Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

Browse These Links To Learn About Heart Disease And Diabetes Prevention

A proactive approach to your health using screening and prevention to reduce your risk for common health problems can help you live longer while living better. Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center can help you get to a better state of health with compassionate care in all medical specialties along with educational classes and seminars to give you the tools to live healthier. See exactly what we have to offer on our website or by calling (877) 888-5746.

The National Cancer Institute reviews the harmful effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

Visit the American Lung Association for support to help you quit smoking for good.

Learn about the Great American Smokeout and how it can help you get healthy this year at Cancer.org.

Understand why diabetes and heart health are so closely related with this article from the American Heart Association.

Diabetes.org explains the important numbers for managing blood sugar and reducing heart disease risk.

How Diabetes Is Linked to Heart Health

If you are living with diabetes, you must recognize the wide range of health issues that may become problematic with the mismanagement of blood sugar and insulin levels. One of the most severe health complications common to diabetic individuals is heart disease, which The American Heart Association reports as the leading cause of death among people with type-II diabetes. There are several reasons that type-II diabetes raises an individual’s heart disease risk, and these are discussed in greater detail below.

Hypertension is co-occurring with insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is characteristic of type-II diabetes, and it is associated with hypertension or high blood pressure. High blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease, because it is a sign that the heart must work harder to pump blood through the body.

Diabetes is often a result of obesity

Because type-II diabetes is a problem that goes hand in hand with obesity, more and more people are being diagnosed with type-II diabetes. Not only does obesity lead to diabetes, but it is a prominent risk factor for heart disease. If you have diabetes or are at risk for type-II diabetes, you should work closely with your doctor to find weight management strategies and get started on an exercise program.

High cholesterol can result from high blood sugar

LDL cholesterol is also called bad cholesterol, and high levels of LDL can lead to heart disease by blocking the arteries and restricting blood flow. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol, especially if they have poor blood sugar regulation. Blood sugar can be stabilized to improve cholesterol and lower other heart disease risks with medication, exercise, and a balanced diet.

Having the right medical care when you have diabetes can make a significant impact in your total health. Find the care, education, and support you need to live healthier with diabetes at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. Contact us on our website or call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746 to connect with the classes and procedures that can help you stay on top of your health.

Signs that You Should Visit the Emergency Room

Every hour, more than 14,000 Americans visit emergency departments for medical care. The emergency department – often called the emergency room – is an area in a hospital that’s specially equipped and staffed with professionals who are trained to handle urgent medical problems.

The emergency room is intended for serious injuries and illnesses. These include sudden ailments that require fast treatment, such as heart attacks and strokes; serious accidents that can be disabling or fatal if not treated properly; and major mental or emotional issues.

Signs and symptoms that suggest you or a loved one should get help from an emergency department instead of visiting your own doctor or an urgent-care clinic include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest or upper abdomen
• Severe or sudden pain in any other part of your body
• Choking
• Sudden weakness or dizziness
• Fainting
• Difficulty waking up (or waking up someone else)
• Confusion
• Behaving in an unusual manner
• Thoughts about committing suicide
• Changes in your vision, such as blindness or blurry vision
• Bleeding that you can’t stop on your own
• Diarrhea or vomiting that’s severe or won’t respond to treatment at home
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Trouble speaking

You or your loved one should also get care from an emergency department after:

• Sustaining a spine or head injury
• Swallowing anything poisonous
• Having a cut that’s especially large or deep
• Being in a vehicle accident
• A near drowning
• Serious burns

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), symptoms that may not be as worrisome in an adult can be serious in children. Kids may also have different symptoms that call for treatment in an emergency department. In addition, kids may have trouble describing how they feel when they’re sick or injured.

For these reasons, it’s especially important for kids to come to their Thousand Oaks hospital emergency room if you’re concerned that they may need urgent medical treatment.

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center has been providing round-the-clock emergency care for more than four decades. Our emergency room offers the only Level II Trauma Center in East Ventura County. The ER’s wait times are some of the shortest in the entire country. By texting “ER” to 23000, you can get ER wait times sent to your mobile phone. If you would like to learn more about our emergency medical services, contact Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center at (877) 888-5746.

How American Diabetes Month Has Helped Raise Diabetes Awareness

Diabetes is a problem that has affected millions of Americans, and it continues to be a problem as obesity in all age groups remains high. During American Diabetes Month, you can learn more about the threat of diabetes and know how to keep it from becoming an issue in your health. This video has a recap of what American Diabetes Month accomplished last year so you can see what to expect this year.

After learning about the risk of diabetes with media from the American Diabetes Association, you can get a personal look at your own risk at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. Find out how we can help you stay healthy for life by visiting our website or calling us at (877) 888-5746.

Helping Your Older Child Accept the Arrival of a New Sibling

When you are getting ready to bring a second child into your family, it can be a challenge to help your older child get used to the idea of having a little brother or sister. You may need to work to address the needs of both your older child and the new baby, but there are some strategies that may help you find a happy balance. Below is a look at some of the planning steps to take in the process of introducing your child to his or her new sibling.

Sharing the news

You should inform your child that you are pregnant when you find out, and this is a time to explain that a new baby is on the way. You might prepare your child by discussing the physical changes he or she may notice in mommy’s appearance and how this is important for a healthy little brother or sister. Maintain a positive attitude as you talk with your child, as this will help raise excitement for the new addition to the family.

Preparing for the new baby

Keep your child involved as you set up the baby’s room and plan for his or her arrival. If you allow your child to be a part of the changes you make at home, he or she will likely be more comfortable with the adjustment.

Welcoming the baby home

The day of your delivery will be fairly hectic for the whole family, and it is important to recognize the needs of your child through the excitement. While he or she should meet the new baby right away, some quiet time may be beneficial as well. You might have grandparents or other close relatives in charge of supervising your older child throughout the day so he or she is comfortable and does not feel neglected.

For help preparing your older child for a sibling, sign up for the unique Siblings ‘R’ Special class at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center by calling (877) 888-5746 or visiting our website. This course is offered for free as part of our H2U community health education.