Advantages of Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Medical City

According to a report by ScienceDaily.com, over ninety percent of knee joint replacement recipients are able to go home the same day. Requirements for release from the hospital include being able to get out of bed and to perform certain tasks, some as complicated as climbing stairs.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Your surgeon will perform minimally invasive joint replacement surgery by making a minor incision. This is done to preserve the ability to use the body at an optimum level after the operation. The replacement joints may have the strength to be used immediately. Physical therapy ordinarily follows such a surgery, giving you a head start toward recovery.

Faster Recovery from Joint Replacement
One of the greatest advantages to minimally invasive joint replacement is recovery time. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) relates that joint replacement is successful over ninety percent of the time. Some pain is expected after surgery as you heal. Your body will need to recover from surgery but will also need to regain strength potentially lost from previous immobility. NIAMS suggests that most patients experience pain only for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. By working at recovery and making use of available physical therapy, you should expect improved mobility in a relatively short amount of time.

Choosing Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement Surgery
If you are experiencing joint pain or reduced mobility brought on by a condition such as arthritis, joint replacement may be an option for you. Finding out more about how this type of surgery might help you and improve your quality of life should be high on your list of priorities.

Let Medical City Dallas help you learn more about minimally invasive joint replacement as an option. To ask questions, find a physician or make an appointment, visit us online or call us now at (972) 566-7000.

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Myths and Facts About Organ Donation

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Medical City

Making the decision to become a registered organ donor is a big one, and it can be scary for those who are unsure about the facts. The success rate of organ transplant surgery has increased greatly, but most individuals who need a transplant cannot get one because of shortages. Clearing up the myths about organ donation may help you in making your decision to become a donor, and one day possibly give the gift of life.

Myth: If I am a registered organ donor, doctors won't work as hard to save my life in the event of an emergency.
Fact: When you are brought to the hospital for treatment, the doctors in charge of your care are only working to save your life. These doctors are not involved in organ donation, as it is handled by a special transplant team. Donation can only occur after every effort has been given to try to save your life.

Myth: Organ donation will cost my family a great deal.
Fact: A donor's family or estate has no financial responsibility when it comes to organ donation. Charges for organ removal usually go to the recipient of the transplant.

Myth: Famous or wealthy people receive organ donations before all others.
Fact: Famous or wealthy individuals are treated no differently and aren't given priority over others when it comes to receiving transplants. The United Network for Organ sharing even subjects celebrity transplants to internal audits to ensure no appropriate allocation of organs.

Myth: You are too old to donate your organs.
Fact: Your medical condition, not your age, will determine whether your organs and tissue can be donated and used.

Myth: It's against most religions
Fact: In fact, most major, organized religions see organ donation as acceptable and an act of charity.

Myth: Only large organs like the heart, kidneys and liver can be donated.
Facts: Organs that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines and pancreas. Skin, bone, eyes, heart valves and tendons can also be donated.

So you've made the important decision to become a life-saving organ donor–now, how do you register? Registering to be an organ donor is simple. First you must register with your state's organ donor registry. You can find yours at OrganDonor.gov. After you register, you can designate on your driver's license that you are an organ donor. This can be done when you renew your license. You can also get a donor card at OrganDonor.gov. For more information on organ transplants and donations, visit us online at Medical City Hospital Transplant Center.

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Keep Your Workout On Track!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Medical City

You've set your New Year's resolution to get in shape this year, and you have your eyes on the goal. But how will you stay focused and keep on track? Starting a workout routine is not the hard part. Losing weight, getting fit and eating healthy are three of the most popular New Year's resolutions, but according to Health.com, less than half of us who make New Year's resolutions are still on track six months down the road. Here are some suggestions for keeping your workout on track this New Year:

Make It a Routine
Whether you are going to be strength training, running, biking or something else, setting a routine will keep you on track and help you avoid "skipping" a workout. Keep a journal outlining which days you will complete which exercises, for how long, how many reps, etc. Whether you go in the morning or evening, make your workout another part of your daily routine, just like going to bed and waking up.

…But Stay Flexible
If something comes up and you can't get your workout in when you normally do, don't get discouraged and give up. If your kids are sick or you wake up too late, don't use it as an excuse. Instead, tell yourself you have to work out extra hard one day, or go to the gym on the weekend to make up for the missed day.

Recruit a Friend
A buddy is one of the best ways to stay motivated at the gym or when working out. You can hold them accountable and they will do the same for you. And you have the added benefit of having more fun than you would if you were working out alone!

Reward Yourself Along the Way
Rewarding yourself for staying on track can motivate you to keep going. Reward yourself internally by feeling good about the exercise you just completed, or reward yourself externally with new workout clothes or running shoes.

Have Fun
Working out doesn't have to seem like a chore. If you hate going to the gym, find an alternative activity that you find fun, like kickboxing, running, cycling, or even ballroom dancing! Another way to amp up your workout and make it fun is by listening to music. New and upbeat music can keep you going through your long workouts and take your mind off the "exercise" aspect.

Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Instead of focusing on your end goal, like losing 20 pounds, you can set fitness goals. For instance, if you just started running, try setting goals for how far or how fast you want to be able to run in 5, 10, 12 weeks. Focusing on the exercise itself will keep you from obsessing about your end goal, but will still help you work towards it.

Keep a Log
Keep track of how far you run, how much weight you can lift, or how many laps you can swim. This will help you see the improvement you have made over time. Your body may not show any physical signs of improvement,  but you will know your health has improved if your abilities have improved!

Beginning a new exercise routine can be a challenge, especially if you have never worked out before. For more information on exercise and fitness, visit the Physical Fitness section of our website. There you can find information on getting started, overcoming obstacles and more. To speak to a doctor about starting a fitness regimen, contact us at 972.566.7000.

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Men: 5 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore!

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Medical City

Some men hate shopping with a passion; others dislike going to the doctor. If a man in your life thinks that he never needs to see a doctor, remind him that no one is invincible. It’s not uncommon for men to blow off their aches and pains, but ignoring symptoms that may be the sign of a serious condition can lead to multiple health problems down the road.

Men should never ignore these five symptoms, so prompt your guy to see a doctor if he’s having problems:

  1. Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Many men are embarrassed about ED, but the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that it can be caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as other serious medical conditions.
  1. Blood in urine. Blood should never be in present in urine. It can be caused by a variety of conditions and complications, including cysts or stones as well as cancer of the kidneys or bladder.
  1. Frequent urination. Going to the bathroom more often than usual or having difficulty passing urine can be signs of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that early detection has helped the death rate from prostate cancer drop considerably, so get checked if you suspect a problem.
  1. General grumpiness. We all have our moments, but constant grumpiness or intense mood swings may be symptoms of depression. Depression is a real illness that requires professional treatment. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
  1. Daytime sleepiness. If you stay up later than usual one night, you’re bound to be sleepy the next day. If you are constantly tired during the daytime, though, something may be wrong. Daytime fatigue can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a relatively common disorder in which the airways are blocked throughout the night. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, so if you think you have a problem, consult your physician.

We know our own bodies better than anyone else does. If something changes or doesn’t seem quite right, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a medical professional. If you need to find a physician, use our Find a Physician search tool. You can also call our helpful medical advisors 24 hours a day at 972-566-7111.

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10 Tips for Living With Chronic Pain

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Medical City

We have all experienced pain at one time or another. Too much physical activity or an injury can cause even the best of us to feel achy. Rest and relaxation along with an over-the-counter pain medication are often enough to deal with the problem.

What Causes It
If you’re living with chronic pain, though, it’s a whole new ballgame. As the American Chronic Pain Association explains, “If you live with chronic pain, you know that chronic pain is different.” Chronic pain does not subside easily. It can last for weeks, months, even years.

Unfortunately, the cause of chronic pain is often unclear. In some cases, the pain doesn’t just go away after suffering from a major illness or injury. In other cases, chronic pain develops without a known cause. It can be caused by conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

What Hurts
Chronic pain can affect your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, tendons and even your organs. That is why people suffering from chronic pain often have sore backs, necks, legs, wrists, and more.

Managing Chronic Pain
The National Pain Foundation states that understanding your chronic pain can help you set realistic goals for treatment and healing.

The following 10 tips are helpful to those living with chronic pain:

  1. Exercise. Exercise creates endorphins which can help improve your mood and reduce pain. Get your doctor’s approval before starting an exercise regimen.
  2. Participate in activities you enjoy. Fun hobbies that you enjoy will help keep your mind off of your pain.
  3. Try deep breathing or mediation. Both of these techniques can help your body relax.
  4. Stay positive. It’s not always easy, but reducing stress in your life can work wonders when dealing with chronic pain.
  5. Listen to soothing music. It really can help calm you down.
  6. Keep a pain journal. Keep a diary of your pain. Keep track of all names, dosages, and frequencies of your medications and whether or not they helped at the time.
  7. Document your tests and medical procedures. A list of your diagnostic tests will be helpful if you switch doctors.
  8. Rest. Aim for six to eight hours of sleep per night.
  9. Avoid or cut back on alcohol. Alcohol can make sleep problems worse. Sleep is tough enough if you are living with chronic pain.
  10. Join a support group. Socializing with others that “feel your pain” is a good way to realize you’re not alone.

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FAQS about Cord Blood

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Medical City

Umbilical cord blood could be lifesaving—but is it worth it?

 You’ve heard about umbilical cord blood and its life-saving potential, but as an expectant parent, you may want to start exploring the possibilities more in-depth. The decision to save your baby’s cord blood is difficult for some, particularly because the process of saving and storing it can be costly, and the chances of actually using it may be slim. So here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers:

What exactly is cord blood?
The blood that remains in the umbilical cord after your baby’s birth is called cord blood. Cord blood contains invaluable cells called stem cells that can be used to treat many different medical conditions, including certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma and blood disorders.

How is cord blood saved?
The saving of cord blood is a simple procedure that can be done at the time immediately following your baby’s birth. The process is safe and painless. Once the umbilical cord has been cut, the blood remaining in it is collected and sent to a laboratory for cryogenic freezing and storage. If not saved, this blood is normally just discarded.

What would it cost us?
The saving of cord blood after birth typically has a processing and preparation fee, which can be $2000-3,000, as well as an annual storage fee, which may be $100-$300. To see a complete breakdown of costs, visit the Cord Blood Registry. This is just one of the many U.S. cord blood banks, and will give you an idea of typical costs.

Who can benefit from the cord blood?
The baby’s siblings are most likely to be a compatible match for these cord blood stem cells, but other family members may be a match and can benefit as well. The child who the cord blood was saved from will always be a direct match. They can benefit from their own stem cells in the treatment of many diseases, but not if there is a genetic condition which has been inherited. However, stem cells from another sibling who is a match can be beneficial in the case of genetic conditions.

What are the chances we will use the cord blood?
The most recent data shows that the chance of someone requiring a stem cell transplant is 1 in 217.

Did You Know?
Medical City Hospital was the first North Texas donor site for the Texas Cord Blood Bank. The Texas Cord Blood Bank is a division of the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. The nonprofit cord blood bank collects umbilical cord blood donations as a public bank to benefit patients in Texas and across the country. To find out more about our capabilities here at Medical City Hospital, visit us online or give us a call at 972.566.7000.

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Top Ways You Are Harming Your Heart

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Medical City

Your heart works hard for you every day, pumping nearly 2,000 gallons of blood through its chambers, keeping all the cells in your body oxygenated, and keeping you going. But many of us are rough on our hearts and don’t give them the attention they need to last a lifetime. Here are some of the top ways you might be harming your heart, and how to reverse the damage before it’s too late:

Eating Junk
It’s okay to have a dessert once and awhile, but if you’re continually eat a diet heavy in saturated fat, trans-fat, cholesterol and salt; your heart won’t forgive you in the long run. According to Mayo Clinic, foods high in saturated or trans-fat can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk for coronary artery disease. Adding more fruits and vegetables, Omega-3 fatty acids and only drinking alcohol in moderation can help in preventing heart disease.

Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking cigarettes can greatly increase your risk for heart disease. Even if you already smoke, quitting can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

Being a Couch Potato
Just like all the other muscles in your body, your heart needs to be used to stay in good shape. Getting exercise on a daily basis can reduce your risk of heart disease. On most days of the week, you should be aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. Even if you aren’t able to exercise that much, any exercise is better than none.

Skipping Doctor’s Visits
It’s important to visit your doctor on a regular basis, so you can receive regular screenings for your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. High blood pressure and cholesterol can cause damage to your heart, so getting them checked often will help you and your doctor see whether any action needs to be taken.

You only have one heart, so take care of it by kicking a few unhealthy habits and living a more active lifestyle and it will continue to work hard for you. Here at Medical City Dallas Hospital, we want you to know the importance of taking an active approach to managing your heart health. Visit Medical City Heart online or give us a call at 972-566-BEAT to find out how we can help you.

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Five Ways You Can Lower Your Cholesterol

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Medical City

Avoiding high levels of bad cholesterol should be on the must-do list for anyone concerned about good health. UnderstandingCholesterol.com makes a point of telling us that high cholesterol has no known symptoms. Dangerous levels of cholesterol can cause heart disease and can only be detected through testing. Knowing what to do to prevent the dangerous build up of cholesterol may be key to a long and healthy life.

Eat a Proper Diet
Eating well may be one of the most basic means of preventing build-up of unwanted cholesterol. The body creates its own cholesterol from the foods you eat. Whether your body creates good or bad cholesterol depends on what you choose to consume. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables and grains can help, though eating fish ranks highest in helping your body to create healthy cholesterol. The items you should avoid are saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats have a high level of hydrogen, by which they gain their name because they are saturated with hydrogen. Trans fats also contain hydrogen, but manufacturers add these fats to help prolong shelf life. Both of these fats should be avoided as studies suggest that they raise the levels of bad cholesterol in your body.

Get Regular Exercise
You have certainly heard by now that exercise is good for your heart. It can also help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your system. The benefits of keeping active are undeniable, which include a strengthened heart. LivesStrong.com relates that exercise can help your body convert harmful, artery-clogging cholesterol into good cholesterol that the body will use to build healthy cells. The Center for Disease Control recommends thirty minutes of exercise nearly every day.

Maintain Healthy Body Weight
Another obvious contributor to good health is the control of body fat. Excess weight can precipitate a host of ailments, with high cholesterol levels among them. Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to being overweight. Added to the ill effects of eating saturated fats, an overabundance of stored body fat can prove quite unhealthy. Following advice on eating well and getting daily exercise may help you to solve this widespread health concern.

Get the Facts
Understanding what contributes to build-ups of bad cholesterol is key. The second half of the equation is learning which foods will help you to create healthy cholesterol that your body can use. We all need cholesterol to live but knowing how to eliminate bad cholesterol will help us to lead longer, healthier lives. Getting educated on reducing harmful cholesterol is a major step on the road to a healthy heart.

Consult a Physician
It is impossible to gauge cholesterol levels without testing. See your physician to discover your cholesterol levels. Only by knowing your current condition can you take appropriate action to prevent the negative effects of bad cholesterol on your system. Get started toward a healthy future by scheduling your cholesterol test today.

For more information about cholesterol and heart health, contact us at Medical City Dallas Hospital. You can visit us online or use our Find a Physician service.

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Cancer: Now What? Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Medical City

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing and often times devastating. You may find that your focus may switch away from your previous goals and toward a search for remedies. Facing the new reality can be an overwhelming challenge. If you have a willingness to reach out for help from health professions, friends and family, the diagnosis of cancer may be easier for you to manage.

Get Informed About Cancer
Preparing to confront a lifestyle that includes having cancer may be difficult, but taking a few steps to prepare might help. The first step might be to get informed not only about cancer but also about the specific type of cancer with which you have been diagnosed. You can do this by reading and by asking questions. Learn the vocabulary associated with your cancer. Understanding your condition may go a long way in helping you manage your illness better.

Understand Your Cancer Diagnosis
Keep in mind that many methods exist to test for cancer. Your doctor may test your blood, urine, and saliva to diagnose you. Caring4Cancer.com lists biopsies, imaging and numerous other options for a thorough set of tests. You should also get informed about methods of diagnosis so that you to understand your doctor’s recommendations for further testing and treatment.

Find Qualified Cancer Professionals
Another necessary step will be to find a qualified health professional. Do your research. You will need a doctor to help you. Look for information describing who has experience and proper qualifications to treat your condition. Your area should have a medical center to help you, although you may need to drive an extra distance to get to the right help. It is OK to ask your potential doctor questions before making your choice.

Accept Help
Be prepared for the offers of help you may receive from friends and family, and remember that asking for help is perfectly acceptable. Different cancers come with different needs. Once you find out what you can expect, be sure to look ahead so that you can plan for any immobility issues. An article by CNN also advises cancer patients to appropriately plan for any financial hardships.

Face Your Emotions
You should also acknowledge the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Friends and family can help a great deal with the distress often brought on by having cancer. Be sure to consider joining a support group, since such groups offer a forum for you to increase your understanding of your medical condition.

Coping with cancer is tough for anyone, but Medical City Dallas is here to support you on this difficult journey. We approach cancer with family-centered care, because cancer doesn’t just affect the individual. To find out more about how we can help you and your loved ones, visit us online or give us a call at 972-566-5714.

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Get There Safely—Tips for Safe Driving

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Medical City

This week is national Drive Safely Work Week, so why not take the time to brush up on your safe driving skills? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 1,700 fatalities and 840,000 crashes on public highways each year. So here are the best ways you can stay safe and prevent accidents while driving:

Buckle Up, Really!
Wearing your seat belt may not prevent you from getting into an accident, but it can certainly save your life in one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adult seat belt use is the most effective method of saving lives in vehicle crashes.

Play Defense
You could be the best race car driver in the world and still get in an accident if another car rams into you. Just because you drive safely on the roads doesn’t mean others around you are looking out for your best interest. Being a defensive driver means always looking out for the other guys. Driving defensively means being prepared for the worst to happen and recognizing potentially hazardous situations.

Focus, Focus, Focus!
If you’re driving, let that be your main priority. Don’t let yourself get distracted by the phone, radio, applying makeup, talking or anything else. According to the CDC, more than 1,200 people are injured and 15 killed each day because of a crash involving distracted driving. Remember to keep your hands, eyes and mind on the road when you are driving!

Maintain Your Ride
Safe driving isn’t just about following the laws and paying attention—having a reliable car and properly maintaining it can also affect your safety. The parts of the car you should pay attention to the most are tires, breaks and airbags. Have these components checked as recommended by your dealer or mechanic.

If you are in a car accident, rest assured that we are here for you at the Medical City Hospital. To find out more about us and how we can help you in the event of an emergency, contact us. Visit us online or give us a call at 972-566-7000.

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