Medical West

NEW PROCEDURE TO TREAT BACK PAIN NOW AVAILABLE AT MEDICAL WEST

2008-06-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

For patients suffering from back pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis, each day can be a struggle. The painful symptoms include aching back and leg pain worsened by prolonged standing and walking. Thankfully, a new minimally invasive procedure, the X-STOP Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD) System, has recently been developed to treat pain caused by this disease.
The X-STOP IPD System is the first alternative to conventional spinal decompressive surgery shown to significantly decrease symptom severity and improve physical function. The X-STOP device is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back.

The device is inserted through a small incision during a short procedure and will remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to bone or ligaments. The device keeps the space between two spinous processes open, so that when you stand upright, the nerves will not be pinched or cause pain. Dr. Chambers, Neurosurgeon at UAB Hospital and Medical West, said, "Because it is a minimally invasive surgery, the procedure is associated with a low rate of complications and a rapid recovery."

Dr. Chambers is a Principle Investigator of the COAST trial, a study to evaluate the long term outcomes of the X-STOP therapy, and one of the few surgeons in the Birmingham area who performs this procedure. For more information about lumbar spinal stenosis and the X-STOP IPD System, please visit www.kyphon.com. Appointments in the Neurosurgery Clinic may be scheduled with a referral from a primary care physician by calling (205) 481-7938. A referral and prior imaging studies are required for an evaluation.

2008-02-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

When dieting and working your way to healthy weight loss, it is important to know how many calories you are taking in, so you can compare this to the number of calories you are burning when you exercise. I have found this website, www.thedailyplate.com, to be so helpful in keeping track of what I'm eating. All you have to do is login, then find and click on the foods you have eaten for a particular day. The website tracks the amount of calories you are taking in, plus it calculates extras like carbs, sodium, fat, and more. You can also track how much you are working out, and what you are doing to burn calories. This is great if you want to begin a healthier lifestyle, and the website makes it easy to calculate your success!

Eating the Heart-Healthy Way

2008-02-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Learning a few basics can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating. Follow these tried-and-true heart-smart eating guidelines:

Start with portion control. Even healthy foods can make you fat if you eat too much of them. Follow these guidelines: a meat portion should be the size of the palm of your hand, and a serving of fruit, vegetables or grain is the size of your fist.
Eat more fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and grains. Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day reduces your risk of heart disease. Fruits and vegetables add heart-healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Whole grains are another rich source of fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and control weight.
Be conscious of your fat intake. Fat occurs naturally in foods such as meat, dairy products, oils and nuts. Most of the fat in your diet should come from heart-healthy sources--fish, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, olive and canola oil--instead of butter, mayonnaise and lard. Remember that all fat, regardless of the source, contains calories. The American Heart Association recommends that 30% or less of daily calories come from fat, including 7% or less of daily calories from saturated fats and less than 1% from trans fats.
Choose heart-smart fats. Fats are not all the same. Saturated fats and trans fats need to be limited because they raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels; trans fats do further harm by lowering HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have the opposite effect. They lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Consuming them instead of saturated fats and trans fats lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Drink more water. This is especially important when you add more fiber to your diet. Water is filling, and has no calories.
Read food labels. That's where you'll find information on calories, fats, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, sugar and other clues to a food's nutrients.
Cut back on refined sugars. Sugar lurks in many foods you might not suspect--such as cereals, breads, crackers, cured meats, peanut butter, frozen dinners, ketchup and other processed foods. "Fat-free" foods are often loaded with sugar. Check labels for the many names of sugar. These include molasses, corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, maltose, honey, maple syrup and turbinado.
Watch the salt. Sodium (salt) may increase blood pressure in some people. Canned foods, meal mixes and frozen meals are often loaded with sodium. Watch out for colas and other sodas too.
Look for AHA approval. Keep your eyes open for a heart-check mark on food packages. The mark indicates that the item has been certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a heart-healthy food.
Know the source of your calories. Proteins and carbohydrates each have 4 calories per gram. Fat has 9 calories per gram. Alcohol has 7 calories per gram--and no nutrients.
Shop smart. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. Processed foods often contain more fat, sodium and sugar--and fewer nutrients.
Be flexible. If you want chocolate mousse at dinner, cut back on something else earlier in the day. If you crave a few potato chips, go ahead--once in a while. Moderation is the key to lasting success.

For more information, please visit www.MyPyramid.gov, or the American Heart Association.

It's Tee Time!

2008-02-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

Polish your clubs and get your swing ready, because the annual Medical West Golf Tournament is right around the corner!

Medical West Hospital will host their annual spring golf tournament to benefit the Western Health Services Foundation Thursday, April 17, 2008. The event will be held at Bent Brook Golf Course with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

The Western Health Services Foundation, a support organization of Medical West, is a charitable foundation established to assist in the healthcare needs of the community. In the past, funds from the foundation have been used in nurse recruitment efforts and in developing a Surgical Transitional Unit at Medical West.

Medical West is encouraging companies to either participate in the tournament or sponsor the event. All participants will enjoy a day of golf, a great lunch, tee gifts, and a chance to win lots of great door prizes, including a large cash prize for a Hole-in-One!

Last year’s tournament was a huge success, and we hope to have another great turn out this year.

For more information, please contact Haley Montgomery, Marketing Director at
481-7272 or Marianne Beard, Marketing Specialist at 481-8502.

Flu Season is in Full Force!

2008-02-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

That awful time of year, known as flu season, is now here and showing its ugly head! Many cases of the flu have been reported in Alabama, so beware! If you haven't had your flu shot, or even if you have had your shot, make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently, and take your hand sanitizer with you, wherever you go! Visit this site: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cold-and-flu/ for more information on what you can do if you start to feel the dreaded symptoms of the flu.

New Heart Monitoring Technology Offers Early Detection

2008-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Do you have a pacemaker? Do you suffer from abnormal heart rhythms? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for a new technology called home monitoring. This term basically means monitoring of your heart while you are at home, or anywhere else.
BIOTRONIK® is a leading biomedical technology company that offers this home monitoring device. The device is equipped with special transmitters that will send medical and technical information from your pacemaker straight to your physician within 3 minutes. This allows your physician to monitor you and evaluate your condition as much as possible.

The information about your heart is forwarded to your physician at regular intervals, and can be viewed on a secure Internet site. Using this new technology, your physician will be able to view an overview about the progress of your illness and treatment. Your physician will be able to detect any changes in your status, and will allow him to make any adjustments to your treatment plan. If you experience any sudden changes with your heart rhythm or implant, your physician will be immediately notified via e-mail, fax or cell phone text message. The device has the capabilities to detect heart beat irregularities, paces or shocks delivered by your implant.

Although most physicians encourage patients to place the transmitter on their night stand so it will monitor their heart while the patient is sleeping, the device may be taken with you anywhere.

Dr. Hess, Cardiovascular physician at Medical West, recommends the home monitoring to many of his patients. He said, "This device has helped me to better treat many of my patients due to the frequency and accuracy of the data I receive. It is amazing how technology has advanced, and this is such a valuable medical tool."

For more information or to see if you are a candidate for the home monitoring device, please call Dr. Hess at 481-7557.

Spa Services Near You!

2008-01-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

The first of its kind in the western Birmingham area, Medi-Spa West is a physician directed center focusing on both timely and affordable personal enhancement. Medi Spa West is located in the heart of Bessemer on the campus of Medical West, just a stone’s throw from the interstate. Medi Spa West offers an experience where medical expertise and spa pampering combine to form a personal rejuvenation experience.

Spa Services Offered Include:

Facials
Massage Services
Microdermabrasion
Chemical Peels
Paraffin Treatments
Waxing Services
Make-up Applications and Lessons
Tinting Services
Body Treatments
Laser Services (hair removal,
skin rejuvenation, etc.)
Medical Services (Botox,
varicose veins, injectable fillers)

For more information, please call Medi Spa West at (205) 481-8890 or visit their website at www.medispawest.com.

Spring into Sneezing!

2007-06-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full bloom, which means the air is full of that familiar yellow powdery substance, also known as pollen. Each spring, tiny particles, called pollen, are released from trees, and travel through air currents. Although their mission is to fertilize plants, many usually end up in human noses and throats, causing itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and uncontrollable sneezing. Of all the things that may cause allergies, pollen is the most widespread. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to control pollen allergies and decrease our exposure to pollen, so we can better enjoy the sunny days of Spring!

• Avoid intense outdoor activities during early morning and late afternoon hours when pollen
counts are highest
• Keep your house clean
• At home, close windows and run air conditioner
• Make sure to clean and replace your air conditioner filters regularly
• Take a shower, wash hair and change clothing after working and playing outdoors

Fast Food Makes a Comeback!

2007-02-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there's nothing better than a big, juicy hamburger from McDonalds or Burger King. But sadly, we are all aware that fast food doesn't provide the healthiest of food choices. Good news! Fast food restaurants are now coming up with items that provide more nutrients, less trans fats, and are generally healthier than that mouthwatering Big Mac or Double Whopper. Click here to read all about it!

Great Walking Tips!

2007-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some great tips on how to properly walk when exercising, as well as a few things you might not know!

*Always remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to avoid dehydration.

How to Walk:
Move at a steady pace, breathing deeply, with head erect, back straight and abdomen flat. Swing your arms freely at your sides. In the beginning, walk on level stretches of road or sidewalks, avoiding steep hills. If you are walking either in the early morning or at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing. If the sun is shining, wear sunscreen, hat and protective clothing.

Pace Yourself:
Monitor your level of exertion. The simplest way is to listen to your body. Five to ten minutes into your activity, your body should begin to feel warm. You may begin to perspire. Your breathing should increase. If your pace seems too easy, increase it slightly until you feel as if you are pushing yourself. If you feel it's too hard, ease up.

Another way to pace youself is the "talk-sing" test

If you can't talk and exercise at the same time, you're working too hard.
If you can talk while you exercise, you're doing just fine.
If you can sing while you exercise, it would be safe and more beneficial to exercise a little harder.

Shoe Buying Tips:

Support: The back of the shoe should be firm to help control heel motion.

Cushioning: Shoes should have plenty of cushioning, especially in the heel.

Performance: Shoes should be lightweight and durable and be made of material like nylon mesh that will allow sweat to evaporate.

Fit:

Shop late in the day, when your feet are the biggest
Wear the same type of socks you will wear when exercising
Make sure the toe box is big enough to wiggle your toes and is one thumbnail longer than your longest toe
Feel inside shoes for seams or ridges
Check the shoes to see if they bend easily at the widest part
Walk briskly around the store to check for cushioning and comfort
Make sure the shoes feel good on your feet

Learn more about great exercise and diet tips at Scale Back Alabama.

February is American Heart Month!

2007-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

The number one cause of death in the U.S. is cardiovascular disease. In order to increase awareness and to urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, February has been declared American Heart Month. American Heart Month provides an opportunity to promote heart health for men and women by focusing on risk factors for heart disease and what the community can do to reduce those factors.

Risk factors linked to heart disease include, a family history of heart disease, especially if a family member developed heart disease before the age of fifty, high blood pressure or diabetes. Lifestyle also plays an important role in the risk for developing heart disease. Factors such as smoking may increase an individual’s risk for heart disease. Also, those taking oral contraceptives while smoking have an even greater risk. In addition, obesity and lack of physical activity are also contributing factors that could increase the risk of heart disease.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Research your family history to see if heart disease runs in the family. The earlier you know you are at risk, the sooner you can develop a course of action to combat those factors. If you smoke, quit. Stopping the smoking habit will greatly reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Cut back on your intake of saturated fats. Not only does this fat add pounds, but it also can contribute to high blood cholesterol. Finally, take steps to live a healthier lifestyle, such as starting a heart smart diet and exercising more frequently.

Physicians at UAB Medical West in Bessemer are available for any questions you may have regarding heart disease and its risk factors. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West physician, please call 996-WEST.

UAB Medical West Recognizes Cervical Health Awareness Month

2007-01-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

This year, more than ten thousand American women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer was once the number one cause of death from cancer in women. Thanks to screenings, the number of women in the U.S. with cervical cancer has decreased dramatically. In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, UAB Medical West hopes to create awareness about the causes, risk factors, and prevention methods for contracting cervical cancer.

A virus—the human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that usually goes away on its own. Most people with HPV never even know they have it. There are two types of HPV—"low risk" and "high risk." Some low risk HPV infections can cause genital warts. Sometimes, if the high-risk type of HPV does not go away on its own, it may cause abnormal cells to form. If these abnormal cells are not found and treated, they may become cancer.

The FDA recently approved a new vaccine which will prevent many types of cervical cancer. The vaccine, called Gardisil, has been approved for administration to girls ages 9 through 26 who have not begun sexual activity. The vaccine, which works by building immunity against HPV, was found to be effective in preventing almost three-quarters of all cervical cancers.

“This vaccine will be an excellent tool in preventing cervical cancer,” said Dr. Richard Stephen, OB/GYN at UAB Medical West. “It is a significant advance in women’s health care.”

Dr. Stephen also reminds women that there are other risk factors in contracting cervical cancer. Women who smoke are almost twice as likely to develop cervical cancer. Women with HIV infection are at a higher risk of contracting the cancer due to their weakened immune systems. Family history also plays a role in developing cervical cancer. Women whose mothers or sisters have had cervical cancer are more likely to get the disease themselves.

The Pap test or Pap smear is another important tool for the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. It can detect abnormal cells and early cervical cancer, which can be treated successfully. It is recommended that women receive yearly Pap tests beginning three years after they become sexually active, but no later than 21 years of age.

UAB Medical West will soon be offering the HPV vaccine, Gardisil. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West physician, call 996-WEST.

How to recognize someone having a stroke

2007-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

I recently received this e-mail and thought it might be important to know about recognizing the symptoms of someone having a stroke.

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be wi th us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.It only takes a minute to read this...A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR. Read and Learn!Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK, to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently: It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him o r her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.{NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue... if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke}

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Scale Back Alabama

2007-01-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

UAB Medical West is currently participating in a state-wide weight loss program called "Scale Back Alabama." This is a great opportunity to make that New Year's resolution of losing those extra pounds come true!

Alabama has an adult obesity rate of 28.7 percent, ranking it the 2nd heaviest state in the nation. The state also ranks 5th in the nation for diabetes and ranks 3rd for hypertension. In an effort to change these statistics and help people lose weight, UAB Medical West is teaming up with the Alabama Hospital Association, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and Barber Dairies, to begin an eight-week weight loss program beginning in January called “Scale Back Alabama.” Ruben Studdard, American Idol winner and Birmingham native, is leading “Scale Back Alabama,” and has already lost 85 pounds!

Teams of three to five members will compete to see who can lose the most weight on a percentage basis, with the winning team receiving $1,000 per person, compliments of Barber Dairies.

UAB Medical West is encouraging its own employees and surrounding community to participate. The hospital will also serve as one of the official weigh-in sites on January 22, 2007. Scheduled times on this date are 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

To participate or for more information on “Scale Back Alabama,” please contact
UAB Medical West Marketing Director, Haley Tingle at 481-7272 or go to www.scalebackalabama.com.