KEY WEST, FL – July 29, 2024 - Keys Medical Group welcomes Meghan Updike, DNP, APRN, FNP-C. Updike is a certified family nurse practitioner who obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She joins Courtney Bonner, DO, board-certified internist, and Jennifer Shue, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, in Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown, effective July 29, 2024. Updike's clinical interests include primary care, acute and chronic disease management and preventive health services.
 
“I feel it is a privilege to care for individuals and families in our community. I believe patients have unique experiences that influence their needs, and that understanding those experiences helps us to customize care for them. Providing a compassionate and holistic approach to health care supports patients’ independence to achieve a quality of life that is meaningful to them,” Updike said.
 
"Meghan's skills and experience are a great fit with our practice. We look forward to working with her and giving the community members an opportunity to meet her," said Dr. Bonner. 
 
Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown offers general medical care for patients 18 years of age and older, including disease diagnosis and management, preventive medicine, annual wellness visits for men and women, and treatment for hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders and infectious diseases.  The office is located at 3224 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, and is open 7 days per week. Appointments may be requested at (305)293-4073. 

​KEY WEST, FL - JULY 2, 2024 - Evacuating hospital patients in a major hurricane involves numerous entities which need to be specially trained and constantly prepared. The annual drill, conducted June 27th at Lower Keys Medical Center and NAS Key West Boca Chica, simulates the preparation of patients, handling of medical records, patient protection safeguards, transport of patients to NAS Key West airfield, training of EMS, military, law enforcement and volunteers on lifting techniques, and unloading and loading volunteers serving as patients into an Air National Guard aircraft. 
 
Lower Keys Medical Center chief executive officer David Clay said, "In 2017 when Hurricane Irma warranted a mandatory evacuation, all of the partner organizations knew exactly what to do thanks to this annual training and practice, successfully transporting hospital patients to safety. We are so grateful to all of our partners, especially the Air National Guard which provides the on the ground training and air transport. Thank you to North Carolina, Delaware, Florida and Kentucky Air National Guard teams and all of our partners, including Monroe County emergency management, Sheriff's office, Monroe County Fire Rescue, City of Key West Fire Rescue, NAS Key West, NAS Key West Fire Rescue, City of Key West Police, Elite Medical Transport, E Care Ambulance, Tennessee Williams Theater/College of the Florida Keys, and many volunteers, observers and staff."

KEY WEST, FL, JULY 2, 2024 – While the Florida Keys enjoy warm weather year round, Summer 2024 is predicted to bring on even more heat, which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures, it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib).
 
“Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot, humid weather forces the heart to work harder, kicking it into high gear to pump more blood to the skin,” said Giovanni Campanile, MD, FACC, cardiologist with Keys Medical Group and medical director of cardiology at Lower Keys Medical Center.
 
Excessive heat makes it more difficult to keep the core body temperature at a normal level, and this puts stress on vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.  So, if you have a heart condition, you need to avoid excessive stress and heat.  It is important to stay cool and well hydrated.
 
A recent study in a major heart scientific journal found a link between rising temperature and the risk of cardiovascular death especially when the heat rises above 95°.
 
Dr. Campanile emphasizes the importance of continuing to take medication as prescribed and suggests working with your cardiologist to come up with a heart health plan for hotter temperatures, including:

• Water intake. Too little water consumption can lead to dehydration, and too much can throw off electrolytes.  Drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
• Diet. Minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium are depleted while sweating. It’s important to replenish electrolytes through proper supplementation and nutrition. Avoid drinks with added sugar such as soda or fruit juice and limit alcohol consumption.
• Skin care. Protect your skin with UVA/UVB protection sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every hour.
• Fitness routine. Avoid working out during peak heat hours, or stay indoors or in the shade throughout the day.
• Attire. Lightweight, dry-fit clothing repels sweat and allows air to circulate to keep skin cooler.
• Be informed. Keep track of the weather forecast, especially heat advisories.

Warning signs that your body isn’t keeping up with the heat index include:

• High body temperature above 103°F
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Inability to sweat
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Disorientation
• Passing out

 
Anyone exhibiting more than one of these symptoms may be experiencing a heat stroke and should call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for medical attention, do not consume fluids and continue efforts to lower body temperature below 102°F. Move into the shade, take a cool – not cold – shower or bath, or move air with a fanning motion.
 
If you want to make sure your heart stays on beat in the summer heat, take Lower Keys Medical Center’s heart risk assessment for a free, downloadable report about your heart’s health. Visit www.LKMC.com.

KEY WEST, Fl – JUNE 7, 2024 - Research backs up the long-standing stereotype that men avoid going to the doctor. In fact, recent surveys show that approximately 44 percent of men don’t get an annual physical, and 60 percent of men won’t see a doctor if they suspect something is wrong.
​
 “Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, our bodies need routine and preventive maintenance, too,” said Norman “Rocky” Tingle, MD, board-certified family medicine physician with Keys Medical Group. “As fathers, as husbands, as coworkers, as friends, we owe it to the people who care about us that we take care of ourselves – not just when we’re sick.”

Dr. Tingle encourages the men in Key West and the Lower Keys to be proactive about their health this Men’s Health Week, June 10 – 16, and to be on the lookout for common health issues he sees among male patients: 

Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., and more than half of men don’t show symptoms before heart disease becomes fatal, according to the CDC.

Prostate Cancer
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s the most common cancer among American men, according to the American Cancer Society.

Urinary Incontinence
Leaking isn’t a female-only problem. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 25 percent of men have dribbling and incontinence problems, too.
 
Low Testosterone
While it’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease over time, it’s becoming more prevalent among younger men. Four out of 10 men have low testosterone by the age of 45, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Depression
The suicide rate among men is four times higher than among women, according to CDC. And the American Psychological Association reports 30 percent of men have suffered from depression at some point during their lives.

“While you may not feel comfortable discussing health concerns or below-the-belt issues with buddies, it should not be embarrassing to go to the doctor,” added Dr. Tingle. “Intimate and serious health issues can often be addressed and are easier to treat when found early.”

In fact, primary care physicians use screenings that check for conditions before many people experience signs and symptoms of a health problem. Depending on age and family medical history, Dr. Tingle says an annual physical may include:
·       BMI calculation
·       Blood pressure, heart and respiration rates
·       Questions around alcohol and tobacco intake
·       Questions around diet and exercise habits
·       Cholesterol and other blood tests
·       Vaccinations
·       Mental health screening
·       Testicular, hernia and/or prostate exams

This Men’s Health Week, get your annual wellness exam added to the calendar. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit https://www.lkmc.com/find-a-doctor.

​KEY WEST, Florida (MAY 30, 2024) - Lower Keys Medical Center administration hosted an awards ceremony during National Nurses Week 2024 to announce the winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award recognizes nursing professionals for excellence in clinical care and for exceptional compassion. 
 
Laura Wake, RN, medical surgical unit, was nominated by Donna Barnett, a former patient who wrote, "If ever you have to have surgery and be in the hospital, you would be lucky to find yourself being cared for by Nurse Laura Wake. From minute one - and I was hospitalized for five days - she was always the epitome of what a nurse should be. Wonderful attitude, did her job well and professionally, great compassion and caring for her patients and co-workers. Nurse Laura will always have my undying gratitude for her wonderful nursing skills, compassion and all around service." 
 
Laura 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. 

​Due to renovations and construction at the front entrance at Lower Keys Medical Center's main hospital building, the main lobby doors will be temporarily inaccessible. Patients and visitors are asked to use the emergency room entrance until May 24th. If you are parking in the general parking lot, the ER entrance can be accessed through the breezeway by the administration building on the far left of the hospital. Patients may also park in the ER lot. We apologize for any inconvenience.

(KEY WEST, FL – May 10, 2024) – Lower Keys Medical Center has again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification.
 
Lower Keys Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review on March 4, 2024. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating care for stroke patients. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
 
“Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Lower Keys Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
 
“We congratulate Lower Keys Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
 
David Clay, chief executive officer, Lower Keys Medical Center, credited hospital employees. “Thank you to our staff for embracing and hardwiring best practices and following precise standards of care that have been proven to deliver the best care for patients experiencing stroke. This achievement supports our mission to ‘help people get well and live healthier’ in our community.”
 
The certification requirements and processes entail creating a cohesive clinical team, demonstrating a consistent approach to care, reducing variation and the risk of error, and organizing the healthcare team across the continuum of care.
 
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website. 

​By David Clay, CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center

National Hospital Week is May 13 - 18 this year. A national celebration of hospitals was initiated as a day of recognition in 1921, following the aftermath of the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918. National Hospital Week was established in 1953, coinciding with Florence Nightingale's birthday in honor of her role in revolutionizing hospital care. Hospital Week also complements National Nurses Week each year. 
 
At Lower Keys Medical Center, we recognize the impact that each of our team members makes in our community every day. Twenty four hours a day, weekends and holidays, our people stand ready to serve you and our mission to "help people get well and live healthier by providing safe, quality healthcare, building enduring relationships with our patients and providing value for the people and communities we serve". 
 
The theme for National Hospital Week 2024 is "We are healthcare" and that applies to every discipline and job responsibility in our hospital. Each role serves a meaningful purpose and supports the individuals providing hands-on, life-saving care to our friends and neighbors in need. On a team of 500+ employees, each member applies his or her knowledge, skill and compassion to ensure that services are available for our patients. 
 
Last year, our team cared for patients during 23,300 emergency room visits, 3,500 inpatient admissions, 400 deliveries, 4,400 surgeries, and 101,000 clinic visits, for a total of more than 132,000 patient encounters. 
 
Please join me in recognizing these extraordinary individuals during Hospital Week. 

​KEY WEST, FL (APRIL 29, 2024) – The interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory at Lower Keys Medical Center has reopened following renovations. The improvements made include upgraded equipment to provide greater clarity for physicians, a new procedure table, and enlarged spaces for patient comfort in pre-procedure and recovery areas.
 
Cardiac catheterization allows a cardiologist and a team of nurses and technicians to examine a patient’s heart and identify problems with heart function using minimally invasive technology. The procedure is used to diagnose and treat patients with stenosis or abnormalities of the heart. Other cardiac procedures offered at Lower Keys Medical Center include electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and transesophogeal echocardiogram (TEE) to measure the heart's electrical activity and identify muscle damage; and nuclear medicine scans such as myocardial perfusion scans to reveal the structure and blood flow within the heart. Non-invasive imaging technologies including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), X-ray and echocardiograms, provide images of the heart muscle, valves, veins and arteries. 
 
David Clay, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center said, “The upgrades and reopening of the cath lab continue our commitment to providing advanced care and services for the residents of the Lower Keys. It also builds upon our designation as a Chest Pain Center, accredited by the American College of Cardiology.”
 
Giovanni Campanile, MD, Medical Director of Cardiology at Lower Keys Medical Center, said, "We are thrilled to have an upgraded cardiac catheterization laboratory and highly qualified interventional cardiologists who are experts in invasive cardiology for the improved treatment of patients in the Lower Keys." 

​KEY WEST, FL (APRIL 24, 2024) – In May, Lower Keys Medical Center wants to help women be the picture of health through Keep Your Selfie Healthy: A Women’s Health Week Challenge email series. 
 
Starting May 13, Lower Keys Medical Center will provide seven daily emails about women’s health issues, including menopause, heart disease and the prevalence of autoimmune, pelvic floor, and sleep disorders. The series is intended to help women focus on “their selfies.” To sign up, visit LKMC.com/selfie. 
 
“Studies show that 50% of women skipped preventative healthcare last year, but those screenings are crucial,” says Courtney Bonner, D.O. at Keys Medical Group – Primary Care at Searstown.  “Through proactive healthcare, we can better diagnose conditions early, when they’re the most treatable. Women have to remember that some conditions are asymptomatic or are often chalked up to being a ‘part of getting older,’ but your provider can help you navigate and treat those disorders.”
 
After the Women’s Health Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, renowned medical institutions and healthcare systems began focusing more on women’s health. However, it wasn’t until 2000 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched National Women’s Health Week, which starts each year on Mother’s Day. 
 
This observance stemmed from disparities in care for women and women’s tendencies to prioritize family and career, even if their health fell by the wayside. However, it’s important that women be proactive about their health. 
 
“Prioritizing screenings is essential because healthy women are better equipped to pursue their goals, contribute to their communities and enjoy longer, fuller lives,” says David Clay, Lower Keys Medical Center CEO. “Women often play central roles in our lives, and we want our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends to be healthy enough to take selfies for years to come.” 
 
To Keep Your Selfie Healthy, sign up at LKMC.com/selfie. We’ll also be giving away prizes every day, including an at-home spa package, a Fitbit Versa 2 and a Kindle Paperwhite.