Last updated 9 months ago
Hot summer weather can be hard on your heart.That’s because the way the human body works to keep its temperature around 98.6 degrees puts extra stress on the cardiovascular system.
For healthy people, the dog days of summer may be merely uncomfortable.Their bodies usually adapt to the weather changes without any ill effects.
But sweltering temperatures can cause trouble for people with damaged or weakened hearts and older people. When hot weather hits, their hearts may not pump efficiently enough to keep their bodies cool and their blood pressure in check. Their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
What can you do to beat the heat? Heart hospital experts suggest these precautions:
Keep Cool – Spend time at the coolest place you can find, especially between noon and 3pm when the sun is strongest. Staying indoors with chilled air from air conditioning works best, whether at home or in an air-conditioned public place like a movie theatre or shopping mall. Electric fans work to a point, but can wind up moving around warm air.Taking cool showers or baths and applying a cold wet cloth or ice pack to the skin can also help.
Kick Back - It’s okay to take it easy in high heat. Put off or cancel strenuous activities, or reschedule them to early morning and evening hours, the cooler parts of the day. If you can’t wait for the temperature to drop, make sure you dress properly when braving the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Apply water resistant sunblock and remember to reapply it every 2 hours. If you are a heart patient, check with your doctor before heading outdoors.
Drink Up – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol which can increase water loss or dehydration. Limit sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice because they are not absorbed as quickly and easily as plain water.
Eat Light – Create summer menus of smaller meals. Fill your plate with cold fruits, vegetables and salads. Eating cool light fare helps your stomach work less and provides extra liquid.
Keep these tips in mind to enjoy a healthy, fun-filled summer, no matter what the weather brings.
The HeartCare Institute at Riverside Community Hospital is dedicated to effectively treating and combating heart disease.If you would like to learn more about our comprehensive services, call Riverside Community Hospital at (951) 788-3463.
Last updated 9 months ago
RIVERSIDE, California, Wednesday, August 15, 2012 Riverside Community Hospital (RCH) is pleased to announce the hospital has reached an agreement with Blue Shield of California which becomes effective today August 15, 2012.
Under the agreement, all of Blue Shield of California’s membership, including those covered by CalPERS, will be able to access services at RCH as an in-network provider.
“Let me first start by saying that I would like to welcome Blue Shield members back to RCH for your health care needs.” says hospital’s President and CEO, Patrick Brilliant. “We are pleased to be back in-network with Blue Shield and applaud the efforts of the leadership team at Blue Shield of California, who, along with our team, were able to develop a sound agreement that will serve all interested parties for years to come. RCH has been serving the community for over 110 years, and we are delighted that Blue Shield members will have access to healthcare services at RCH....the type of high-quality healthcare that a community such as ours deserves. ”
Since 1901, people have depended on RCH for innovative and advanced medical care. Today, with a 373-bed facility and highly specialized services, RCH continues to provide comprehensive healthcare for the entire family. With more than 500 physicians on staff, and over 1800 employees, you’ll find a team dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare. Through the years, RCH has expanded services to offer specialties that are critical to health and wellness for our community. We are proud to offer you the following Centers of Excellence and specialty services close to home.
Read the rest of the news release here! For more information about Riverside Community Hospital, dial (951) 788-3463!
Last updated 9 months ago
Learning more about how nutrition and disease prevention can help you stay looking and feeling great. If you have any further questions about the topics discussed in our recent blogs, contact Riverside Community Hospital today at (951) 788-3463.The following links contain more information about lowering your risk factors for heart disease, eating well, losing weight, and more.
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Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women of the United States. You can see more of the statistics associated with heart disease on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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Taking good care of your teeth and gums may help to reduce your risk for heart disease and many other serious health conditions. Read this paper from the American Heart Association journal Circulation to find out more about the oral hygiene-heart disease connection.
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Are you taking control of your heart disease risk factors? Learn how you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website.
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Signing up to be an organ, tissue, or eye donor can help you to save up to eight lives. Read more about donating the gift of life on OrganDonor.gov.
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To prevent rejection of a transplant organ, the immune system is tricked not to attack the new organ. Visit TransplantLiving.org to learn more about life after a transplant.
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To help Americans lose weight and practice healthy eating habits, the United States Department of Agriculture has put together a helpful food guidance system found on ChooseMyPlate.gov.
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Endometriosis is a common health problem that occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Read more about this condition on WomensHealth.gov.
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also provides more helpful information about the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
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If you are considering bariatric surgery, visit the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery to learn more about the benefits and advantages of weight loss procedures.
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You can find a comprehensive overview of bariatric surgery and how it can help to resolve severe obesity on the Weight-Control Information Network.
Last updated 9 months ago
Portion control plays an important role in weight loss and disease prevention. Many men and women do not realize the actual portion size of their meals and can underestimate their daily calorie intake significantly.
When working to lose weight, finding the right portion size can be difficult. In this video from the American Heart Association, you can learn some helpful ways to remember the appropriate portion size for a few heart-healthy foods.
If you have any questions about dietary recommendations, let Riverside Community Hospital be your resource—call us at (951) 788-3463 for answers to your health-related questions.
Last updated 9 months ago
For patients suffering from severe obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. When performed by a team of bariatric weight loss specialists, this type of surgery can be a safe and effective way to begin the weight loss process. Most patients who find success through bariatric surgery experience many health improvements, from the resolution of type-II diabetes mellitus to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Are you considering weight loss surgery to improve your quality of life? Below are the qualities that make a good candidate for one of the various bariatric surgical procedures.
A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
Body mass index is a number calculated based on a person’s height and weight. As a reliable indicator of weight problems, BMI is often used to evaluate a person’s weight category and how it may lead to certain health problems. A BMI of 40 or higher is approximately 100 pounds or more of excess body weight. A BMI for a normal, healthy adult lies between the ranges of 18.5-24.9.
A BMI of 30 or higher with other health conditions
Patients with a BMI of less than 40 may be considered for bariatric surgery if they also are suffering from an obesity-related health problem. Such conditions may include diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.
If your fight against weight gain has continuously been a struggle, contact the healthcare team at Riverside Community Hospital. Our Center for Surgical Weight Loss is dedicated to helping each patient resolve their obesity and avoid the serious health consequences of being overweight. You can contact Riverside’s Bariatric Coordinator for more information about our weight loss services by calling our free Consult-A-Nurse referral line at (951) 788-3463.
