Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts

There are several types of arthritis , which is inflammation of the joints. The most common, osteoarthritis, which afflicts 1 in 4 people in the US, is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints. Learn more about the new  studies that offer information on the causes of arthritis.

When a clot forms in the body, whether in the lower extremities or in the brain, medications available at an anticoagulation clinic are often prescribed. Learn more through a detailed discussion on types & symptoms, and how the care is individualized for each person.

Blood thinners – or anticoagulants – are medications that help keep blood flowing properly for people who’ve had strokes or blood clotting issues . SMH has 7 conveniently located anticoagulation clinics to help patients manage these medications.

People who are immobile for long periods of time, victims of a stroke or cancer patients are some of the more typical people who would use an anticoagulation clinic. Listen to find out some symptoms of these conditions, what medications options are available and what you can do to help.

When administering anticaogulants like Wafarin, it is critical that they are kept within the correct therapeutic range. Clinics like SMH’s are staffed by experts that can help patients monitor the doses.

Whether you are in your third trimester or you have just moved into the area, meeting a pediatrician is always recommended. It also gives you an opportunity to get to know them,  and how they will become part of your family.

Congestion that comes with a cold can sometimes lead to a sinus infection. Is it a viral or bacterial infection? How you can tell the difference and how you can help.

The flu vaccine is so important – especially for kids. Will you get the flu if you take the vaccine? Is the vaccine live flu? Is it the flu or a cold? Listen to Dr. Tavarez, Pediatrician, clear up some of the confusion.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Dr. Tavarez will replace the longtime Sarasota – and retiring – Dr. Bob Shamsy. He offers all of the same, high-caliber and attentive care in pediatrics. He also speaks Spanish. Find out more about him!

During the summer, there are hazards associated with being out having fun. Apart from the always needed sun screen, there are other tips to avoid more uncommon pains like a skate sting.

During the summer, people tend to spend many more hours outside. Sweating will not only removes water from your body, it also removes electrolytes. Keeping hydrated will help you avoid heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke. What types of liquids should you drink? Listen in!

When the body dissipates heat (sweating), your body’s fluid levels drop. If you don’t properly hydrate, serious health risks can appear. Listen in on how it can transform from mild side effects all the way to serious ones like a stroke.

Summer is almost here, and when something happens – heat stroke, sprain or sever sun burn – you can visit one of SMH’s Urgent Care Centers. If you are showing signs of a stroke or heart attack or other serious medical event, one of the two emergency rooms is where you should go.

The 14 month program for newly licensed program was recently accredited. And when the newly hired nurse is assigned to one of the three designated residency unit, their journey begins. Listen in to find out what happens.

Apart from the Nurse Residency program that is active at SMH, there are many others including the geriatric-centered “Niche”, Vascular Access, Acute Pain and behavioral health just to name a few. Sarasota Memorial is blessed by having a breadth of clinical support teams.

The SMH nurse residency program earns national recognition from the ANCC (American Nurse Credentialing Center). Listen to hear about a story of one RN nearing the end of her nurse residency program.

SMH’s Jackie Garabito, Manager, Clinical Programs, talks about what a Nurse resident is, what it takes to go through the support levels and what it does to a Nurse’s confidence. Accountability and dedication are essential ingredients to become a nurse resident.

Dr. Eugene Pereira discuses a new, advanced procedure that can help treat chronic pain for the long term. A simplified analogy? It like placing a wedge between vertebra to keep the nerve openings stable.

Opioids, while effective, have side effects that have lead them to be prescribed more carefully. Better understanding  of how the body becomes used to them has helped to discover new techniques in treating chronic pain.

Ageing is a natural process and that will inevitably lead to pain. However, other types of pain can be due to other factors. Listen to find out how OTC pain relievers affect your health – and for other options.

Dr. Eugene Pereira – Director of SMH’s Pain Management Program, talks about how pain care transformed into pain management. New methods are more scientific in approach. Listen in to find out more.

Nursing is about giving – care, hope and time – to patients and visitors. But what SMH’s outreach nursing team shows the young people in the community – especially high schools students – that they can give back.

Being a Magnet designated hospital, SMH has been recognized as one of the best in the country for quality of care. A preceptor (mentor) is assigned to new nurses for the first 14 months. And for experienced nurses, there are multiple options for continued growth.

People are living longer, and as the number of patients increases, nursing staff is stretched thinner. Even with those challenges, there are many rewarding perks being a nurse. Listen in!

A nursing shortage exists not only in Florida, but also at a national level.  Various reasons exist, including school capacity and nursing educators availability. Listen in on how SMH is being proactive.