans are affected by PAD, but many experience no symptoms, according to the Society of Vascular Surgery. PAD is more common in those who are over 55, but can occur at nearly any age. It is caused by a combination of factors โ high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity. Men and minorities are considered to be at higher risk of PAD, according to the Cardiovascular Coalition, and are especially in need of improved access to screening and treatments.
Should pregnant women get a flu shot?
Youโve likely seen and heard a lot of encouragement to get your flu shot. Amid all the talk about the flu, one question I hear every year is from pregnant women, wondering whether theyโre supposed to get a flu shot. Is the flu shot safe for pregnant women? Is the flu shot recommended for pregnant women? Other things to considerIf you are pregnant and planning to get a flu shot, here is what you can expect:
Micro preemie born at 12-oz goes home after 6 months
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Jomary Tavarez and Federico Pegueroโs lives as parents started in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer hospital on Motherโs Day. Their daughter Diana was born prematurely just 9 inches long and weighing 12 ounces, as much as a large apple. Jomary said she gave birth to baby Diana after she suffered pregnancy complications when she was only 20 weeks pregnant. โShe was not responding for seven minutes,โ Peguero, baby Dianaโs father said. Baby Diana weighed 7lbs and 4-oz when Jomary and Federico stepped outside with her for the first time.
Getting spooky: Central Florida Zoo hosts Boo Bash
SANFORD, Fla. โ From ferocious big cats to ghastly ghouls, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is providing its usual animal fun with a spooky flare. Ghosts and goblins of all kinds will gear up to celebrate Halloween safely at the fan favorite Zoo Boo Bash, presented in partnership with Orlando Health. Central Florida Zoo will have plenty of not-so-scary decorations and activities, including trick-or-treat stations in a designated area to ensure social distancing. There will be enhanced safety measures at this yearโs event, including limited capacity and date-specific, timed entry, a zoo spokesperson said. Timed tickets will also be required for trick-or-treating.
This is how gender affects the way you experience a heart attack
Well-known risk factors for heart disease are diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking. Recognizing heart attack symptoms in womenHeart disease can take place in different forms, but the one most people are familiar with is a heart attack, which occurs when the flow of blood that brings oxygen to the heart gets reduced or cut off. Recognizing heart attack symptoms in menFor men and women, the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. For both genders, the more symptoms an individual experiences, the greater likelihood a heart attack is occurring. Call 911 even if you are not sure it is a heart attack.
This is how gender affects the way you experience a heart attack
Well-known risk factors for heart disease are diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking. Recognizing heart attack symptoms in womenHeart disease can take place in different forms, but the one most people are familiar with is a heart attack, which occurs when the flow of blood that brings oxygen to the heart gets reduced or cut off. Recognizing heart attack symptoms in menFor men and women, the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. For both genders, the more symptoms an individual experiences, the greater likelihood a heart attack is occurring. Call 911 even if you are not sure it is a heart attack.
COVID-19 infection may make pregnant women more severely ill
Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 have the potential to become more severely ill than women who are not pregnant, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women who have been infected have a greater likelihood of being admitted to a hospital, admitted to an intensive care unit or requiring mechanical ventilation when compared to non-pregnant women. While pregnant women are at an increased risk of being admitted to an ICU or needing mechanical ventilation, the overall risk of these events has remained low. In addition to the guidelines that we have heard and still stress repeatedly -- exercise social distancing, wear a face mask in public places and wash your hands often -- pregnant women can take additional preventive action. For other more specific suggestions, talk to your health care provider about how you can remain healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When to see an orthopedic surgeon for arthritis
Arthritis the presence of inflammation or degeneration in a joint is a common affliction, especially as we grow older. While there are many non-surgical treatment options that arthritis sufferers can explore, for some, orthopedic surgery may become a necessity. Heres how to tell when its time to seek the opinion of an orthopedic surgeon. How arthritis affects jointsWhen you have arthritis, your cartilage and other joint structures start to break down. Whether your pain has intensified over a period of years or days, those having difficulty walking or performing their everyday activities should consider an evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon.