![]() Key West, FL - SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 - Over the past few years, some people postponed or missed routine health screenings or appointments. Simple screenings can detect conditions like hypertension and pre-diabetes which can be effectively treated and managed when identified early. On October 18, 2023, health screenings will be offered at Lower Keys Medical Center, from 1 - 3 pm, at no cost to all participants. The event, "It's Scary To Not Know Your Numbers", will offer blood glucose testing and blood pressure screenings by Lower Keys Medical Center. The Florida Department of Health will offer HIV testing, immunizations, STD testing, and bicycle helmet fittings. No registration is required.
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Early Detection and Treatment for Breast Cancer Starts with Screenings ![]() KEY WEST, FL – SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms every two years starting at age 40. The recommendation is in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women. Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. “The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Stanley Santiago, M.D., MBA, FACOG, Keys Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.” Early Detection Saves Lives While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common. Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Lower Keys Medical Center is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away. Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have regular mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent through 2020. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Saturday, October 7th and October 14th, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. A discounted self-pay rate is available through the month of October. Call (305)294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required. Lower Keys Medical Center’s mammography service at the Women’s Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology. About Lower Keys Medical Center: Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission in Hospital and Laboratory Programs, and as a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is also accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography. ![]() Key West, FL - SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 - Over the past few years, some people postponed or missed routine health screenings or appointments. Simple screenings can detect conditions like hypertension and pre-diabetes which can be effectively treated and managed when identified early. On October 18, 2023, health screenings will be offered at Lower Keys Medical Center, from 1 - 3 pm, at no cost to all participants. The event, "It's Scary To Not Know Your Numbers", will offer blood glucose testing and blood pressure screenings by Lower Keys Medical Center. The Florida Department of Health will offer HIV testing, immunizations, STD testing, and bicycle helmet fittings. No registration is required. KEY WEST, FL - August 14, 2023 - Lower Keys Medical Center administration hosted an awards ceremony for winners of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, which recognizes nursing professionals for excellence in clinical care and for exceptional compassion. Patients and/or their family members submitted nominations to highlight the care and attention provided by Tera Corum, RN, Labor and Delivery; Mallory Brogli, RN, Emergency Department; and Emelia Fernandez Cardenas, RN, Medical Surgical Unit. Laura Riley, RN, Director of Emergency Services, was awarded the Team Leader DAISY Award.
"We are so proud to recognize these outstanding nurses for the compassionate care and clinical expertise that they provide every day," said David Clay, CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center. "The nominations sent in by our patients and their families speak to the skills, sensitivity, empathy, and connection demonstrated by our DAISY Award winners." Elizabeth Hume, MSN, RN, Interim Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Quality Officer presented each of the awardees with a hand carved sculpture, a DAISY certificate and signature daisies at the ceremony. 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 auto-immune 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. ![]() The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care KEY WEST, FL, JULY 14, 2023 – Lower Keys Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. “Lower Keys Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said David Clay, CEO. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the lower Keys and Key West can experience longer, healthier lives.” Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Lower Keys Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.” About: Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission in Hospital and Laboratory Programs, and as a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is also accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography. ![]() KEY WEST, FL, APRIL 20, 2023 – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States, resulting in seven million office visits to healthcare providers each year. Additionally, 50 percent of women and 3 percent of men worldwide will experience a UTI in their lifetime. While most UTIs are not serious, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated could lead to kidney damage or sepsis. UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, bladder and urethra, often caused by bacteria, like E. coli, entering through the urethra. Symptoms include painful urination, the frequent urge to urinate and pressure in the abdomen or groin. “Anyone who has had a UTI knows how uncomfortable they can be,” says Jennifer Shue, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, at Keys Medical Group – Primary Care at Searstown. “While there are steps you can take to help prevent a UTI, the only treatment is antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.” Shue suggests these habits to help reduce the risk of developing a UTI: ● Empty your bladder completely and frequently: Holding urine for long periods of time can increase the risk of bacteria accumulating in the bladder. Also void after sexual activity. ● Wipe correctly: To avoid bacteria entering the urethra, always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. ● Stay hydrated: Drinking a lot, especially water, helps flush out bad bacteria that can cause infection. Oppositely, avoid liquids that can irritate the bladder like alcohol and excessive caffeine. ● Avoid irritations: Scented feminine hygiene products and sprays can irritate the urethra, increasing the risk of developing an infection. ● Try cranberries: Cranberry juice is often associated with relief from UTIs and according to the National Health Institute, cranberries contain the compound proanthocyanidins that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, or want to book a wellness visit with a primary care physician, visit KeysMedicalGroup.com. Keys Medical Group – Primary Care at Searstown is open seven days a week and provides general medical care and management of chronic health conditions for patients 18 years of age and older. Providers are Jennifer Shue, APRN, and Courtney Bonner, DO. About Keys Medical Group: Keys Medical Group is a multi-specialty practice of board-certified physicians and providers in Primary Care, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, and Psychiatry. More information is available at KeysMedicalGroup.com. ![]() KEY WEST, FL - MARCH 30, 2023 - In recognition of National Doctors' Day, Lower Keys Medical Center recognized the dedication of its medical staff. "On Doctors' Day, and every day, I am thankful to work with our skilled and compassionate providers," said David Clay, CEO. Since 2017, the hospital has been honoring the medical staff on Doctors' Day by making donations to community organizations, chosen by the providers, in lieu of gifts. This year's recipients were MARC House, Samuel's House, and Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Keys. Photo: left to right: Stanley Santiago, MD; Diana Flenard, Executive Director, MARC House; Aydin Atilla, MD; Kristina Wellburn, Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Keys; David Clay, LKMC CEO; Christina Wright, LKMC CFO. On February 2, 2023, Lower Keys Medical Center recognized the 2022 Annual Award winners and honored employees with milestone years of service.
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