Plaza Medical Center

Understanding Hernias: Causes and Treatment

laicos — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:26:55 +0000

Men are often instructed to “turn their heads and cough” during routine exams in which a doctor checks the groin area for a hernia. These occur when part of an internal organ or the tissue surrounding it pokes through a weak spot of muscle. Because roughly 80% of hernias are inguinal, meaning the intestine or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal, men are often checked for them during office visits. Hernias are often caused by heavy lifting or straining combined with weak muscles.

Types of Hernias
Hernias can affect men and women of any age, and some hernias are even present at birth. According to the National Institutes of Health, some of the most common hernias are as follows:

Inguinal, which is described above and occurs in the groin area
Umbilical, which occurs around the belly button and is common in newborns obese women or women who have had multiple children
Incisional, which occurs at the site of an abdominal surgery scar and is common in elderly or overweight patients who are inactive after surgery
Hiatal, which occurs when a small opening in the diaphragm allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest and is often mistaken for simple heartburn

The Nemours Foundation explains that hernias can even be caused by persistent coughing or sneezing and diarrhea or constipation, so it's a good idea to inform your doctor if you are in pain or feel a bulge in your lower abdomen or groin area.

Hernia Treatment
In some cases, hernias cause few or no symptoms and do not even require treatment, but they don’t go away on their own. Over time, hernias can become larger and more painful. If that is true in your case, your doctor may eventually determine that surgery is necessary to repair your hernia.

Today, laparoscopic surgery is commonly used to repair hernias. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and involves far less pain and discomfort during the recovery period than traditional open surgeries. The specially-trained surgeons at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth offer laparoscopic hernia surgery in a safe, nurturing enviroment. For more information, visit us online or contact us by email. You can also reach us by phone at (817) 877-5292 for answers to your surgery questions.

It’s National Hospital Week at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth!

laicos — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:27:01 +0000

Have you heard? There truly is a difference at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth!

About Plaza Medical Center

Established in 1974, Plaza Medical Center has grown to a 320-bed facility located in the heart of Fort Worth’s medical district. Our positive reputation was built on our commitment to the care and improvement of human life, and our current and past patients can attest that we help people become happier and healthier individuals thanks to our cutting-edge diagnostic tools, treatment services and our committed, compassionate medical professionals.

Improvements and Community Outreach
Thanks to a recent $105 million construction project comprised of a 30,000 square foot expansion as well as more than 40,000 square feet of major renovations to improve our patients’ and employees’ experiences, Plaza Medical Center proudly offers new private upscale patient rooms, a new outpatient surgery center and waiting area, a renovated kitchen as well as a new cafeteria, among many other upgrades and additions. Your health as well as your comfort is our top priority during your time at our facility.

Our Health to You program and free classes and events are just two of the many ways Plaza Medical Center reaches out to patients, family, friends and the local community.

Celebrate National Hospital Week with Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth!
National Hospital Week, a celebration of the history, technology and compassionate medical professionals that help make miracles occur in hospitals across the country, is being celebrated from May 6-12, 2012. It is the largest national health care event in the United States and the perfect time to help increase awareness, promote improved interaction between patients and employees, and help hospitals become more satisfying workplaces.

Celebrate National Hospital Week with us by sharing the story of your experience at Plaza Medical Center or learning more about the services we offer. Visit us online, read our informative and regularly updated blog, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or contact us by phone at (817) 877-5292 with your questions or concerns. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. We look forward to hearing from you!

Celebrating National Nurses Day

laicos — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:27:19 +0000

Frequently considered an art as well as a science, nursing is an extraordinarily rewarding yet stressful profession. Nurses are on their feet for hours on end, they put in long shifts, and experience the strain of working with ill people on a daily basis. Although doctors may receive much of the credit for helping patients, nurses are also there to monitor, assess and intervene for their patients around the clock.

The Highs and Lows of Nursing

It takes a unique person to become a nurse as they learn to remain emotionally stable during both joyful and traumatic experiences. They get to hold new mothers’ hands while their precious babies enter the world, but they must also know how to help console patients or their loved ones when bad news is received or a life has ended.

Celebrate Nurses National Nurses Day

Here at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, our nurses have committed themselves to providing the very best care to every patient that walks through our doors. Our licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) offer a variety of important services ranging from gathering health histories and checking vital signs to intervening in emergencies and explaining medications or treatments to patients and their families.

Chances are, you have dealt with nurses on multiple occasions. They work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, schools and more. May 6 is National Nurses Day, a day to celebrate these valued medical professionals. May 6th also kicks off National Nurses Week, which lasts through May 12—the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of nursing. Learn more about the history of Nurses Day on the American Nurses Association website.

Will you see a nurse today? Be sure to take a moment to thank them for all that they do!

To learn more about Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth and the services we offer, visit us online or call (817) 877-5292. If you are a nurse who is interested in working at Plaza Medical Center, you can browse our current open nursing career options here.

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What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery

laicos — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:28:25 +0000

If you are preparing for knee surgery, you probably have a few concerns about the recovery process. Without a doubt, having your knee replaced will increase your mobility and physical activity in a significant way. However, knee surgery patients must make their recovery process and physical therapy a priority. Here are a few tips about what you should expect during your recovery from knee replacement surgery.

Immediate recovery
Expect to spend a few days in the hospital after your procedure is complete. The key to successful mobility after your knee has been replaced is slow and steady movements. It is likely that you will be instructed to move your foot immediately after the surgery in order to prevent any type of blood clots or hemorrhaging that could occur.

If your knee was causing major problems for your physicality or mobility before the surgery, there's a chance that your legs are not as strong as they could be otherwise. You will begin to build strength in your leg muscles in order to properly maneuver your new knee joint in anticipation of a more active lifestyle.

Pain treatment
While levels of discomfort and pain post-surgery may vary from person to person, every patient must manage their pain carefully. You may be put on an IV of pain medication in the hospital and it's likely you'll be prescribed pills to take once you are home. Remember to take the medication as prescribed in order to remain as comfortable as possible during the recovery process.

Resuming daily activities
After you're discharged from the hospital, there's a good chance that you will become enrolled in a physical therapy program. This will help you gain mobility back faster as you build strength in your legs and muscles as well as in your new knee joint.

Keep in mind that it may be 4-6 weeks before you can return to your regular work or daily routine. However, you will be able to begin walking early on in your recovery with a walking aid. Expect to depend on that walking aid for a few weeks as you begin to build strength back in your leg. Also, driving may be resumed a week or two after surgery if your your car is an automatic. Otherwise, it may be up to 8 weeks before you are able to drive.

Would you like to learn more about knee replacement surgery at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth? Visit us online here or make an appointment with one of our physicians. For a physician referral, please use our Find-A-Physician service or contact us at 817-87PLAZA.

Why Your Teen Needs the Meningitis Vaccine

laicos — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:28:41 +0000

How much do you know about meningitis? April 24th is World Meningitis Day, so we would like to share the basics about this disease and underscore the importance of having your teen vaccinated. The sooner you can begin to protect your teen or loved one against meningitis the better.

What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a disease that inflames the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be transmitted both virally and bacterially. Less serious cases of bacterial meningitis can be treated and cured within a few weeks, while more serious cases of viral meningitis can lead to hospital treatment and possible brain damage or even death.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms to watch out for are extreme headaches, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, confusion and sensitivity to light and sound. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance.

How is it spread?
Meningitis is usually spread through close contact, oral contact and through the nose. Individuals who live in close proximity, such as college students living in dormitories, are at a higher risk of meningitis.

Why the vaccine?
If your teenager is between the ages of 11 and 18, a meningitis vaccination is highly recommended. The vaccination is usually given around the 11 or 12 year old mark at an annual check up. There are different vaccinations available for meningitis, please consult your doctor as to which one is available and right for you.

If your son or daughter is leaving for college, please make an appointment with his or her physician for a meningitis vaccination before the first semester begins. For more information about meningitis and how to prevent the disease, please visit us online at the Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. Are you looking for a new doctor for your teenager? Please use our online Find a Physician service or contact us at 817-87PLAZA.

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Get the Facts about Sarcoidosis

laicos — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:59:07 +0000

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes massive inflammation to the organs. It begins when a grouping of cells form together in clumps and greatly affect how that organ performs. Since April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, we've put together a list of facts that you should know to recognize this serious medical condition.

What causes sarcoidosis?
There isn't any proven causes of sarcoidosis, but evidence links it to bacteria, viral infections and possible exposure to certain chemicals that cause the inflammation reaction. It all depends on the genetics of the individual and the strength and makeup of his or her immune system.

What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
There are general symptoms you can look out for. These include chronic fatigue, fever and night sweats. Other symptoms are specific to the infected gland or organ.

Lungs. The inflammation of the lungs is the most common infection for patients suffering from sarcoidosis. These symptoms include shortness of breath, heavy chest pains and a relentless cough.
Lymph nodes. The glands around the throat and neck are the next most common area to become infected. Symptoms include swelling and painful swallowing sensations.
Skin. One out of every four patients being treated for sarcoidosis may experience raised skin and bumps around the legs as well as a discoloration of the ears and nose.
Eyes. All parts of the eye may be subject to infection and inflammation. This could affect the ocular movement and ability to see clearly, as well as inflammation and discoloration.

Who is typically affected by sarcoidosis?
The disease affects thousands of people worldwide. Typically people who suffer from sarcoidosis are adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and with certain ethnic backgrounds. In the United States, people who come from European or African-American descent tend to be affected more than others.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your physician for an appointment. If you need a doctor, Plaza Medical Center offers a Find a Physician service online. We're ready to help when you need us.

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Who’s a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Plaza Medical Center — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Did you know that around 97 million Americans are considered obese and morbidly obese? Obesity occurs when the body accumulates fat that is disproportionate to healthy standards. Being obese can lead to major health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. With obesity being on the top of the nation's health watch, hospitals across the country are offering ways to help people lose weight and become healthier. The Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth's bariatric center offers weight loss surgery to assist in improving people's overall health.

Who should consider weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for those who fall into the obese or morbidly obese category. These are usually people who weigh 100 pounds or more above their average expected weight for age and height, or someone with a body mass index of 40 or higher. It's very important that you consult your physician when making this determination.

What are the options for weight loss surgery?
With all of the different procedures available, you may be wondering which one is right for you.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: This is one of the safest and least intrusive procedures available. A plastic band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pocket and large pocket. As food is being regulated through digestion, the patient feels fuller much faster. The food is then processed normally through out the digestive system.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure, although more complicated than the gastric band, is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the country. A portion of your stomach is stapled to create a smaller pouch, so food is bypassed directly into your digestive track, allowing few calories to be absorbed by your body.

Remember that choosing a weight loss surgery option is a serious decision to make. If you have questions, attend one of our free information seminars. To learn more about what the bariatric center at Plaza Medical Center can do for you, visit our bariatric center online. You can also call us anytime at 817-877-5292.

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What to Expect from Gall Bladder Surgery

Plaza Medical Center — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:59:03 +0000

If you're someone who has ever suffered pain and discomfort from chronic gallstone attacks, then gall bladder surgery may be for you. Should you decide to pursue gall bladder surgery, here are a few tips on how to properly prepare for the procedure.

Avoid medications that can thin your blood. This includes aspirin and other blood thinners. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you're on any medications currently, especially for heart problems or diabetes.
Stop eating foods that are spicy, rich and high in fat content. These types of foods can increase your chance of gallstone attacks prior to surgery. It's best if you cut out these foods altogether. Eat light, simple meals from fresh ingredients.
Remove all makeup, jewelry and perfume items. It's important that you're in the most natural state possible before surgery. This includes nail polish, makeup, jeweler, lotions and oils.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Bring loose-fitting clothes to the surgery. Sweatpants, and big shirts are ideal.
Speak with an anesthesiologist prior to the surgery. It's incredibly important to discuss with a professional the various types of anesthesia available to you. Talk about your medical history as well as any allergies you may have to prevent any high-risk situations that may arise.
Fast the night before the surgery. You'll have to clean out your colon and stomach from any food or waste the night before the surgery. If you need to take any necessary medications, make sure you do it with just a small amount of water.

Always remember to consult your physician prior to any gall bladder surgery to make sure its the right decision for you. For more information on gall bladder surgery or to speak with a doctor, visit us online at The Plaza Medical Center. You can also call us at 817-877-5292.

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Measurements or Weight: Which Is More Important?

Plaza Medical Center — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:59:39 +0000

A personal body image is something that most people take very seriously and are quite sensitive about. You hear often through news media about a certain sized waist that is ideal or a certain body weight to maintain. You might begin to ask yourself: what is more important, your measurements or your weight?

Truth is, both are important and should be taken under serious consideration when getting in shape and losing weight.

What is my healthy weight?
Everybody has a different ideal weight suited for them that reflects a healthy balance of fat, muscle and density. This is called your Body Mass Index. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Body Mass Index is the reliable indicator of body fat based on the proper calculation of your weight and height. Once you've calculated your proper BMI, you'll have a much better understanding of a healthy weight goal to maintain.

Am I overweight?
The best way to determine if you're overweight is to calculate your BMI and consult your doctor to see where you stand with this weight. If you are consistently taking in more dietetic energy than you are burning off, chances are you are overweight. This can lead to serious health issues, such as obesity and heart disease.

Why are measurements important?
Weight plays a certain role in the overall health of your body and physical physique. Your measurements can help determine if you are in fact overweight or not. Men with a waist size of 38 or higher and women with a waist size of 32 or higher are putting their health at risk. Measurements also can help determine if kids and teenagers are developing serious weight conditions, such as obesity, and may prevent heart disease in the future.

Weight loss tips
Remember that to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it takes discipline, control and balance. Make sure you're eating healthy, fresh foods daily and refrain from eating late at night. Couple those diet practices with daily exercise to burn calories. Consistency is key.

For more information on how you can get healthier today, visit us online at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth or call us 817-877-5292.

Check Those Labels: Food Additives You Can Do Without

Plaza Medical Center — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:03 +0000

For years food additives have been used to preserve the shelf life of foods, as well as enhance flavors. While these food additives are legal and used in hundreds of food items, there are many that you should generally avoid when you can. It’s important to read the label of the food you’re eating and be aware of the ingredients used.

MSG. Monosodium glutamate is typically used to enhance the flavorings of food. This is commonly found in take-out meals, salads, entrees and soups. This ingredient causes damage by over-stimulating cells. It also slows down neurological pathways and can affect how full someone feels during a meal. Some effects of consistent MSG consumption include fatigue, headaches and depression.

Aspartame. This artificial sweetener is commonly used as a “sugar free” substitute for coffee, beverages and other food items. It is believed to be carcinogenic and may be a very dangerous food additive over time. Found in many diet sodas and other foods, aspartame has been linked to different ailments such as diabetes, emotional disorders and chronic fatigue.

Trans fats. Primarily used to prolong the shelf life of snacks like potato chips and other food products, trans fats are incredibly unhealthy to consume. They manage to increase bad cholesterol while decreasing levels of good cholesterol, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

High fructose corn syrup. Refined for the purpose of sweetening, high fructose corn syrup has been responsible for some of the highest number of consumed calories in the country. Being one of the most commonly found sweeteners on the market, it has been linked to cholesterol issues, diabetes development and other harmful effects.

Sodium sulfite. Commonly used as a wine preservative, sodium sulfite has had adverse affects on many people who come in contact with it. One out of every hundred people experiences some type of allergic reaction to sulfites in food and drink. Reactions may include headaches, rashes and breathing problems.

It’s important to keep a keen eye on what you’re putting into your body for fuel. Remember to purchase more fresh, organic ingredients and avoid processed foods. For more information on nutrition or to consult a physician nearest you, please visit us online at the Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. You can also take advantage of our online Find-A-Physician service.