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.

Sarasota Physician First in Southwest Florida to Perform Robotically Assisted Heart Surgery with da Vinci-S Robot
Sarasota Memorial cardiac surgeon Clifton Lewis, MD, became the first surgeon in Southwest Florida to perform a robotically assisted mitral valve repair with the new da Vinci-S robot this month. “The robot enables us to operate through tiny incisions, without any large chest incisions or cuts to the ribs or breastbone, rather than traditional open heart surgery,” Dr. Lewis said. “This translates to reduced trauma to the body, less blood loss and risk of infection and a faster recovery time.”  Call the HealthLine at 941-917-7777 or click here to learn more about robotic procedures available for heart and cancer patients!

Sealing Holes in the Heart without Surgery
Like all babies, Dennis Faulkner was born with a hole in his heart. But unlike most, the hole never closed properly after his birth. Last year, he discovered the tiny opening was the most likely cause of several strokes he has suffered since turning 50. Until recently, the only treatment option was long-term drug therapy with blood thinners, such as Coumadin, or open-heart surgery to close the hole. But the CardioSeal implant, a new procedure introduced at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System last year, sealed Mr. Faulkner's heart in less than an hour-without surgery or general anesthesia. Continue reading about this success story and learn more about CardioSEAL implants from a recent article in the Fall 2006 Vim & Vigor magazine.
 

The Sarasota Memorial Charter Health Plan is the first group health insurance
program designed specifically to fit the needs of uninsured businesses in Sarasota County.
Many small business owners are frightened by the high cost of health insurance, but they don’t always know what that cost really is. Visit www.smhcharterplan.com and use our free, anonymous premium calculator to estimate the costs without talking to an agent. Unlike other so-called “affordable” plans, the Sarasota Memorial Charter Health Plan puts a complete package of high-quality health coverage within reach of nearly any small business.  Sarasota Chamber members now save an additional 10%! Call 917-8500.

 

State-of-the-art Healing
The nation’s most skilled doctors practice right here at Sarasota Memorial.  In fact, U.S.News & World Report ranks Sarasota Memorial among the top 25 hospitals in the nation for cardiology.  Trained at Yale, Harvard and other top academic medical centers, our doctors are pioneers of medicine using innovative diagnostics and treatment technologies that produce better outcomes.  You don't have to leave Sarasota for exceptional cardiac care. To find a Sarasota Memorial doctor, check the Find A Physician directory on smh.com or call the HealthLine at 941-917-7777 for help from a physician referral specialist.
 

World-class Medical Campus and Fitness Center Nears Completion

Construction on the Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine is rapidly proceeding.  The facility, on Clark Road just west of Interstate 75, is a state-of-the-art medical campus that will offer diagnostic outpatient services, advanced neurology and rehabilitation services, and Healthplex - the area’s first fully integrated medically based fitness center. Opening in early 2007, the truly evolved health club combines all of the latest amenities of a full-service gym with the world-class medical expertise of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. Stop by Saturday, 9/16, 9 am. - noon for a sneak peek and tour of the facility (1/2 mile west on Clark Road) at 5880 Rand Blvd. Call 941-917-7000 or visit www.sarasotahealthplex.com today to be among the first to join Sarasota’s premier medical fitness club!  Bookmark this page for construction updates!
 

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic cancer is the growth of abnormal cells originating in the female reproductive organs. Each year more than 80,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs. At Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Cancer Care, women now have access to the kinds of advanced technology, genetic testing, treatments and clinical trials usually available in only major medical centers. Call 941-917-8383 for more information about new screening techniques and cancer care services available.
 

Bayside Center for Behavioral Health
It is often difficult to know where to turn if you or a person you care about is experiencing emotional challenges. Everything from depression or anxiety to substance abuse has its unique set of circumstances for each individual. Sarasota Memorial's Bayside Center provides a comprehensive continuum of care for mental health and addictions treatment on the Gulf Coast. To best meet patients' needs, we've developed reciprocal referral sources throughout Sarasota County. Bayside Center is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, JCAHO accredited and approved by Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, please call Bayside Center, open 24 hours/7 days per week.  Phone: 941-917-7760 or 800-764-8477 or visit smh.com.
 

The Better With Age Wellness Club
Positive and rewarding free monthly programs for SENSATIONAL SENIORS wanting to look and feel their best with Marilyn Tait, RN, Nurse Educator for the Neuroscience Center of Excellence. Learn about emotional well-being, optimal health & quality of life at any age.

The programs take place the third Tuesday of each month, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Waldemere Auditorium, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Complimentary continental breakfast and valet parking. For reservations or information, call 941-917-7777 or visit smh.com Community Health Calendar.

   Fabulous at 50 • Sensational at 60 • Super at 70 • Extraordinary at 80 • Nifty at 90 • Outrageous at 100!
 

Emergency Care 24/7 We're Always Here
While Emergencies are not planned, the resources to deal with them can and should be.  The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation continues its ongoing $15 million Emergency Care 24/7 We're Always Here campaign to assist in the funding of the ECC expansion and renovations. The Emergency Care Center at Sarasota Memorial treats an average of 250 patients per day. More financial support is needed to continue to provide "Smarter, Faster, Better" emergency services. For information on how you can help, please contact the Foundation office at 941-917-1286 or visit smhf.org .
 

Caregiver Connection
"Ongoing Direction, Motivation & Support for Those Committed to the Care of a Loved One"
A free program to the community with Marilyn Tate, RN, Nurse Educator, Neuroscience Center of Excellence

The needs and concerns of caregivers are universal. Caregiver Connection welcomes anyone caring for
a loved one with disease or disability. Join us for rewarding ways to have a positive caregiving experience for you & the one you love. Do it all and do it well without losing yourself in the process! Complimentary continental breakfast and valet parking provided.
Date: Offered 9/13 and the second Wednesday of each month    Time: 9:30-11am. 
Location:  Waldemere Medical Plaza, Jacaranda Room, 1921 Waldemere Street, Sarasota, FL
For more information call 917-7777 or visit smh.com.

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