Sarasota Memorial, the Gulf Coast Medical Society of the National Medical Association and The W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute will host a two-day educational series March 6-7 to discuss important health disparities affecting African-Americans in our nation. Health care providers, community leaders and the public are encouraged to attend. One of the key events – Disaster Preparedness & its Impact on Mental Health – takes place 8 am-12:30 pm Saturday, March 7, in Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium. For information about this event or others in the series, call (941) 360-2211 or email Debbie Bunch at dbunch@soa.md.
Community Health Calendar
|
ONGOING EDUCATION & SUPPORT For information on any of these free events, call HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 or browse our calendar at www.smh.com.
|
Do you have a question about health & fitness? Ask David - a Healthplex Expert: David-Flench@smh.com  How important is physical activity for long-term weight loss? That was the focus of a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, which included 201 women in a weight loss program sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh, separated into “high- exercisers”, “moderate- exercisers” and “non-exercisers.” While all groups lost similar amounts of weight in the first 6 months, the difference after 2 years was remarkably different in that those who continued their physical activity were able to maintain most of their weight loss (7-11% of their body weight) while the non-exercising group regained most of their weight. This study points out the importance of not only changing eating habits but also becoming more physically active for long-term weight management success. The exercise professionals at Sarasota Memorial Healthplex can answer your health and fitness questions to assist you in meeting your goals. You are invited to drop in anytime for a tour to experience the Healthplex difference! Visit www.SarasotaHealthplex.com or call (941) 917-7000 for more information. |
Stroke Support – 10-11:30 am second Wednesday of each month. Information: (941) 917-7048
Are You Out of Your Mind?
Join licensed clinical social worker Betsy Nelson for a fun, free community education program that explores what happens when our "thinking brain" gets hijacked by our "emotional brain" and ways you can keep both on track, 1-4 pm Friday, March 6, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium. Education credits (3 for $15) are available. For information or to RSVP, call (941) 917-1779.
Advances in Stroke Rehabilitation
Learn about advanced technology now available to aid in stroke rehabilitation at Sarasota Memorial’s Stroke Support Group, 10-11:30 am Wednesday, March 11, in the hospital’s 4C education room ("B" elevators to 4th floor, just past the cafeteria). Information: (941) 917-7048.
Spring Swing: FREE Skin Cancer Screenings
Sarasota Memorial is partnering with Moffitt Cancer Center and the Tampa Bay Rays to offer free skin cancer screenings and sun safety tips at the Rays vs. Reds spring training game Saturday, March 14. Look for the Sun Safety Bus parked outside the stadium. Information: www.moffitt.org/springswing
Compassion Fatigue: The Cost of Caring
Free workshop for the public and professionals exploring the impact on crisis and mental health caregivers working with severe trauma, 10 am-noon, Friday, March 20, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium. Education credits (2 for $10) available for qualified professionals. Call Sarasota Memorial HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 to RSVP.
Hereditary Breast Cancer
If you have breast cancer or are concerned about a family history of breast cancer, join Sarasota Memorial's genetic counseling and cancer specialists for a free full- or half-day educational program, Saturday, March 28. The morning session (8:30 am-noon) features families who have gone through the genetic testing process, a physician panel discussion and audience question & answer session; the afternoon presentation (12:30-3:30 pm) provides the latest information about genetic testing, educational resources and support services available in the community. Education credits are avail-able for nurses. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP for one or both sessions by calling (941) 917-7777.
Sarasota's 1st Annual Epilepsy Walk
Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida is hosting the area’s first annual “Epilepsy Walk,” Saturday, March 28, on Siesta Key Beach to raise awareness and help families affected by epilepsy and other debilitating seizure disorders. Registration begins in the picnic area at 8:30 am. The walk is 10 am-noon. Registration is $15 (tax deductible) and includes T-shirts, bottled water and snacks for all participants. Prizes awarded to top fund-raising individuals and teams. For information on forming a team or to pre-register for the walk, call (941) 953-5988, ext. 306.
FREE In-Home Assessments for Senior Caregivers
Thanks in part to a state grant, Sarasota Memorial is providing free in-home assessments and assistance to local residents caring for seniors with memory problems for a limited time this year. The program – which has no income requirements – runs through June 30, 2009. Anyone over the age of 18 caring for someone 60 or older with memory problems is eligible. Sarasota Memorial will send trained staff to your home to complete a thorough assessment, offer basic training and tips on caring for someone with memory loss and prepare a care plan that links caregivers with local resources when possible. For information or to arrange a home assessment, call (941) 917-7197.
Weight Loss Surgery Classes
Free information sessions are held monthly at Sarasota Memorial’s Care Center at Blackburn Point, 929 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (gastric bypass sessions 6-8 pm second Thursday of every month; gastric band sessions 6-8 pm third Thursday of every month).
To RSVP: 917-7777 or www.smh.com.
Sarasota Memorial Again Named Among "America's Safest Hospitals"
For the second year in a row, Sarasota Memorial is listed among “America’s Safest Hospitals” – the only hospital in the Sarasota-Manatee area recognized in the national report published on Forbes.com, the website of the nation's leading business magazine.
Forbes bases its rankings on quality data provided by HealthGrades, an independent hospital rating company that evaluates hospitals nationwide each year and identifies those that best protect patients from complications and mortality. In the study that evaluates "quality and clinical excellence," HealthGrades identified 270 hospitals out of 5,000 that collectively had a 28 percent lower mortality rate and 8 percent lower complication rate than the national average. The list reflects the top 5% of hospitals nationwide. This year, Forbes singled out the 50 safest large hospitals from the HealthGrades' list. Sarasota Memorial was ranked #19 by bed size.
This newsletter is produced by Sarasota Memorial's team of healthcare professionals. You are receiving Health e-clicks because you either have joined our mailing list or were referred by a friend. We will protect your privacy and will not share your email address with other organizations. Click here to view our patient privacy practices. If you wish to be taken off our mailing list, Unsubscribe here or call 941-917-7777. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, 1700 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34239. |
||