Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

Learn How To Stay In Touch With Your Health Through All Stages Of Life

A quality hospital will give you the expertise and support you need throughout each major life milestone. From birth to the prime of youth to older age, the preventative and treatment services offered by your hospital can ensure that you have the quality of life you deserve throughout the years.  To learn more about the medical care that Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center can provide, please call our Thousand Oaks facility at (877) 888-5746.

• Being healthy during your pregnancy is important, but being in good health before conception may be even more crucial toward the overall wellbeing of your child. The American Pregnancy Association explains preconception planning.
• The National Cancer Institute explains how breast cancer prevention can save the lives of thousands.
• More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. The American Cancer Society discusses why women should continue to have regular hospital checkups after receiving a clear bill of health.
• Though not as common as breast cancer, uterine cancer still afflicts nearly 50,000 women each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breaks down this disease.
• Early and frequent screenings are key to surviving prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation discusses the importance of cancer screenings.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Although a surgery may last only a few hours – or even just a matter of minutes in some cases – preparing for a surgery and recuperating from it afterward usually takes more time.

Taking these steps can help you get the best results from your surgery (though if you’re planning to have surgery, your doctor should give you specific advice to follow for your individual needs).

Before surgery

Tell the doctor your story. It’s important that you tell your surgeon about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you’re taking. These may affect the outcome of the surgery, such as drugs that make you bleed more. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend that you stop taking certain drugs before the surgery. Tell the doctor about your history of health problems, including allergies and any previous complications you’ve had with anesthesia.

Learn about the surgery. The surgeon should discuss the possible risks involved, which may include risks from anesthesia, infections, and excessive bleeding. Expect to sign a form that says you understand the problems that may arise related to the surgery.

The surgeon should also talk with you about how the surgery is performed, how it will affect your health, and how you’ll likely feel afterward.

Get your body ready for the surgery. If you smoke, it’s a good idea to stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery. This can help reduce your chances of complications. You will probably need to avoid eating and drinking after midnight before the next day’s surgery. Your surgeon should tell you any other steps you need to take to prepare for the surgery.

After the surgery

Recovering from the procedure. After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where a nurse or other medical staff members will watch you to make sure you’re coming out of the surgery properly. You may need to stay one or more nights in the hospital, but in many cases people can go home from a surgery center the same day.

Follow the directions. The hospital staff will likely provide you with directions to help you recover further at home. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully. If you don’t understand any directions, ask about them before you leave the hospital.

Have help. An adult should drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterward to help you recover.

Report your symptoms. The hospital staff should give you a phone number to call if you notice certain symptoms after the surgery. In general, these can include symptoms such as fever; fainting; and pus, redness, or a bad smell around the surgical site.

Keep your additional appointments. Your surgeon may want to see you shortly after the procedure to make sure you’re healing properly. You may also need to keep appointments with other providers, such as physical therapists.

To learn more about the surgeons at Los Robles and the cutting-edge treatments they deliver, contact Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center at (877) 888-5746.

The Power of Pink: How We Can Cheat, Treat and Beat Breast Cancer

Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Rich or poor. The girl next door or a world renowned celebrity. It knows no boundaries.

Just ask Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder & CEO of Joni and Friends, an international disability ministry. Injured in a diving accident at the age of 17 that left her a quadriplegic, Joni knows about overcoming life’s challenges. And as a breast cancer survivor, she has once again embraced a challenge by using it to help others find the strength to meet an adversity head-on and grow from it.

Joni will be the guest speaker at the 16th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar October 20, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065.

Sponsored by Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, the free community seminar entitled “How to Cheat, Treat & Beat Breast Cancer” will address the latest information on breast cancer prevention, screenings, diagnosis and treatments from physicians on staff at Los Robles Hospital.

Presenting the latest clinical updates on breast cancer is a panel of leading medical experts including Lynn Meyering, M.D., speaking on “Who Gets Breast Cancer?”; Catherine Moses, M.D., discussing “Better Screening by Advances in Imaging Technology”; Shawn Steen, M.D., describing “The Surgical Management of Breast Cancer”; Gene Ahn, M.D.; explaining “Radiation Treatment of Breast Cancer: What’s New?”; and Mai Brooks, M.D., discussing “Reconstructive Surgery: Who, When, How”. Ashwin Kashyap, M.D. will serve as Program Facilitator.  

The uniquely individually designed and decorated “CUPS OF COURAGE - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Bras” will be on display along with numerous informational booths. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served and all attendees will receive free admission to the Presidential Library’s new museum.

 Reservations are required by calling 1-877-888-5746. 

Learning to Prevent Injuries from Falls

As people age, they are more likely to suffer from joint issues, which make them prone to falling. As this video demonstrates, you can implement several changes around your house to reduce your loved one’s risk of injury and ensure that he or she has a safe environment in which to move.

First, make sure that all area rugs are fastened to the floor or fitted with non-skid backing. If you have rugs with loose ends or corners, take care that they are also tacked down. Clear all electrical cords from high-traffic areas and keep frequently used kitchen items within easy reach. Install handrails on both sides of your staircase. If possible, also put handrails in your bathrooms, as older individuals are susceptible to falls while in the shower. While your loved one may still suffer from poor joints, you can do your part to make certain that they are safe in your home.

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center’s Total Joint Program offers older individuals the opportunity to strengthen and rehabilitate their joints to prevent future injury and immobilization. To learn more about the programs that we offer, please call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746.

Living Your Best Life After Breast Cancer

Your hospital just gave you a clean bill of health; your body is free of breast cancer. If there ever was a time to celebrate, this is it. While it may be difficult to break free of the anxiety that prevents you from believing that you are healthy once again, continuing to worry can significantly impact your wellbeing. However, as the following guidelines detail, there are some habits you should continue in order to ensure that you can live your best life after breast cancer.

Give your body time to heal.

Surviving breast cancer typically indicates that you have received a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other medications to eradicate the cancer cells from your body. This is not to be taken lightly. Though you no longer have cancer, your body may still be reacting to the treatment that cured you of it. Therefore, take the time to let your body properly heal. Some breast cancer survivors take weeks or months to fully recover from their medical care.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

Now is the time to reaffirm your commitment to healthy living. You can aid in your body’s healing process by implementing good eating habits and stabilizing your weight. Make sure to get plenty of rest as well. With the approval of your doctor, you can also begin or continue a regular exercise regimen, which can increase your strength and boost your immune system.

Continue your checkups.

While worrying about your breast cancer coming back will not contribute to your wellbeing, keeping up with your hospital visits will. Your doctor will want to closely watch your health in the ensuing months after you have been given a cancer-free diagnosis. However, the longer you go without a cancer reoccurrence, the greater length of time you can enjoy between doctor’s visits.

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center provides comprehensive preventative health and treatment options for women in the greater Thousand Oaks region. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, call us today at (877) 888-5746 to learn more about our healthcare services or to schedule a consultation.