Last updated 1 day 11 hours ago
When an individual shows signs of a stroke—drooping facial features, loss of control in the extremities, and trouble producing or understanding simple statements—it is time to call 9-1-1 for emergency care. A stroke is a sudden and serious condition in which blood flow is cut off to part of the brain. Immediate medical attention is necessary to restore blood flow and limit the number of brain cells damaged during the traumatic incident.
After emergency stroke treatment, there is still a long road of stroke care that lies ahead. Rehabilitation, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy will be needed to guide stroke survivors through the process of restoring cognitive function.
At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, we provide compassionate care through every step of the recovery process following stroke—from rapid and accurate emergency care to ongoing specialized rehabilitation. To contact us for a closer look at our stroke care and the awards earned by our Primary Stroke Care Center, visit our website or call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746.
Last updated 6 days ago
Many children and adults have allergies to a wide range of substances. Often, these allergies lead only to mildly irritating symptoms such as nasal congestion and watery eyes. All allergies are inflammatory reactions that take place when the body’s immune system recognizes an otherwise harmless substance as a threat to the body. While these reactions are often temporary and fairly mild, they can be a serious threat to an individual’s health, leading to a severe condition called anaphylaxis. Below is a look at the common signs of anaphylaxis, which should be treated at the ER.
Difficulty Breathing
A severe allergy to food, airborne pollen, insect stings, or household chemicals can cause the throat to close, thereby restricting respiration. This may result in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, gasping for air, or inability to swallow. Swelling of the face, eyes, and tongue may also be seen when the throat has become swollen.
Confusion and Dizziness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is common with anaphylaxis—particularly when the airways have been restricted. Someone experiencing anaphylaxis may be unable to stand on her own or have trouble understanding simple commands. In some cases, loss of consciousness can occur during a severe allergic reaction.
Abdominal Distress
Food allergies often lead to abdominal discomfort and violent reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and sharp stomach pain. These symptoms should be treated with emergency care when they occur suddenly and are accompanied by other indicators of an allergic reaction.
Whenever an allergic reaction is suspected, you should not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking emergency care. At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, we understand that emergency situations require the most rapid and accurate care available, so we have worked to streamline our Emergency Department with wait times under 15 minutes on average. To stay connected with our ER when you need medical care the most, download our iTriage Symptom checker app or text ‘ER’ to 2300 for up-to-date wait times at our Thousand Oaks facilities. You can also contact us through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746.
Last updated 6 days ago
Skin cancer is the most common cancer—and one of the most deadly. How can you tell if you have it? Join Dr. Weintraub as he discusses the various types of skin cancers, how they're diagnosed, and how they’re treated at "Skin Cancer Prevention: Make Sure That Spot on Your Skin Isn't Cancerous!" The event will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at the Oaks Shopping Center. For more information, visit us at www.losrobleshospital.com!
Last updated 3 days ago
Los Robles Hospital and AMR, the ambulance company, are sponsoring a CPR Challenge to teach Hands-Only CPR on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Oaks Mall from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the JC Penney Court.
It only takes 2 minutes to learn the correct way to give CPR with chest compressions only. No mouth-to-mouth is administered. By learning how to push hard and in a quick rhythm you can save someone’s life.
In 2010, the American Heart Association’s new guidelines encouraged Hands-Only CPR. Debbie Licht, Los Robles Hospital Emergency Room Pre-Care Coordinator, said the chest compression-only CPR when administered by bystanders outside of a hospital setting has increased the number of lives saved.
Chad Panke, AMR clinical manager, said 30 percent of cardiac arrest victims get bystander CPR before arriving to the hospital. “We want that number to pass 50 percent, and eventually hit 100 percent,” he said
For further information, call Licht at 805-370-4437.
Last updated 8 days ago
The Mediterranean Diet is one of the latest trends in healthy eating, and it has become so popular that the month of May has been dedicated as National Mediterranean Diet Month. One of the reasons that this diet has gained so much attention is for its effects on heart health, which are linked to the types of fat emphasized in the Mediterranean Diet program. This diet encourages the increased consumption of fish and lean poultry in addition to healthy oils, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Below is a closer look at the benefits of these fats and some other factors to consider when taking control of your heart health.
Nourishing your heart with good fats
Fish, nuts, and oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are known as good fats, because these foods will help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and lower bad LDL cholesterol. These effects can dramatically reduce heart disease risk when a balanced diet of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and low-fat dairy products is consumed in addition to protein and fat sources containing omega-3s.
Supplementing your diet with other healthy habits
While the Mediterranean Diet will be beneficial to heart health, it is not enough to manage your heart disease risk. You should also participate in regular aerobic exercise, avoid smoking, and work to eliminate sources of stress.
Talking to your doctor
Establishing communication with your doctor is also important for your cardiac health, and it is a necessary step before beginning any diet program. Only your physician will be able to review all risks and benefits of any diet and exercise program with the detailed knowledge of your health history and concerns.
If you are in search of a cardiac physician to help you plan a healthier future for your heart, call Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746. You can also visit our website for a look at upcoming classes and events that will help you manage your health at any age.
