The experts at Northwest Medical Center specialize in sports physicals and family orthopedic care. Sports physicals help keep your champions in the game by evaluating their athletic health, fitness level, risk of injury and physical well-being. The staff at Northwest Medical Center goes above and beyond to ensure your child is in it to win it by monitoring any conditions that might affect performance.

To schedule a sports physical or for a free physician referral, please call 1-866-442-2362. For more information about orthopedic services at Northwest Medical Center, please visit us online.

Statistics show that 1 out of 3 women suffer from pelvic disorders of some kind of the other. But most women ignore pelvic health problems until they get in the way of their daily life.

Don't be one of them. The Pelvic Health Institute at Northwest Medical Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. The experts at Northwest Medical Center offer the latest surgical treatment options using minimally invasive and robotic techniques. Various pelvic floor treatments are available including:

• Incontinence
• Inflammatory bowel disorders and defectory dysfunction
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Neuro-urologic disorders

Take the steps to strengthen your pelvic health. For a free physician referral, call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-866-442-2362.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, making the New Year the perfect time to educate yourself about issues related to cervical cancer, genital human papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of early detection.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus, or womb. The cervix connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is typically caused by a virus known as HPV.

What Is HPV?

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. In fact, statistics show that at least half of all sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it does not have symptoms and people are unaware they have it. The CDC states that there are approximately 40 different types of genital HPV–some forms of HPV cause cervical cancer while other types can cause different cancers in both men and women.

Pap Tests Can Save Lives

Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to screening tests known as Pap tests or Pap smears. The Pap test is performed during a woman’s annual gynecological examination. Women can also receive vaccines that prevent HPV and therefore may prevent cervical cancer.

Even though Pap tests and HPV vaccines are relatively simple and can save lives, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition has found that 11% of American women have reported that they do not have their annual Pap tests performed. The fact that over 4,000 women die of cervical cancer each year in the United States alone is just one reason that Pap tests are so important.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Make Your Appointment

This January, make it your goal to schedule a gynecological exam and Pap test. Inform your mother, aunts, sisters, daughters, and female friends to do the same in honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month. It could save your life as well as theirs!

If you are in need of a gynecologist, contact Northwest Medical Center’s free Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral service. Our nurses and referral specialists are available by phone 24 hours a day at 1-888-256-7720. They can help you find a doctor, make an appointment, and even answer some healthcare questions.

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Pain and injury from daily overuse is a frequent cause of upper extremity pain. Overuse, however, is different for each person. An activity that causes pain for one person may not for someone else. In general, the more frequently an activity is performed, and the more lifting or straining the activity requires, the greater the opportunity for injury and pain.

Read the following questions:

• Do you have difficulty reaching up and getting an item out of a cabinet due to pain in your arm?
• Do you have pain in your shoulder, elbow or hand?
• Is your grasp weak?
• Do you have difficulty dressing your upper body due to pain or limited flexibility?
• Are any of the joints in your hand red and swollen?
• Do you have pain in your elbow when playing tennis, golf or bowling?

If you answered YES to any of these 6 questions, you should discuss your symptoms with your physician or an orthopedic specialist.

If you answered NO to any of these questions, be sure to "favorite" this blog post and and refer back to it every 6-12 months.

Remember:

It is important to understand that upper extremity pain is a symptom of a medical condition, not a diagnosis itself. Medical problems that can cause upper extremity pain include the following: mechanical problems, injuries, acquired conditions, and disease process. To find a physician that can properly diagnose and treat your upper extremity dysfunction please call our free Consult-A-Nurse and physician referral line at 888-256-7720.

Joint Pain Treatment:

The treatment of upper extremity pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment.

Quick Facts:

• One third of all acute injuries seen in emergency rooms involve the upper extremities.
• Two thirds of upper extremity injuries occur to individuals in their working years.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries, or Occupational Overuse Syndrome as it is now termed, may be on the increase with the growing use of small electronic devices such as iPods, Blackberrys and mobile phones.

For more information about orthopedics services at Northwest Medical Center, please visit us online or call 888-256-7720.

Ouch! Ear infections are a painful annoyance that commonly affect children from 2 months old to 2 years old. According to USA Today, health officials from the Center for Disease Control have reported a steady decline in ear infection cases in children over the last 20 years. However, many children, teens and adults still suffer with ear infections from time to time. It is very important to be aware of the symptoms and the measures needed to treat it. 

What is an ear infection?

A build-up of fluid in the ear can occur due to another infection like a cold or flu. This fluid that lingers in the ear tubes eventually becomes infected, causing pain and inflammation. It's most common amongst babies and children as the tubes in their ears haven't developed entirely and their flat shape increases the chances of infection. 

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Symptoms of an infection may include one or more of the following:

• Irritability 
• Fever
• Fluid leaking from the ear
• Difficulty hearing 
• Nausea 
• Difficulty sleeping

How do I treat an ear infection?

If a child is suffering from any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to take them to their pediatrician. The doctor will be able to properly diagnose them and prescribe antibiotics to help. If an adult is suffering from symptoms, an over-the-counter analgesic can relieve the pain, such as extra strength Tylenol. Keep your head elevated when sitting and sleeping. If you're still experiencing pain, you may want to see your family doctor for a prescribed antibiotic, also. 

Where do I go next?

Some ear infections can be cured in just a few days with medication and rest. However, recurrent ear infections may require minor surgery to implant ear tubes which can prevent future infections. If you're in pain, the Northwest Medical Center emergency room staff is here to treat your symptoms day or night. Our free Consult-A-Nurse service is also available to answer your questions 24/7 at 1-888-256-7720.

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Every January, New Year's resolutions are often made with the best intentions but have a tendency to fall to the wayside as the weeks and months progress. Is weight loss a priority for you this year but are you unsure how to achieve your goal? We want to help. When making your weight loss resolutions, follow these 5 tips to stay on track and become a healthier, happier you. 

1. Make regular exercise fun. Create a regular routine that fits in with your work and life schedule. Staying active daily, even for just 20 minutes a day, can help you burn calories and shed the pounds. But be sure to change up your routine and keep exercise fun — which will keep your interest, too. Try joining a local fitness class or softball team, play outside with your kids, become a member of a walking group or practice some alternative fitness routines such as yoga or tai chi a few times a week. 

2. Plan your meals ahead of time. This way, you can keep track of your caloric intake and ensure that you're fueling your body with the necessary ingredients to exercise, have energy, burn fat and create lean muscle. Foods that are high in protein and low in saturated fats are ideal. Try to avoid eating out often since many prepared meals are high caloric.

3. Eat smaller portions. Eating more, smaller meals a day is a great way to lose weight and monitor your daily caloric intake.  It also helps to curb appetite cravings and reduce unhealthy eating habits. Remember to eat healthy snacks in between meals such as fresh fruit, raw veggies, granola bars or a protein drink. 

4. Read articles on health and fitness. By reading up on health and fitness articles, you're educating yourself on different fitness topics, such as how to eat, what to eat, how to properly plan meals, cardio vs. strength training and more. You may discover a fitness routine you love or  a breakfast combination that's delicious and healthy. When it comes to weight loss, knowledge truly is power. 

5. Drink more water. It's important to stay hydrated when dieting and exercising. Water helps process proteins needed for muscle repair. It also cools and hydrates the body during a fitness routine. The temptation to enjoy unhealthy snacks can often be avoided if the body is properly hydrated. Water is filling and hydration can stave off those hunger pains. By drinking 8-10 ounces of water instead of munching on an unhealthy snack, you're controlling what you put into your body and forming healthier eating habits along the way. 

Keep in mind that heart disease and diabetes are the leading killers of adults in the United States. By sticking to a solid weight loss resolution, you will reduce the risk of illness, have more energy and be able to take on the new year with renewed vigor and happiness. Sometimes, diet and exercise isn't enough to lose a large amount of weight. The Bariatric Center at Northwest Medical Center has various safe surgical weight loss options for those who may need special attention. To speak with a bariatric nurse or to make an appointment, please call (954) 727-4549.

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When you are struggling with a medical issue in your family, the last thing you need to worry about is what number to call. We know that having immediate access to information is critical. And, considering how often children tend to run fevers in the middle of the night, access to medical information shouldn’t be limited to regular office hours, either.

Northwest Medical Center offers its community a number of ways to contact and access our staff and medical services. Here are some you should remember, “favorite” on your computer, or program into your phones.

Consult-A-Nurse®

If you are looking for information about health-related topics, or if you are looking for a physician referral, our free Consult-A-Nurse® service is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays. To reach a nurse, keep this phone number handy: 1-888-256-7720.

Physician Referral

If you are looking to find a physician for your specific medical issue, you can either call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7720 or visit our website.

Classes

Northwest Medical Center offers a number of educational classes, health lectures and support groups. If you would like to learn more about our offerings, please call 1-888-256-7720 or check our calendar of events online.

Department Directory

Are you looking to contact a specific department at Northwest Medical Center? Visit our online department directory to find the number that you need.

Medical Information

Did you know that we offer a comprehensive medical library online? For a detailed list of medical conditions, including their causes and suggested treatments, medical news, procedures, interactive tools and more, go here. To visit our visit our extensive video library, go here, and for information specific to pediatric healthcare, please visit here.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Source:

Northwest Medical Center

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When you are faced with a medical emergency, you want to have complete confidence in your hospital’s emergency room. You don’t want to have to think about endless wait times or question a hospital’s level of care. You simply want to get your loved one the best medical treatment available, as fast as possible. Here at Northwest Medical Center, we understand these concerns. Here are some reasons why you might want to make our ER you “go-to” when times of medical crisis occur.

Wait Times

Northwest Hospital strives to keep your waiting time to a minimum. While the national average wait time is an hour, our hospital consistently beats this average by a large margin. To find out the current wait times, you can:

• Text “ER” to 23000 to find out the average ER times from your mobile device.
• Check the Northwest Medical Center website. Wait times are located at the top right corner of the page.

Top-Notch Service

Our experienced emergency physicians and highly trained triage nursing staff will determine the category and level of care that you need in the shortest amount of time possible. We also aim to have blood and urine test results back within about an hour so that diagnosis and treatment can occur quickly.

The best way to prepare for a potential emergency is to research your options and understand procedures ahead of time. If you would like to learn more about emergency care at Northwest Medical Center, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® Healthcare Referral service at 1-888-256-7720 or visit our website.

Source:

Emergency Services FAQ (Northwest Medical Center)

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Let’s face it—the holiday season can be a huge source of stress, anxiety and depression. While joy and cheer are at the forefront of the season, there are many hardships that come along with it. This holiday season follow the simple guide below to reduce your stress, maximize your time and truly enjoy the core of the holidays: your loved ones and time spent together.

1. Plan ahead. Your holiday to-do list may be overflowing already. Prioritize your list and be easy on yourself if the less important items don’t all get done. Make sure you plan ahead when putting together a holiday party or dinner. Also use the internet to order your holiday gifts weeks or months in advance, if possible. Doing so allows you to track your shipping and stay on top of your orders. 

2. Set a budget and stick to it. Setting a budget will keep your financial boundaries intact. Financial troubles during the holidays top the list when determining a person’s risk for high stress and depression. By setting a rock solid budget, not only are you putting your mind at ease about your finances, but you’re organizing your purchasing and keeping stress at a minimum.

3. Take a break. Sometimes you can burn yourself out by staying up late cooking, preparing for visitors, ignoring your usual exercise routine and not leaving any time to focus on you. Remember that it’s never going to be perfect; accept that and you can begin to relax. Set aside a few minutes a day, each day, to focus on you and take a breather. You can curb anxiety this way and create a healthier, more positive demeanor.

4. Stay healthy and eat right. You may be the busiest you’ve ever been, but just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to give up a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Avoid late night eating and fried foods. Instead snack healthy during the day on nuts, granola bars, raw vegetables and fresh fruit. Schedule yourself a few minutes of exercise each day. Sometimes a ten minute walk was just the stress reliever you needed in between gift wrapping.

5. Ask for help. Planning for the holidays is a daunting task. Remember, you never have to do it alone. Ask for help. You can delegate errands and tasks to friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand. This takes items off of your to-do list and relieves stress. The holidays are all about giving and helping, so don’t be afraid to ask for some yourself to get you through the season.

The key to staying stress free is balance. By following the tips above, not only can you reduce stress, but you will make your holiday obligations more enjoyable and easy.

For more information about the services offered at Northwest Medical Center, please visit us online or call our free Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-256-7720.

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In November, Northwest Medical Center was recognized as a Gold Level Recipient of the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit Friendly Companies Recognition Program.

The Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program is a catalyst for positive change in American business. Companies throughout the nation can be part of the Start! initiative by demonstrating progressive leadership by making the health and wellness of their employees a priority.

Northwest Medical Center was recognized as a Gold Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company for fulfilling the following parameters:

•             Offer employee physical activity support

•             Provide/increase health eating options at the worksite

•             Promote a wellness culture

•             Implement at least nine criteria as outlines by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture

Congratulations, Northwest Medical Center!