Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

Could the Mediterranean Diet Be the Answer to Your Heart Health Worries?

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.

What Women Need to Know About Arthritis Prevention and Bone Health

Bone and joint health is an area that both men and women should be concerned about during the aging process. Post-menopausal women, however, need to be particularly aware of age-related bone and joint degeneration, because they have the highest risk for injuries and conditions associated with bone loss. Here is a look at some of the key facts about bone and joint health that women should be aware of.

Healthy habits can prevent bone loss
While you cannot control some risk factors for bone loss, such as your age, genetics, and gender, you can make some significant changes that will keep your bones healthy. For example, aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises can sustain bone health by improving circulation to ensure that your bones are provided with the nutrients they need to maintain proper mass. Consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk, leafy greens, and soybeans will also help nourish your bones so that they do not become weak and fragile.

Bone loss can worsen arthritis pain
When you have arthritis and you begin to experience bone loss, the pressure and inflammation in your joints may become progressively worse. Bone density loss also reduces stability within the joints, making injuries much more likely to happen.

Smoking can reduce bone mass
There are a number of reasons to quit smoking—especially as you get older. Smoking tobacco puts you at a much higher risk of osteoporosis, and it can impede the healing process if a bone fracture or joint injury does occur as the result of bone loss.

At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, we can help you stay in charge of your musculoskeletal health through our Total Joint Program. Our dedicated team of joint specialists is focused on patient-centered care, and they will help you determine the best treatment plan for your needs. To schedule services through our Total Joint Program or explore upcoming healthy living classes at our facilities, call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746.

Making Your Home Friendlier for Your Health

Visiting the doctor for regular checkups is a key step in maintaining proper health, but good health actually begins in the home. By following the tips in this video, you can make your home a more health-conscious environment.

Indoor air pollution is a leading health concern at home, and it can be reduced with proper cleaning and smoke detector use. Other sources of toxins in the home include lead paint, household chemicals, carbon monoxide gas, and radon gas. Watch the whole clip to learn how you can eliminate these potentially harmful elements from your home to protect your whole family’s health.

For more tips on managing health for your household, contact Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center on our website or through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746. We offer healthy living classes and events throughout each month to help improve health in the Thousand Oaks community.

A Quick Look at da Vinci Robotically Assisted Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer among adult men in the United States, and it has been notoriously difficult to treat through surgery and radiation therapy in the past. However, with da Vinci Robotically Assisted Surgery, results for treatment are more predictable and surgery is much less invasive than conventional open procedures.

The da Vinci Prostatectomy is an outpatient procedure that is performed laparoscopically by a surgeon working at the state-of-the-art control panel that operates the robotic tools of the surgical machine. The surgeon remains in complete control during the entire procedure, but he or she will be able to operate with more precision than any human hand is capable of on its own.

To find out if you are a candidate for the da Vinci Prostatectomy, schedule a consultation with one of the specialized urologists at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. You can locate a doctor through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746, or visit our website for more information about the technology used for our cancer care services.

Hear Dr. Gilbert Simoni Speak at the Esophageal Cancer Action Network's "Heartburn Can Cause Cancer" Lecture!

Congratulations Dr. Gilbert Simoni on your 70th TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) procedure at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center! We are grateful for your commitment and service to our Hospital.

For a chance to hear Dr. Gilbert Simoni speak make sure to attend the Esophageal Cancer Action Network’s Heartburn can cause Cancer lecture. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agoura Hills Library.