Welcome to Health e-clicks, your link to reliable online health information. This newsletter is produced by Sarasota Memorial's team of health care professionals. If you find it useful, please forward it to a friend or two. For more information about the hospital and services we provide, visit www.smh.com. If you have received this email from a friend and want to subscribe to Health e-clicks, click here: Health e-clicks Subscription or call our HealthLine at (941) 917-7777.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Are you at risk?
In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, after cardiovascular disease and cancer, disabling more adults than any other condition. There are more than 700,000 victims of stroke in the U.S. each year. Learn about signs & symptoms, risk factors and advanced technology & treatments. Our specialized stroke program also offers a Stroke Support Group for survivors of stroke and their families.  Call the stroke support group coordinator at (941)917-7048 for more information.
 

Nationally Certified Stroke Center of Excellence
Specialized Skills Knowledge and Technology
As Sarasota County's only state-designated Primary Stroke Center, Sarasota Memorial has been singled out as the preferred provider of medical care to local stroke patients. Our nationally recognized program has been certified "with distinction" by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and given its "Gold Seal of Approval." That seal means we have the specialized knowledge, skills and technology in place to provide people with the best possible stroke care in our community. Call (941)917-7777 for more information and to receive a magnet describing signs of stroke and what to do in an emergency.
 

Better With Age
A FREE Wellness Club for "Sensational Seniors"
Fabulous at 50, sensational at 60, super at 70, extraordinary at 80, nifty at 90, outrageous at 100!
Celebrate life and learn fun, fast, easy ways to look and feel your best in Sarasota Memorial's new "Better With Age" wellness club.  The club meets from 10 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of each month. Each gathering features a special "How to" topic. Don't miss How to be Heart Smart & Stroke Savvy on May 16. Just stop by - and bring a friend - and enjoy positive & rewarding programs to help you protect your health and quality of life. Visit our Community Health Calendar or call our HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 for information, to register and for a complete schedule.
 

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Get a FREE Screening & Help Set a Guinness World Record
More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year and nearly 11,000 people will die from skin cancer, despite the fact that on average 95 percent of skin cancer cases can be cured with early detection. Local dermatologists have joined forces with the American Academy of Dermatology to set a Guinness World Record for the most people screened for skin cancer in a single day. With the screenings, Academy members hope to raise awareness about the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention and help reduce the incidence of and mortality from skin cancer. Be Aware. Be Informed. Be Well.

Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Community Medical Clinic on the first floor next to the "C" elevators, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. By appointment only, 917-7777 or visit smh.com. 
 

Questions about Medicare Prescription Drug Plans? Help is here.
The Official Medicare Rx Bus Tour is Coming to Town.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to sit down with a Medicare Rx counselor to:
get answers to all your questions
review plans
sign up
Be sure to bring:
your red, white and blue Medicare card
list of your Rx medications (including frequency and dosage)
your pharmacy's name and location, or a list of pharmacies in your area

Place: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL  34239
Date: May 8, 2006
Time: 8:30 a.m. - noon

Call Sarasota Memorial HealthLine at 941-917-7777 for reservations.
 

We Applaud Our World-class Nurses!
May 6-12 is National Nurses Week
 Did you know that Sarasota Memorial is critically acclaimed for its "Magnet" nurses. Sarasota Memorial is the only hospital between Tampa and Miami that has Magnet status - the nation's highest honor for nursing excellence. That means better care, better outcomes and a better quality of life for our patients. Indeed, our exceptional nursing care is one reason why U.S.News & World Report ranks Sarasota Memorial among the 50 best hospitals in the nation in seven specialties.

We'd like to thank our nurses for their strength, commitment, compassion and truly superior care!
 

Career Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals
You'll feel impressed, included and involved ...
The only thing you won't feel is lost in the shuffle!

At SMH, our commitment to our outstanding professional staff is supported by:
* the most advanced technology
* recognition of your unique perspective
* a career ladder program that includes educational opportunities
* the glorious climate and active lifestyle of Florida's beachfront

SMH is one of "America's Best Hospitals" according to U.S.News and World Report. Accept our warm welcome and talk to us about what we have to offer you.  Visit smh.com  or call 1-800-531-6891 for a Career with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. An Equal Opportunity Employer
 

Weight Management
Sarasota Memorial’s Comprehensive Bariatric/Weight Loss Program
Sarasota Memorial offers a number of programs for people struggling with obesity and less severe weight issues, including free monthly classes on Gastric Bypass Surgery, rehabilitation and long-term support. The classes meet 6-7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Sarasota Memorial Care Center at Blackburn Point, 929 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. For information about this class or other weight-loss programs, please call the hospital’s HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 or visit our Community Health Calendar.
 

Healthplex fitness center
Sarasota Memorial is proud to offer special introductory-priced memberships to Healthplex, a truly evolved health club combining state-of-the-art amenities of a full-service gym with the world-class medical expertise of Sarasota Memorial.  Slated to open in early 2007, Healthplex will offer the area's first fully integrated medically-oriented fitness center, with cardiac rehab, physical therapy, weight loss management, neuromuscular massage and more.  Learn more about our Healthplex fitness center and promotional offers at the Institute for Advanced Medicine. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive updates, send your request here: Healthplex Information or call (941)917-7777.
 

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