Health Tips

Smoking Cessation


In keeping with the recent focus on smoking cessation (position statements, tobacco settlement expenditure criticisms, Florida public smoking ban referendum, new JCAHO requirement for smoking cessation programs in hospitals), here are some Smoking Hotlines that are available for our patients

1-877-U CAN NOW (877-822-6669) Florida American Cancer Society Quit-For-Life
1-866-QUIT-YES (866-784-8937) American Lung Association Call Center's Quit Line.

A website that offers a nice self-administered manual to quitting is located at www.tempe.gov/fire/Wellness/SmokingCessation.html 

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Department has hand outs and posts upcoming Freedom From Smoking courses, which are offered on a regular basis by the local American Lung Association.

Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention

Some people with certain valve disorders, artificial heart valves, or congenital heart defects may be advised by their cardiologist to take antibiotics prior to a dental or medical procedure.  Your cardiologist will determine the need for antibiotics, and if deemed necessary, you will be given a card to carry in your wallet that identifies your needs to other health care providers.

  This wallet card is to be given to patients by their physician.
Healthcare professionals: Please see back of card for reference
to the complete statement

Name:_______________________________________
 needs protection from
                 Bacterial Endocarditis because of an        existing Heart Condition
 Diagnosis:____________________________________
Prescribed by:_________________________________
Date:________________________________________

The prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis, commonly referred to as S.B.E. (sub acute bacterial endocarditis) prophylaxis, is the use of antibiotics before a procedure so germs that may be released into the bloodstream during a procedure do not migrate to the heart and cause an infection (endocarditis).
The need for antibiotics may range from a few tablets orally before a procedure, to the administration of intravenous antibiotics, dependent upon your risk determination, and the procedure itself.  The trend in medicine today is less antibiotics for less indications.  The doctor or dentist performing your procedure can order these antibiotics for you, based on the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association.

 Comments from our physician's on the Atkins Diet

Many of you have asked about recent studies involving the Atkins Diet.  A recent report of the American Heart Association suggested significant weight reduction and reduction in cholesterol in patients who are on this high fat, low carbohydrate diet.  Unfortunately, this was a very small study with a limited number of participants and over a very short period of time.  The American Heart Association has  formulated a formal position of significant concern about this diet which, in other studies, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. 
The Heart Group advises against the Atkins Diet, and instead supports continuing a low fat diet combined with a prudent exercise program.  If you have questions regarding this diet, please discuss it with your physician, nurse practitioner, or cardiac rehab professional.