Parkview Adventist Medical Center

It is Flu season again

October 11, 2007 11:26:11 AM

It is that time of year again when the air gets cooler and the possibility of getting the Flu goes up.  If you or someone in your household is sick, in addition to staying home, there are a few things you should also be conscience of. Rest. Limit screen time (television, computer, and video games) and try listening to music in a darkened room. Drink plenty of fluids. If nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea are present, stick to clear liquids (apple juice, broth, water, or tea). Children should not be given aspirin to control a fever. Other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are safer. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, dispose of tissues in the trash and don’t let them pile up on your bedside table. And of course, wash your hands often. Lastly, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you feel you are getting worse or you are afraid to manage your symptoms at home.

2 million children with high blood pressure?

August 24, 2007 8:56:58 AM

A new study in the Aug. 22 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association said doctors estimate that doctors estimate that about 2 million teens and children as young as age three are living with hypertension.  Hypertension leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and others as well as premature death due to heart attacks or congestive heart failure. Parents need to be aware of their children's eating habits - emphasizing whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean protein.  They also need to encourage physical activity.  Get your children involved in sports or play with them outside.  Help stop the obesity epidemic by teaching our children to lead healthier lives. 

A Grrreat move to curb childhood obesity

June 19, 2007 2:17:00 PM

In response to pushback from parents and advocacy groups,  the Kellogg cereal company said it won't advertise foods in TV, radio, print or web site ads that reach audiences at least half of whom are under age 12 unless a single serving of the product meets these standards:

No more than 200 calories.
No trans fat and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat.
No more than 230 milligrams of sodium, except for Eggo frozen waffles.
No more than 12 grams of sugar, not counting sugar from fruit, dairy and vegetables.

Kellogg said it would reformulate products to meet these criteria or stop marketing them to children under 12 by the end of 2008.

Pampering during Nurses Week

May 8, 2007 12:36:36 PM

It's Nurses Week and Parkview has a number of events lined up to celebrate the excellent work of our nursing staff.  On May 7th, they enjoyed massage and body treatments from Beau Bella Day Spa of Topsham and Sweet Water Day Spa of Brunswick. 

Daffodil Days at Parkview

March 21, 2007 6:29:15 PM

Volunteers Peggy Logan and Ingrid Hoffman delivered the first bunch of daffodils to patient Lee Lemieux in honor of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. For the past several years Crooker & Sons Inc. has donated daffodils to be handed out to Parkview patients and staff. Daffodil Days is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

A sign of Spring in the Parkview pond

March 12, 2007 3:43:44 PM

Spring must be right around the corner as over 30 ducks have once again taken up residence in the pond at Parkview Adventist Medical Center. The flock arrived in mid-February when the temperatures rose enough to expose a tiny bit of open water.

Meet the Parkview Valentine Twins

February 16, 2007 5:53:53 PM

Parkview's Valentine Twins.....A girl for you and a boy for me... Rebecca and Chad Benson were doubly blessed this Valentine's Day with Mark David and Kyleigh Grace. Here they are enjoying a singing Valentine from the Parkview staff as big sister Ann Marie and proud Grandmother, Sharon looks on.

Meet Parkview's new Maternity Team

January 14, 2007 11:43:24 AM

Here are just a few of the new people who will help make our patient's birthing experience the best it can be.  Here (from left) are Certified Nurse Midwife, Irene Meyers, Dr. Beverly Towne, Dr. Donald Columbus and Dr. Gregory Obi.  They are joined by a number of our excellent OB nursing staff and  nurse leadership.  To learn more about our Maternity Department click here.

Parkview Unit 100 adopts Harpswell Family for XMAS

December 27, 2006 5:37:17 PM

Parkview's Medical Surgical Unit recently adopted two families for Chirstmas. One of them was Parkview Chaplain Phil Ingle, his wife and thier adopted children.  Read thier story as told by the Times Record here.

Even the bone densitometer has the holiday spirit

December 11, 2006 11:53:31 AM

Parkview Adventist Medical Center’s Diagnostic Imaging Department finds a second use for the bone densitometer – present wrapping station. The group used the exam room on December 11, to wrap more than 50 Christmas presents, all donated by Parkview staff, for a local family in need.

Diabetes Classes Offered

November 27, 2006 5:04:01 PM

Parkview's Alice Willard Michaels offers group and individual classes to help people struggling with Diabetes.  Call her at 373-2214 to find out more.

Pear and Parsnip Soup Recipe - Big Hit at Women's Conference

October 25, 2006 5:41:43 PM

PEAR AND PARSNIP SOUP
Courtesy of Bowdoin College

Ingredients

1 3/4 teaspoon Butter Solids Aa Grade
3 1/4 ounce Leeks
4 3/4 ounce Parsnips (1/2 inch dice)
2 1/2 ounce Anjou Pears (pare and slice 1/8 inch)
3/4 Cup and 1 tablespoon Vegetable Stock
1/4 Cup and 2 1/2 teaspoons whole milk or soymilk
Dash to taste: White Pepper, Salt and Sugar

Directions

This soup can be made a day a head of time. 
Melt butter, add leeks, parsnips and pears. Cover and cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring often, about 20 minutes.  Add stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until vegetables are very tender. Cool slightly.  Puree vegetable mixture with milk until smooth, thinning soup with water if desired.  Return soup to pot. Season with sugar salt and pepper.  Cool slightly.  Cut enough leek greens into matchstick size and cook in boiling water until tender. Drain.  Bring soup up to temp and garnish with leek strips.  For a richer soup, light cream can be used in place of milk.

Watch out for the Flu

October 11, 2006 7:00:40 PM

We are starting to see the first signs that the Flu season has begun.  If you or someone in your household is sick, in addition to staying home, there are a few things you should also be conscience of. Rest. Limit screen time (television, computer, and video games) and try listening to music in a darkened room. Drink plenty of fluids. If nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea are present, stick to clear liquids (apple juice, broth, water, or tea). Children should not be given aspirin to control a fever. Other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are safer. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, dispose of tissues in the trash and don’t let them pile up on your bedside table. And of course, wash your hands often. Lastly, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you feel you are getting worse or you are afraid to manage your symptoms at home.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or call the CDC Flu Information Line at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

October 5th is Bipolar Awareness Day

October 5, 2006 11:36:05 AM

October 5th is Bipolar Disorder Awareness day. A part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) annual Mental Illness Awareness Week, Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day aims to increase awareness of bipolar disorder, promote early detection and accurate diagnosis, reduce stigma, and minimize the impact on those who live with this medical illness.

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a common psychiatric disorder that includes periods of extremely elevated mood. Most people with bipolar disorder also experience periods of depression and periods of full or partial recovery. The cycles of high and low mood states and well periods may follow an irregular pattern and can be mild or severe and may last hours, days or months. These episodes usually begin in late adolescence, but can begin in early childhood or as late as a person's 40s or 50s.

For additional information, please visit www.nami.org

Stay away from the spinach, and get in the habit of washing your produce

September 18, 2006 5:21:12 PM

The recent outbreak of E.coli on fresh bagged spinich can not be cured by simply washing it. However, most experts agree that routinely washing your produce is a healthy practice. Many contaminants can be removed by a simple rinse of water, even if the bag gives no specific directions to do so. To keep up with the latest on the recent E. coli outbreak, go to the FDA's website

Baldacci names 9/13 Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day

September 13, 2006 5:04:09 PM

Connie Corrigan lost her husband John to esophageal cancer this past Spring. She brought this deadly form of the disease to the attention of the governor who then proclaimed today as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day in honor of John's birthday. While only 14,500 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year, the cure rate is very slim and the occurance of the disease has risen by 600% in the past 30 years. It is recommended that individuals who have suffered from frequent heartburn, indigestion and gastroesophageal disease should consider talking with thier doctor about testing.

5 years later, the lingering health effects of 9/11

September 11, 2006 4:40:56 PM

Five years after the horrific events of 9/11, 59% of the 40,000 first-responders and workers at the World Trade Center site still have respiratory symptoms according to research recently released by Mount Sinai Medical Center. These people are said to have inhaled a toxic mix of lead, mercury, dioxin, asbestos, benzene and other contaminants while working at the site of the twin towers. It is unknown at this point what the long term diagnosis and cancer risk may be.

Medical records also show that babies born to mothers pregnant during that time, were born at lower birth rates. This is believed to be due to increased stress and breathing in pollutants.

Some good news is that the incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder appears to be on the decline in New York City.

Fighting Obesity at Topsham Schools

August 30, 2006 9:20:10 AM

Many kudos to the Topsham School District and others around the State for adopting wellness policies aimed at reducing childhood obesity. School cafeterias are cutting out the sugar and fat by offering whole grain breads and more fruits and veggies in place of sugary snacks. Many schools are also adding more time for physical activity throughout the day. Combating childhood obesity has the potential to greatly reduced the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer and others in our population in now and well in to the future. Parkview supports Topsham and other schools in there efforts to make our community and world more healthy!

USDA wants to add more veggies and whole grains to food packages for low-income women and children

August 9, 2006 3:22:50 PM

In 1974 the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) started handing out food packages with foods rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, iron and protein. At the time the population served was found to have deficiencies of these nutrients. But now, the USDA has proposed changing the package to better reflect recent Institute of Medicine recommendations to include more vegetables and whole grains. Proper prenatal, postnatal and early childhood nutrition is vital to healthy child development. If you are pregnant or the mother of a young child, make sure to consult with your Obstetrician and Pediatrician about a healthy diet.

Be careful in the heat

August 2, 2006 3:13:01 PM

It?s a heat wave! Extreme heat and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke in even the healthiest of people.

While the temperatures are soaring be sure to protect yourself. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and don?t sit too long in the sun.

If you experience any of these symptoms, get medical attention! Symptoms of heat stroke include hot and dry skin, no sweat, temperature about 103, and a throbbing headache.

Stay cool at one of Maine?s beaches, lakes or rivers, go ahead?have an ice cream cone (just remember to drink that water), take a cold shower, or eat cold foods like gazpacho or yogurt smoothies.

What do you do to stay cool?

Parkview is ahead of the pack on medication safety

July 26, 2006 11:09:08 AM

A recent report from the Institute of Medicine estimated that medication errors in hospitals are more common than previously thought. The report blamed mistakes on miscommunication and faulty medication dispensing systems. But here at Parkview, we were the first hospital in the State to have a bedside medication verification system, which uses barcodes on each individual pill to help safeguard against giving patients the wrong medication. Before a patient can be administered a medication, the barcode on their wristband must link up with the barcode on the medication being given. Parkview is also moving towards physician order entry, eliminating mistakes made from sloppy doctor handwriting. The Institute of Medicine report reported that currently only one in every seven hospitals has such as system. We?re glad Parkview is one of them!

Put down the remote and explore the great outdoors ? even in your hometown

July 21, 2006 10:26:50 AM

The author of this post heard a recent report on the steep decline in use of national, state and local parks. Americans are spending more time on a computer and in front of the TV than ever before, leaving little time for enjoying the outdoors. Many reports and studies have also suggested that our lack of outdoor activity is leading to obesity and other health problems. So especially now during the warm summer months get to know the many parks, walking trails, and other outdoor recreational activities available near you. Parkview?s wooded wellness trails are open to the public and provide an easy and peaceful way to connect with nature and get some exercise. Curtis Memorial Library also has a great online resource detailing many of the Brunswick area?s recreational opportunities. Check it out here.

Eating for the Tour de France

July 19, 2006 10:58:09 AM

Have you ever wondered what the riders in the Tour de France eat every day? Well wonder no more. The following is a menu prepared for the Swiss Team this year. And if you're thinking "where do they put all that food" - the average rider can burn up to 10,000 calories a day.

BREAKFAST
8.8 ounces (dry measure) rice or pasta
4 ounces muesli
4.4 ounce carton of yogurt cheese
1 to 2 slices whole grain bread
Homemade marmalade
Omelet made with 3 egg whites and one yyolk (optional)
1 to 2 slices ham and/or cheese
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Coffee

FEED BAGS (during the race)

4 cakes or bars (including rice cakes, almond cookies, and dried fruit bars)
Cut-up fruit: three chunks of pineapple, banana cut in three pieces, quartered apple
2 or 3 finger sandwiches filled with ham and cheese or preserves or chicken salad
3 or 4 protein bars
One .15 liter mini-can of Coke
Snack ( in hotel )
Small bowl rice pudding, served tepid
Sliced fruit

DINNER
1 to 2 slices prosciutto or other cured ham
8.8 ounces (dry measure) pasta with fresh tomato sauce
8.8 ounces beef tenderloin
Ratatouille (eggplant, zucchini, tomato stew)
Yogurt
Fresh fruit
Slice of cake (optional)
Water

Bowdoin offers a healthy dose of music

July 11, 2006 3:45:29 PM

The author of this Blog post recently saw two students from the Bowdoin International Music Festival perform a duet for guitar and flute. The 50 or so people in attendance did not utter a word for an entire 5 minutes, in a music-induced trance. Not only did everyone look content during and long after the performance, the group looked more relaxed and at peace. Many studies have shown the benefits of playing and listening to music, especially the kind of music played by the students at the festival. Music has always held the power to make us laugh, cry, smile, or drift off to sleep. It has shown to calm a baby in a mother?s womb, quiet a screaming child or relieve the stress of a long workday. In other words, music is good for you! So enjoy! The Festival will be going on for several more weeks and I encourage everyone to attend one of the many concerts (some free) being held right here in Brunswick. Find out more about the Festival at www.summermusic.org What could be better than great music during the lazy summer months in Maine.

Remember to watch your stress level!

July 6, 2006 11:07:28 AM

Kenneth Lay, former Enron CEO, died yesterday of severe coronary disease. Lay was awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and conspiracy in May, and many are speculating that stress may have been the trigger. Regardless of whether stress was a factor or not, it is a reminder to the rest of us that stress- severe or not- could be taking a toll on our bodies. There have been many studies done, and while none are conclusive, there appears to be a relationship between stress and heart disease. Parkview Adventist Medical Center and many other hospitals offer stress management classes and support groups. If you are feeling stressed out, close your eyes, take a deep breath and try to relax. Also remember that exercise and a healthy diet are great ways to help your body combat stress. Call 207-373-2162 to learn more ways to de-stress.

Super Tomatoes that protect against diseases like HIV and HEP B???

June 30, 2006 8:57:19 AM

No joke! Russian and U.S. researchers have developed genetically modified or GM tomatoes that may provide protection against HIV and Hepatitis B. These super tomatoes have DNA fragments of both diseases and when eaten make the human body produce protective antibodies. Since this vaccine needs no refrigeration or injection, it could work well in poorer countries where vaccine and funds are in short supply. Researchers said if the vaccine works, it could also be given in tablets to help better control the dosage. Read about it in the Chinese paper The People?s Daily Online

Marketing Maine as the Breathe Easy State

June 29, 2006 9:03:19 AM

Yesterday Maine began to advertise its smoke free environment. Signs reading ?Breathe Easy, you?re in Maine? will be going up along the Turnpike in the next few days. Maine?s first law imposing smoking limits was passed in 1981 and the State banned smoking in all public places including bars and taverns in 2003. This promotion also comes on the heels of a new Surgeon General report stating that banning smoking from public places is the only way to protect people from the damaging affects of second-hand smoke. If you are trying to quit smoking and need help, call our Wellness Department @ 373-2162 to find out more about our Smoking Cessation program.

KIDS COUNT ranks Maine 11th in the Nation

June 28, 2006 10:55:20 AM

The national KIDS COUNT Data Book, whose 17th annual edition was released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation yesterday, ranks Maine 11th overall among the 50 states in 10 key indicators of child well-being. While the number of Maine teens giving birth has declined the number not working or attending school has increased. Check out the entire database online.

June 27 is HIV Testing Day

June 28, 2006 10:35:34 AM

It has now been 25 years since the virus that would later be named AIDS was mentioned in the June 5, 1981 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report included a short notation of a strange cluster of five pneumonia cases in otherwise healthy men. Since then AIDS has spread to becoming a worldwide epidemic. In the U.S. cases have decreased and it has become a manageable chronic disease. But in many countries, specifically African countries, many continue to be infected due to unavailability of medications, low screening rates and lack of disease education. For information go to www.napwa.org

This week is Helen Keller Deaf-Blind awareness week

June 26, 2006 2:24:07 PM

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."- Helen Keller

To learn more about the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults go to www.hknc.org

Betty Crocker goes vegetarian

June 23, 2006 4:07:33 PM

Parkview has seen an upsurge in interest for our Vegetarian Cooking School this summer. More and more people are interested in learning how to cook healthier to help them change their eating habits. That includes vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Even Betty Crocker is getting into the game with a brand new cookbook dedicated to healthy and tasty veggie dishes. If your interested in learning more about vegetarian cooking or would like some recipes call Parkview?s Wellness Department at 373-2162.

Now your sneakers can talk?well only to your IPOD

June 22, 2006 3:34:15 PM

Nike and IPOD have teamed up to help runners track their distance, pace and progress through sensors placed in their sneakers. The sensors send information to a receiver plugged into an IPOD, which then relays the information to the runner. In light of full disclosure the author of this post doesn?t own either Nike sneakers or an IPOD. (Although as a runner, they might be inclined to buy one now.) If you don?t want to spring for the new device you can always use a pedometer or more simply a stopwatch and a map. Tracking your progress is important for any exercise program. It boosts confidence, improvement and helps you stick with it, no matter how hi or low tech your monitoring methods are.

Rabid Raccoon captured in Bath is a reminder to keep on the look out

June 21, 2006 2:49:15 PM

At this time of year people are more apt to come in contact with rapid animals. Although Rabies is not as prevalent in Maine as other parts of the country, we still need to take precautions. Make sure to keep pet vaccinations up to date. Do not attempt to handle wild animals and teach children to do the same. If you suspect an animal may be rabid, call the local police immediately.Click here for a fact sheet from the Maine Department of Health on Rabies.

New diet and lifestyle recommendations from the American Heart Association

June 20, 2006 2:03:35 PM

The American Heart Association released their new diet and lifestyle recommendations for 2006. For the first time the Association has recommended that trans fat be reduced to 1% of total calories consumed. They advocate that people start cooking with healthier oils, and increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables. The Association also recommended eating only as many calories as you can burn each day. Read all the new recommendations.

Check air quality before going out on hot summer days

June 19, 2006 3:10:15 PM

Today?s Air Quality Forecast for the southern Maine coast is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. Although particle pollution can be elevated throughout the year, hot and hazy summer days are often coupled with poor air quality. If you suspect air quality is low or you have respiratory concerns check the Maine Air Quality Forecast.

Remember to drink water in hot weather

June 16, 2006 2:34:47 PM

Today the temperature is up around 80 here in Brunswick. The forecast is predicting temps in the 90?s for some areas this weekend. Remember to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration and remember that by the time you feel thirsty you?re already somewhat dehydrated. So if you plan to spend any time in the sun this weekend, remember to pack your water bottle!

Football player's motorcycle crash a reminder to wear a helmet

June 13, 2006 3:05:14 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger, was recently injured in a motorcycle accident. He was NOT wearing a helmet. He is currently the youngest quarterback to lead a team to a Super Bowl championship. Ironically he always wears a helmet in the game. This is also Bike Week in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, where motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet. Not wearing a motorcycle helmet is a serious health risk.
Please be safe this summer, wear a helmet.

Today starts Men's Health Week

June 12, 2006 7:27:40 AM

Today marks the start of Men?s Health Week. www.menshealthweek.org

Men have unique health needs just as women do. However men have historically sought medical care much less often. Let this observance be a reminder to all those men out there (and the women who care about them) to make sure to schedule your next yearly physical with your doctor. Also remember to discuss any tests you may need such as cancer screenings, cardiopulmonary testing, cholesterol counts or others. Men are also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, participate in risky behavior and suffer from stress. But, along with regular medical check-ups, simple lifestyle changes can vastly improve the health of men as well as women. Everyone should remember to eliminate harmful habits like smoking, and get adequate nutrition, exercise and rest to help prevent injury and disease. Learn more on our wellness page.

Welcome to our new site!

June 12, 2006 6:00:54 AM

Welcome to Parkview Adventist Medical Center?s NEW WEBSITE! We are proud to bring you this new website with the added feature of a blog, which we?ve named The Daily Dose. Please browse our new site and let us know what you think. Email comments to webmaster@parkviewamc.org