Posts Written OnMay 2015

Physical activity for people with health limitations A health issue may seem like a reason to avoid exertion, but in fact, exercise is an important part of keeping your condition under control. Here are a few guidelines for physical activity if you have asthma, arthritis, heart disease or some other medical condition.WHY IS STAYING ACTIVE SO IMPORTANT? Keeps up your strength so you can stay independent Gives you more energy for your favorite activities Reduces stress and anxiety Improves balance and coordination WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ARE MOST BENEFICIAL? Walking. Walking is one of the safest, most effective forms of…

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Stop the Silence – National African American Breast Cancer Walk Westside Surgical Hospital and Breast Center was pleased to join members of the Sister’s Network for their 6th annual “Stop the Silence” walk, to raise awareness for breast cancer and encourage early detection among the African American community. The hospital’s team was happy to participate in the 5K walk at Discovery Green, while other team members shared information about the WSH Breast Center with the many who stopped by to visit. Thank you to Dr. Camille Cash for bringing this important opportunity to our attention!

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WSH meets with legislators at Breast Health Advocacy Day Representatives from Westside Surgical Hospital and Breast Center recently visited Austin to meet with Texas state legislators about public policy regarding breast health and cancer awareness. Breast Health Advocacy Day, a biannual event held this year on March 5, served as a crucial platform for Community Health Workers and breast health organizations to discuss important issues and provide information for those who are making policies related to health care funding. WSH joined others from around the state to advocate for funding that would support breast cancer services, education and research. “It’s…

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How tennis players can maintain their strokes by staying injury-free From Grand Slam tournaments to recreational leagues, tennis players are feeling the strain after their matches. You might think that tennis elbow is the most likely injury for the serve-and-volley set — but it’s no match for more common afflictions. Sixty-seven percent of tennis-related injuries involve the lower extremities, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). The jarring nature of tennis, with its intermittent stops and starts, can be devastating on the hips, knees, feet and ankles. To keep tennis players on the court, the AAOS tosses up these…

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Tips from nurse anesthetists Moms and dads will naturally get anxious if their child needs a surgical procedure. That’s why the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists put together a guide for parents on how to ease their fears and make the process as easy as possible for the child. START STRONG • When parents remain calm, their little ones take the cue. The best way to reduce anxiety all around is to have a clear understanding of what to expect. • Talk to the surgeon, without your child present, to get all the information you need and your questions answered. • Find out…

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Some foods and herbal supplements may interfere with your medication. It’s only logical. Medication works because it causes some sort of reaction in your body. Herbal supplements and food do the same thing. And sometimes, the combination creates conflict that will cause medicine to lose its effectiveness. The American Heart Association (AHA) lists some common drug/food/herbal supplement interactions to avoid: If you take Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner that many heart patients take to avoid dangerous clots Be careful about: Ginseng, touted as a means to boost the immune system, improve mood or increase concentration, and Vitamin E, also seen by many…

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A study raises questions as legalization of the drug becomes more common   Many supporters of marijuana legalization have cited the drug’s health benefits among the most important reasons for their support. Marijuana is often used to provide pain relief associated with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and HIV. But now there is more to the debate. French researchers say they have found a possible link between marijuana use and cardiovascular complications in younger adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, examined 1,979 cannabis-related reports in a five-year period. Researchers identified 35 users who…

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Body lift surgery helps patients feel comfortable in their own skin after major weight loss People who lose a significant amount of weight often bear a physical reminder in the form of loose, sagging skin. The skin causes a range of medical problems — back pains and chafing, for example — as well as emotional distress. Any joy in losing weight is often tempered by feelings of unhappiness and discomfort. The only way to tighten the skin is through surgery, and one procedure in particular has achieved strong results for patients at Westside Surgical Hospital. Cosmetic surgery physician Dr. Mark…

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