KEY WEST, FL, January 16, 2026 – Respiratory illnesses continue to rise with coughs being a common overlapping symptom among them all. Decoding the characteristics of a cough, including its duration, sound and accompanying symptoms, can help patients understand what is going on and how to treat it. 
 
Most people are typically contagious the first three to five days after the initial respiratory infection, according to the CDC. However, a cough can linger around longer. A temporary, acute cough typically lasts less than three weeks and is often associated with short-lived illnesses like the common cold or the flu. But, a cough that lasts longer - anywhere from four to eight weeks – is typically a sign of unresolved inflammation from illnesses like bronchitis, long COVID or other serious conditions.
 
In addition to the length of a cough, it is important to monitor a dry versus wet-sounding cough. A dry cough, or an unproductive cough, is more commonly associated with the flu or COVID, it doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus and it leaves a tickling sensation in the throat. A wet cough is more commonly associated with a cold, RSV or pneumonia, and may feel like mucus is stuck in the chest or back of the throat.
 
“While bothersome, a cough is the body’s defense mechanism for getting rid of irritants from your lungs,” said Marc Csete, M.D., board-certified pulmonologist with Key Medical Group Pulmonology. “However, if you develop other symptoms, such as a high fever, chills or wheezing, it’s time to call your doctor.” 
 
Dr. Csete suggests these remedies to alleviate discomfort:
 
Drink tea with local honey: Honey acts as a natural suppressant and contains antioxidants to help lower inflammation in your throat.
 
Try a saline rinse or steam shower: Moisture and warmth can open breathing passages and thin mucus to help expel it out.
 
Sleep with the head elevated: Propping the head up at a higher angle can help drain mucus and relieve sinus pressure.
 
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can also thin mucus and flush out irritants.
 
Gargling with water and a small amount of apple cider vinegar every 2 - 3 hours can shorten the duration of a sore throat.
 
Lastly, take over-the-counter medication: Cough suppressants can help by controlling the reflex that makes someone cough and provide temporary relief.
 
 “We’re still in the thick of a contagious cold and flu season, so now is the time to take extra precautions,” adds Dr. Csete. “Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, cover your nose and mouth when you cough, frequently clean surfaces and, most importantly, stay home if you are feeling unwell to help stop the spread.”
 
If your cough is persistent and lasts more than eight weeks, talk to your primary care provider about any underlying issues, such as asthma or allergies, that may be preventing you from healing.
 
And seek emergency care if your cough is accompanied by blood or pink phlegm, difficulty breathing or tightening in the chest.

About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.

​KEY WEST, Fla. – (DECEMBER 19, 2025) – Lower Keys Medical Center welcomes Lorna Klein, RN, Patient Navigator in Quality/Education. Patient navigators are healthcare guides who help patients with chronic and complex diagnoses move through treatment and recovery, from diagnostic testing to follow up appointments and procedures. In additional to  hospital case managers who coordinate resources for patients, the patient navigator personally follows patients with complicated and ongoing treatments, removing barriers, scheduling appointments and serving as a liaison between the patient and providers, locally and in tertiary care facilities in the event of transfer for higher level of care. 
                                                                                         
Lorna is a graduate of Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, MI, with over 16 years of experience in nursing, including emergency medicine, case management, and IV therapy and wellness.
 
Rosanna Mullen, Chief Quality Officer at Lower Keys Medical Center said, “Lorna is known for her attention to detail and strong communication skills. As a patient navigator, she will help ensure that patients have the information and resources they need to achieve successful outcomes during and after their hospital experience.”

​KEY WEST, Fla – DECEMBER 5, 2025 – Lower Keys Medical Center offers free monthly classes to the community as part of its mission to help people get well and live healthier.
 
Joint Replacement Seminars: For individuals considering or scheduled for total joint replacement, the free seminar covers important topics related to the rehabilitation journey, including explanations of the various procedures, home safety considerations, pre-surgical exercises, preparations for surgery, expectations during the hospital stay, post-discharge care, physical therapy, wound care and rehab equipment. Attendees will meet the rehabilitation team, and are encouraged to bring a partner or caregiver. Lunch is included as part of the seminar.
 
Breastfeeding and Lactation: A certified lactation counselor from the Department of Health – Monroe County provides helpful information including benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare, latching and positioning, feeding cues, milk supply, common challenges and solutions, and breastfeeding support. Attendees are encouraged to bring a support person. Classes are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
 
Childbirth Education: A collaboration with The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, the four-hour class helps parents prepare for labor and delivery. Topics include comfort options, coping skills, preparing for a hospital stay, engaging a support team, signs and stages of labor, and newborn and postpartum care. Attendees receive lunch and a tour of the maternity unit, and are encouraged to bring a partner or support person.
 
For information on dates, times, and registration, visit LKMC.com/classes-events-programs.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
 
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating. 

KEY WEST, FL (NOVEMBER 21, 2025) – Keys Medical Group Psychiatry welcomes Lynda Woods, LCSW. Lynda is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience in counseling. She obtained her Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York, NY.  
 
Lynda provides outpatient services, including individual, marital and family counseling and works with patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues. She works closely with community organizations such as referral sources, social services and community providers.
 
Lynda joins Kristie Santana, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and Angela Holbrook, APRN, PMHNP-BC, in Keys Medical Group Psychiatry at 1200 Kennedy Drive, Suite 1041, First Floor, Key West, FL. Appointments may be requested at (305)293-1299 or at KeysMedicalGroup.com.
 
About Keys Medical Group:
Keys Medical Group is a multi-specialty physician practice offering primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and sports medicine, otolaryngology, psychiatry and pulmonology.

​KEY WEST, Fla. – Lower Keys Medical Center and the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 13, 2025, to showcase and celebrate the reopening of the CT room and installation of a new CT scanner.
                          
Computed tomography (CT) scanners combine x-ray and computer technology to create 2D and 3D images of the inside of the body, including organs, blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues.
 
“This new equipment provides faster scan times, allowing more patients to be served, and expands our cardiovascular and neurological testing. The scans have sharper images and providers can also access AI-enhanced technology when diagnosing and treating patients,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer ant Lower Keys Medical Center.

KEY WEST, FL – November 6, 2025 – Lower Keys Medical Center hosted an awards ceremony honoring Jessica Laino, RN, and Sandra Harry, Patient Care Technician, for the care and service they provide to patients.
 
Jessica Laino, a registered nurse on Labor and Delivery, was nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by a patient and family, who lauded her professionalism, leadership and ability to perform under pressure during an emergency situation. Her communication and leadership within the caregiving team was credited for the successful outcome. She has worked at Lower Keys Medical Center since 2018.
 
Jessica was presented with a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, a DAISY certificate and a signature bouquet of daisies. The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family was inspired to create the Foundation to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.
 
Sandra Harry, patient care technician in Labor and Delivery, has been at Lower Keys Medical Center for over 30 years, serving patients with her signature kindness, empathy and hands on compassionate care. She was nominated by a patient’s family member and numerous colleagues as the first employee to receive the new Sunflower Award, recognizing non-nursing staff who contribute significantly to the patient care team and provide exemplary patient care.
 
Sandra was presented with a certificate, a Sunflower pin and a bouquet of Sunflowers at the reception.
 
Michael Hales, Chief Nursing Officer at Lower Keys Medical Center said, “Congratulations to Jessica and Sandra on receiving these prestigious awards. They both embody the standards of our Community Cares Culture and play an important part in the delivery of quality, compassionate care and service to our patients.” 

KEY WEST, Fla. (October 31, 2025) – Lower Keys Medical Center, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and Florida Department of Health – Monroe County are recognizing World Diabetes Day by hosting a community event focused on health, wellness, disease prevention and community connection.
​
On November 14, 2025, the public is invited to stop in to the Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Key West Health Center at 727 Fort Street in Key West from 11 am – 3 pm and enjoy light snacks, tours of the CHI facility, interactive health activities, free health screenings including blood pressure and glucose testing, nutrition presentations, prizes, giveaways, and free gifts cards courtesy of CHI, while supplies last.
 
“According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects more than 38 million adults and children in the U.S., and is the 7th leading cause of death,” said Marianne Finizio, Vice President of Community Relations and Business Development for CHI. “We wanted to host a fun community outreach event where residents could also learn how to take charge of their health through preventive care, healthy habits, and knowledge about diabetes and early detection.”
 
Lower Keys Medical Center recently made a donation to Community Health of South Florida to support its community outreach efforts and contribute to the health of the community. “We respect and support the outreach and education that CHI provides,” said Drew Bigby, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center. “This collaboration with CHI, Florida Health, and other healthcare organizations helps us fulfill our mission to help people get well and live healthier.”
 
For more information about the Diabetes Day event, contact (786)272-2100.

KEY WEST, Fla. – October 24, 2025 – Deaths from heart attack have dropped by nearly 90 percent over the past 50 years, but deaths by other heart conditions have increased over the same period. The heart attack survival rate has improved thanks to advances in treatment and intervention, but rising cases of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease are now the leading causes of death among heart conditions.
 
Likely contributing to these increases, more people in the U.S. have the heart disease risk factors of obesity, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and inactivity. An estimated 50 percent of adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes and nearly 50 percent of adults have hypertension. These chronic conditions cause functional changes in the way the body works, and can accelerate the development of heart related illness.
 
“Medical care for heart attacks and heart disease has advanced significantly since 1970, and this gives patients more chances to survive and live longer,” said April Gallagher, MSN, cardiology nurse practitioner with Keys Medical Group Cardiology. “Even so, heart disease remains the leading cause of death overall. If you have a condition such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation or hypertensive heart disease, it’s critical to work with your provider for treatment to manage symptoms and protect your quality of life.”
 
Baby Boomers are reaching the age when they are more likely to develop heart disease. Age itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease even without other risk factors. A regular relationship with a primary care provider will help identify symptoms or risk factors that signal possible concern. If your doctor suspects you have heart disease, you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for further diagnostic testing and treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent events.
 
“With any heart condition, it is critical to follow your provider’s recommended treatment plan to help you live a longer, more active life. Your provider may also recommend making healthier choices with diet and activity level and managing any risk factors you may have such as cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes,” said Gallagher.
 
Genetic predisposition and age cannot be changed, but there are plenty of other actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Choose healthy foods, minimize your salt intake, stay active with exercise and stay away from smoking. Alcohol and substances such as cannabinoids increase cardiovascular risk. Other risk factors include being overweight/obese, stress, and having high cholesterol or diabetes.
 
Keys Medical Group Cardiology provides a range of cardiology services from Giovanni Campanile, M.D., FACC, board-certified cardiologist, April Gallagher, AGACNP-BC, and Cesar Jara, M.D., board-certified interventional cardiologist. Make an ongoing relationship with a medical provider an important part of supporting your heart’s health. Find a provider at KeysMedicalGroup.com.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.

​KEY WEST, FL (October 17, 2025) - When health emergencies happen, patients and their family members often turn to the emergency department for prompt medical attention. With thousands of patient encounters in the ER annually, Lower Keys Medical Center not only delivers medically necessary, life-saving patient care, it prioritizes short wait times, with a goal to connect every patient with a medical professional for timely assessment and treatment.
 
ER wait times can be an indicator of hospital efficiency and patient experience, and is one of the quality indicators measured for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings. While CMS measures the total time a patient spends in the ER, the first step at Lower Keys Medical Center is to be evaluated by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.  
 
“No one wants to spend hours waiting in the ER when they aren’t feeling well, and we are continuously evaluating and refining our processes, staffing and communications to get patients timely care,” said Tadd Mallard, RN, Director of Emergency Services at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We will always treat the most critical emergencies as soon as necessary, but our goal is for every patient to be seen in the shortest time possible.”
 
When considering whether to visit the emergency department, rather than an urgent care or primary care doctor, it’s important to remember that emergency departments typically treat life-threatening situations that need immediate attention in a hospital setting, such as heart attack symptoms, stroke symptoms, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction, and uncontrollable bleeding. Urgent care centers are an option when quick treatment is needed but it is not a medical emergency, such as sprains and strains, low-grade fever and mild flu or cold symptoms.
 
Mallard said that with the holidays approaching, Lower Keys Medical Center often experiences an uptick in ER visits. According to the American Heart Association, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases around the holidays, but people often ignore early warning signs rather than getting them checked out. Mallard says that is a mistake.
 
“Medical care is critical for patients experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke,” said Mallard. “Prompt treatment not only saves lives, it can minimize long-term damage and complications. Our emergency department team is well-equipped to evaluate patients experiencing common symptoms and get them the care they need even during the busiest times of year.”
 
Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center and as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, which reinforces that it follows the national standards of care for heart attack and stroke. Common heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body and shortness of breath. Stroke symptoms include face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. Anyone experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms should call 9-1-1.
 
In 2024, Lower Keys Medical Center’s emergency department provided care at more than 23,000 patient visits.  

KEY WEST, FL (October 10, 2025) – The last several months of the year are often spent enjoying pleasant weather, watching football and preparing for the holidays. This is also a great time to review your health plan to determine whether you’ve met or are close to meeting your insurance deductible. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s time to check the balance for the remainder of the year.
 
Scheduling elective procedures and preventive screenings before the end of the year can help to maximize your healthcare dollars.
 
Most insurance plans require patients to pay more until they reach the amount of the deductible. When the deductible is met, the insurer begins paying a larger portion of the cost of services eligible through in-network providers. FSAs are typically “use-it-or-lose-it,” meaning funds have to be used for eligible healthcare expenses by the end of the year. These end of year deadlines make the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule medical procedures and screenings.
 
“Scheduling elective procedures – such as diagnostic tests or elective surgeries like joint replacement – in the same calendar year after a deductible has been met helps patients get the most value out of their health insurance plan, while taking care of their health,” said Christina Wright, Lower Keys Medical Center Chief Financial Officer. “Utilizing remaining FSA funds can also help to cover any out of pocket costs and ensure you don’t forfeit dollars that you’ve already set aside for healthcare.”
 
Private health insurance plans, including most Medicare Advantage plans, require the beneficiary to cover most medical expenses until they reach their deductible. For example, someone who has a $2,000 deductible and a $4,000 out-of-pocket maximum is responsible for paying for medical expenses until they reach the $2,000 threshold. Once they pass this mark, the insurer begins paying a larger portion of the cost of services eligible through in-network providers. And when they reach the $4,000 out-of-pocket maximum, insurers usually will pay the total cost for eligible services.
 
Preventive health services – such as screening mammograms, colonoscopies and annual wellness visits – are often covered by insurance even when a deductible hasn’t been met. FSAs typically cover a broad range of services including screenings, diagnostic services and office visits. Dr. Courtney Bonner at Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown says routine preventive care is key to maintain health and longevity.
 
“Even individuals who feel great should stay up to date on all recommended preventive health screenings to help identify any potential health issues or risk factors early,” said Dr. Bonner. “Early detection of many health issues such as high cholesterol or hypertension not only allows for more effective treatment, it can also reduce the need for more expensive treatments associated with advanced medical conditions.”
 
Now is the time to schedule an appointment to obtain medical services before the end of the year. Demand for services often increases in the second half of the year, and with surgeries, there may be preliminary tests and appointments needed before the procedure can be scheduled.
 
Talk to your doctor about scheduling an elective procedure or scheduling annual screenings and visits.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.