Regional Medical Center of San Jose

Diabetic Eye Disease: Stay on TRACK

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can affect every organ in the body, and the eyes are no exception. Poorly managed diabetes mellitus can result in a disease known as diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to severe visual difficulties and even blindness. If you are diabetic, make sure that you protect your visual health for the long-term by staying on TRACK:

• “T” is for TAKE your medications: 
  Taking any diabetes and blood pressure medications that your doctor has prescribed will help keep your blood sugars at healthier levels and keep you feeling, and seeing, great.

• “R” is for REACH and maintain a healthy weight:
  Maintaining a healthy weight will decrease the severity of your type-II diabetes and may even eliminate the condition altogether. To lose weight, focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet low in fat, sodium, and calories and rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, and lean protein.

• “A” is for ADD physical activity to your daily routine: 
  Physical activity will not only help you to achieve your ideal weight, but will also improve your mood, sleep, and cardiovascular fitness. Try to work out for at least 30 minutes each day for most, if not all, days of the week.

• “C” is for CONTROL your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol: 
  Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels will reduce your risk of eye diseases, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions. Speak with your doctor about managing these factors.

• “K” is for KICK the smoking habit:
  Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. If you smoke, quit. It is never too late to quit—ask your doctor for help if you need extra advice and support.

Men and women suffering from diabetic eye disease do not experience any symptoms until damage has been done to their vision. If you are interested in learning more about protecting your visual and overall health, contact the healthcare professionals at Regional Medical Center of San Jose by calling (888) 762-8881 today.

Happy Mother's Day! from Regional Medical Center of San Jose

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’ve put together a list of quotes honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society:

• Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.  --Elizabeth Stone
   
• Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.  --Lin Yutang, Chinese writer
   
• All women become like their mothers.  That is their tragedy.  No man does.  That's his.  --Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895
   
• Nobody knows of the work it makes
  To keep the home together.
  Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
  Nobody knows-but Mother.  -- Anonymous
   
• Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries.  --T. DeWitt Talmage

*View our full list of Mother’s Day quotes

First Aid For Seizures

Seizures occur when abnormal electrical signals fire in the brain due to epilepsy, illness, or another trigger. These events can lead to a variety of symptoms, from loss of consciousness to abnormalities of emotion. In this video, you can learn what to do when someone around you has a seizure. The hosts also discuss the types of seizures and when an event may require emergency medical care. Watch the video to find out more.

Do you still have questions about first aid? The experts at Regional Medical Center of San Jose are happy to answer them—call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line today at (888) 762-8881 to learn more. Our nurses are available all day, every day to provide helpful medical information or find an experienced physician near you.

Happy Nurses Week from HCA and Regional Medical Center of San Jose

We're fortunate have some of the best nurses around. We thank you all and wish you a Happy Nurses Week!

Interested In Learning More?

Did our recent topics involving sarcoidosis, breast cancer screening, or organ donation pique your interest? You can find more information on these topics and more by reading through the articles linked below. If you have any further questions, please call Regional Medical Center of San Jose at (888) 762-8881.

• Stroke is the leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. Visit the American Stroke Association website to find out more about stroke.
   
• Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help you to get medical care sooner.  Learn the warning signs by visiting the National Stroke Association website.
   
• Women often experience different symptoms of a heart attack than men. Read more about these differences on the American Heart Association website.
   
• Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any part of the body. This article found on the National Sarcoidosis Society website provides more information about this condition.
   
• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also answers many frequently asked questions regarding sarcoidosis on their website.
   
• Breast cancer, like the other types of cancer, is best treated when found early—find out more about how to detect this disease early on the American Cancer Society website.
   
• You can also read more about the key statistics associated with breast cancer from this informational article.
   
• Breast cancer screening is only a small part of women’s health. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists outlines many aspects of women’s care and what you can do to stay healthy.
   
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, causes chronic abdominal symptoms in millions of men and women worldwide. This article from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders describes this condition in more detail.
   
• Are you interested in becoming an organ donor? Visit OrganDonor.gov to learn more about the donation process and how you can enroll in your state.