Baptist Health System

Free Sleep Seminar at Southeast Baptist Hospital

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Do you snore thru the night? Do you toss and turn? Do you dream of getting a good night's sleep? You are not alone.

When:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - FULLY BOOKED

New Date: Tuesday, September 2nd

Time:
5:30pm Dinner
6:00pm Presentation

Where:
Southeast Baptist Hospital
4214 E. Southcross
San Antonio, Texas 78222
Maps & Directions

Call (210) 297-7005 to register.

Senior Aids for Seniors & Seniors with Dementia

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sleeping Aids for Seniors and Seniors With Dementia: Melatonin and Zolpidem

by Pamela Jones, MA

Poor sleep habits can have a negative impact on your thought process, heart health, and overall wellness. About 67% of US seniors reported difficulty in getting proper sleep. They are more likely to experience problems because of changes in medication, health issues, and lifestyle. Dementia disorders can also decrease sleep ability. Current sleep treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, and supplements. A common sleep supplement is melatonin. It is a hormone made in our brains that triggers our wake and sleep cycles. Pharmacological treatment and melatonin are common approaches to managing sleep issues, but there are safety concerns.

Two recent studies reviewed these approaches for elderly recipients. Researchers at the Sleep Medicine and Research Center at St John's and St Luke's Hospital reviewed the effects of a drug called zolpidem. In the study, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, zolpidem did show promising results in helping seniors achieve a more effective sleep. Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reviewed the benefits of melatonin and the effect of environmental light in elderly with dementia. In this study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, melatonin did help with sleep but increased withdrawn dementia-related behavior. The results improved when given in combination with a bright light environment.

About the Studies

The zolpidem study was a randomized control study. It involved 205 patients aged 65-87 years. They were split into two groups. One group received zolpidem (6.25 mg extended release) every night. The second group received a placebo.

Baseline measurements were taken for both groups. At the end of 21 days, compared to the placebo group, the group that took the zolpidem reported:

24.01 more minutes in total sleep time
An average of one fewer awakenings per night
14.82 minutes more sleep before experience an awakening

In general, the zolpidem group reported a better overall sleep. Negative reports (eg, headache, dizziness, somnolence, nasopharyngitis) were about the same for both groups.

The melatonin study involved 189 elderly patients, 87% had dementia. All participants resided in assisted care facilities. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the following groups:

Melatonin and exposure to bright light
Melatonin and dim light exposure
Placebo and bright light
Placebo and dim light

Melatonin did help to improve onset of sleep and sleep duration by 27 minutes. However, it did cause unwanted side effects of increased withdrawn and depressive behavior in patients. The good news is the bright light therapy was linked to improvement of cognitive deterioration and depressive symptoms, and increased functional abilities and activities of daily living.

The combination of these two therapies seemed to produce the best results. There were decreases in nighttime restlessness, agitation, and aggression. The bright light environment seemed to counteract negative effects of the melatonin.

How Does This Affect You?

Adequate sleep is important to everyone's overall health. Sleep solutions need to complement any current medical support you may have. Although both zolpidem and melatonin with bright light therapies showed positive outcomes it is important to understand the possible side effects as well.

Pharmacological drugs and supplements can both have significant adverse effects. Research continues to understand the benefits and risks of both. This study has revealed a caution against using melatonin for dementia patients because of the negative side effects. Talk to your doctor if you or someone you are caring for is having difficulty sleeping. Together you can develop a plan that may include lifestyle changes or medical interventions.

RESOURCES:

American Family Physician
http://www.aafp.org/

National Sleep Foundation
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

REFERENCES:

Riemersma-van der Lek RF, Swaab DF, Twisk J, et al. Effect of bright light and melatonin on cognitive and noncognitive function in elderly residents of group care facilities: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008 Jun 11;299(22):2642-55.

Walsh JK, Soubrane C, Roth T. Efficacy and safety of zolpidem extended release in elderly primary insomnia patients. AM J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008 Jan;16(1):44-57.

Last reviewed July 2008 by Larissa J. Lucas, MD

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Accreditation for Breastfeeding Program Earned by Baptist Health System

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Accreditation for Breastfeeding Program Earned by Baptist Health System
Hospitals Celebrate During World Breastfeeding Week

San Antonio, Texas - Baptist Health System has taken a giant step towards improving the health of newborns and infants by earning the Texas Ten Step designation from the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Hospital Association.

The Texas Ten Step Program encourages breastfeeding�as the preferred method of feeding newborns and infants. North Central Baptist Hospital joins a growing number of Texas hospitals and birthing centers now teaching new mothers that breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice to improve their baby's health.

Through the use of 10 goals or "steps," the program aims to help facilities support�breastfeeding mothers before, during, and after delivery; encourage facilities to identify breastfeeding resources for the mother after she is discharged; and encourage hospitals and birth centers to reach the Texas Breastfeeding Initiative's goal of having 75 percent of their mothers breastfeeding before they go home from the hospital with their newborn.

Texas Ten Step maternity staffs receive breastfeeding training within the first six months of employment and receive annual updates. This training includes the advantages of breastfeeding, anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding, how to solve common breastfeeding problems, and the impact of introducing formula and pacifiers before breastfeeding is established. Training also includes supervised clinical experience, a system of referral to breastfeeding specialists after discharge, and a list of community resources.

"We have worked very hard to earn the Texas Ten Step designation," said Jack Cleary, President, North Central Baptist Hospital. "And we are proud to join the other select Texas facilities in promoting breastfeeding to our new mothers."

For more information on the Texas Ten Step Program, call Kristina Arrieta at (512) 341-4400, ext. 2281 or visit the web site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/lactate/TXfact.shtm

Westover Hills: Free Health Fair

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Find your doctors BEFORE you need them!

Saturday, September 20th the Westover Hills Community is invited to attend a Westover Baptist Community Health Fair from 9 am- 12 pm at the Westover Baptist Medical Building. This is a great opportunity to get information on practices and services that are available, right in your neighborhood.

At the event, attendees can get free bone screenings, back checks, breath checks, back to school physicals, blood pressure checks and more!!!

What:��Westover Hills Community Health Fair

When:��Saturday,�September 20
�� 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where:��Westover Baptist Medical Building
�� 3903 Wiseman

For more information, please call (210) 297-7005 and let them know how you heard about this event.

Save a Life...Learn CPR at Southeast Baptist Hospital

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You can save a life.� Enroll now for a Heartsaver CPR training class at Southeast Baptist Hospital.� Learn adult, child and infant CPR and how to use adult and child automated external defibrillator (AED).�

The Heartsaver class is an American Heart Association credentialed course for lay persons.� A Heartsaver-AED card will be issued to all registrants who complete the course.� The course fee is $5 per person, payable on day of class.� Registration is required.� Call (210) 297-3738 to reserve your seat or visit www.southeastbaptisthospital.com for more information.

WHEN:��Saturday, August 30
��9 a.m. - Noon & 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
��OR
��Saturday, September 20
��9 a.m. - Noon & 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:�Southeast Baptist Hospital
��4214 E. Southcross Blvd.
��San Antonio, TX� 78222
��(Education Classroom - Room #110)

HealthLink Outpatient Physical Therapy

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yes!� We're open on Saturdays for Outpatient Physical Therapy...�
HealthLink Outpatient Physical Therapy strives to meet and exceed the expectations of our patients. Clinicians make every effort to ensure that each patient receives an idividualized, informative treatment session that not only benefits their condition, but allows them to understand their diagnosis, prognosis and the goals of their therapy.

We work very hard to ensure that each of our patients, their families, and their physicians are very satisfied with the care they receive. If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact Site Coordinator, Daryl Young, PTA.

To schedule an appointment or for more information call (210) 297-9906

When: Starting September 1...

Time: Clinic hours: 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
�� Aquatic Therapy available: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: HealthLink Fitness Center and Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic
�� 288 Bitters Road
�� San Antonio, Texas 78216�
�� (Next to Hobby Lobby)
�� Visit HealthLink Website |� Take a Virtual Tour

Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Patients Support Group at Northeast Baptist Hospital

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Northeast Baptist Hospital welcomes you to the Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Patients Support Group.

For more information please call the Northeast Baptist Bariatric Center (210) 297-2034 or (210) 297-2031.

Dates:

September 18th, Thursday
6:30 p.m. meet with program dietician: Ann Geiger
7:00 p.m. Topic to be announced/Dr. Sean Connolly, Program Psychologist
Bariatric Conference Room
3rd floor Bariatric Unit

October 16th, Thursday--(NOTE the change)
6:30 p.m. meet with program dietician:�Ann Geiger
7:00 p.m. Dr. Kenzer J. Dirkson, M.D.�
�� Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
�� Diplomate of American Board of Surgery
Classroom 1 on the Administrative Hallway on the 1st floor

Time:
6:30 P.M.

Location:
The Bariatric Center
Northeast Baptist Hospital�
8811 Village Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78217�
Contact Us
Maps & Directions��

*Gastric banding patients will meet in�Dr. Cavazos/Anz office. Gastric bypass patients will meet in the Bariatric Conference Room.

Both groups will join together at 7 p.m. in the Bariatric Conference room.

While Dr. Cavazos, Dr. Connolly and Dr. Dirkson�are�members of the medical staff of one or more of the Baptist Health System's hospitals,�they�are an independent contractor who is self-employed. As a result,�Dr. Cavazos, Dr. Connolly and Dr. Dirkson�are�neither employees nor agents of those hospitals nor of Baptist Health System; and none of these hospitals nor Baptist Health System is responsible for any actions which Dr. Cavazos, Dr. Connolly and Dr. Dirkson�take in�their medical practice.
�

You Can Save a Life...Learn CPR

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Parents, adults and children 12 years of age and older are invited to this FREE Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) class, presented by the Harper's Embrace LifeSaver Program.

FREE!FREE!FREE!FREE!FREE!FREE!FREE!
Hosted by Baptist Medical Center
You must R.S.V.P. by October 15
Saturday, October 18
10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Baptist Medical Center, Cafeteria A & B
111 Dallas Street

Space is limited. Free parking at Dallas Street garage.

Register by phone at 210-804-4357 (HELP) or online at Harper's Embrace
�
Harper's Embrace LifeSaver Program (H.E.L.P.) is committed to teaching
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), FREE, to people in all areas of San Antonio.
The H.E.L.P. courses are taught by CPR-certified volunteers providing you with
instructional and hands-on practice within a small classroom environment.

Professional Bull Rider Shares Injury Tales With Kids at North Central Baptist Hospital

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Children on the pediatric floor of North Central Baptist Hospital will hear some tall tales of bull riding injuries and the cowboy life this Friday, May 16th,�when three time world champion bull rider Adriano Moraes stops by on his way to the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) competition going on�in town this weekend. Moraes will show the children some fun stuff from�his bull riding bag of tricks, and share stories of the many injuries he's�overcome - from falls, to being stomped on by bulls. Moraes will retire after this year.

Moraes will be vying for the top spot in the PBR's Ford Country Classic a part of the Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler being held at the Alamodome. The competition earns the cowboys much coveted points which will determine who wins the crown of PBR World Champion and the million dollar prize money that comes with the title.

Amputee Clinic Opens at Baptist Medical Center

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Baptist Medical Center has opened the only non-military amputee clinic in San Antonio. The clinic provides continuity of care from physical therapy, nutritional counseling, psychological support and help with adaptation and use of prosthetics.

The Amputee Clinic is located in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Offices at Baptist Medical Center at 311 Camden, Suite 106. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinic is open to anyone who has had amputation surgery.

For more information please call 297-7725 and let them know how you heard about the clinic.