Although heart disease is extremely common among American adults, there are many misconceptions about this condition that could prevent you from following healthy habits that will reduce your risk. In order to fully understand the realities of heart disease and how it may affect your life, you should consider making an appointment with a cardiologist. During this doctor’s visit, you can discuss a wide range of heart disease myths, including those listed below.
Heart disease in an old man’s illness
Heart disease can affect a person at any age , so it is never too early to consider heart health screenings and preventive measures to avoid a heart attack in the future. It is also important to note that heart disease affects men and women almost equally, but women are much less aware that they are at risk.
Diabetes does not affect heart disease risk
If you have diabetes that is managed with medication, heart disease is still not out of the picture. While managing your blood sugar is an important step to reduce your heart disease risk as a diabetic, it is not the only way to keep your heart healthy. Other health factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol should still be maintained along with blood sugar.
Heart attacks are always marked by chest pain
The iconic image of what a heart attack looks like is actually a poor representation of what most people experience. Chest pain may be present, but it is only one of many signs to look out for when a heart attack is suspected. Nausea, shortness of breath, pain in the upper body and face, and lightheadedness can all indicate a heart attack, and these symptoms may or may not be accompanied by chest pain.
With Regional Medical Center of San Jose, you can dispel even more heart disease myths throughout American Heart Month this February. You can connect with us for a schedule of hospital events by visiting our website, or find answers to your questions by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (408) 259-4000.
If you have the flu, the best course of action for treatment will likely be rest at home. However, the flu can warrant a trip to the emergency room, so it is important to recognize when your symptoms have exceeded the limitations of your home care. Here are some of the leading signs that you should seek emergency medical care for your flu.
You have a high fever
Fever is very common with influenza , and it is generally not a serious concern when it is below 102 degrees Fahrenheit. You should take your temperature throughout the day to make sure that it is consistently below this mark, and you might consider heading to the emergency room if your fever does not break within a couple hours of hitting 102.
You are showing signs of dehydration
Dehydration is the leading complication of the flu, because it can be difficult to keep fluids down if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. You can identify dehydration by a number of symptoms, including confusion, dizziness, extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, and headaches. Because your body may not be able to process fluids on its own to rehydrate you, it may be necessary to go to the ER.
You are having trouble breathing
Stuffy nose and cough may lead to minor respiratory issues, but these are not cause for emergency care. Severe wheezing, accelerated breathing, and gasping for air, however, are signs that emergency treatment is needed. These symptoms are most common in flu patients with preexisting chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD.
When you do need emergency medical care for the flu, you can count on Regional Medical Center of San Jose to see you quickly and help you feel better. Our average wait time for patients in the ER is under 30 minutes, and you can check in with us before you even get to the hospital with our iTriage App for smart phones. You can learn more about our ER and other medical services by calling us at (408) 259-4000.
Treating heart disease requires a multi-faceted approach that will generally include prescription medications to reduce the risk of recurring cardiac episodes. As this video explains, these medications are highly effective for minimizing the risks associated with heart disease, but there are some steps patients can take to optimize the effectiveness of these drugs. Watch the whole video to understand your medication management and take action for your heart-healthy future.
If you are looking for resources to help you take control of your heart health, Regional Medical Center of San Jose is there for you. You might consider joining our H2U program to get tips for everyday healthy living, or you can get a more personalized look at your health by finding a physician through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (408) 259-4000.
Now is the perfect time to make sure that 2013 is your best year yet. These articles offer helpful advice on how to keep your body healthy and strong all year long.
One of the simplest acts you can do to safeguard your health is washing your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains proper hand washing techniques .
Most people understand the physical health advantages of exercise , but fewer know its brain and mood-boosting benefits. U.S. News & World Report discusses why physical activity is good for the body, mind, and spirit.
Not only can stress depress your mood, but it also may compromise heart function. The American Heart Association details the link between stress and coronary disease.
Do you know how to perform a breast self-examination ? Susan G. Komen for the Cure demonstrates how to do this suggested monthly exam.
WomensHealth.gov explains the importance of Pap smears.
Regional Medical Center of San Jose provides comprehensive medical services for patients in the greater San Jose community. Call us today at (408) 259-4000 to learn more about our breast care, stroke care, and urgent care facilities.
If you are expecting to expand your family in the New Year, Regional Medical Center of San Jose will see to it that you receive the quality care you deserve before, during, and after your delivery. Whether you are going to be a first-time parent, or you already have little ones at home, our experienced medical staff can make your childbirth experience safe and comforting with our many women’s and children’s services .
Consider our childbirth classes
Though it is not a required part of the birthing experience, childbirth classes can provide a significant amount of relaxation and peace of mind to expecting parents . Our San Jose facility offers year-round birthing classes that can teach mothers helpful breathing techniques to facilitate delivery and lessen discomfort. Our classes will also go over what parents can expect during the delivery process.
Decide your delivery accommodations
Regional Medical Center of San Jose wants every mother to have a wonderful birthing experience, which is why we offer several types of delivery accommodations. We understand that some women may want additional privacy during birth. To be of better service to parents who would like a more discrete delivery space, we offer private birthing suites. We also have comprehensive accommodations that will allow newborns to stay with their mothers immediately following birth, as well as a state-of-the-art nursery for our other new arrivals.
Take advantage of our childcare courses
We want to make sure that each patient feels comfortable and confident about her mothering skills after giving birth at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. That’s why we also provide educational classes on proper breastfeeding techniques and other components of newborn care. Being a mother can be one of life’s greatest joys, and we hope to enhance that happiness with our comprehensive birthing services.
To find out more about how Regional Medical Center of San Jose can make your delivery a happy and smooth transition into parenthood, call us at (408) 259-4000.