The support group will meet weekly beginning Monday, February 12 and will be led by our certified lactation consultants who can answer questions and facilitate an open forum where moms can discuss common challenges with breastfeeding. This support group will be especially good for brand new moms and for breastfeeding moms preparing to return to work.

Often, breastfeeding moms have concerns that their baby is not growing enough or getting enough milk. This is why at each support group we will offer weekly weight checks for the babies.  The weekly weight checks will help build mom’s confidence and prove they are doing the right thing.  The weekly weigh-ins will also help identify issues early so moms can find solutions to breastfeeding challenges and ultimately be successful.

It is our hope too that the support group also helps new moms connect with each other and eventually develop friendships between moms and babies. 

Bring a snack and water. This class is for moms and breastfeeding babies only.

WakeMed Cary Hospital
Points West Café
1900 Kildaire Farm Road
February 12, 2012
2:00 – 3:30 pm

For questions, please call 919-350-5831.

We are teaming up with Wake County EMS to teach the basics of CPR and the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack in our “Feel the Beat – CPR Anytime” program. 

CPR was selected as a primary focus for education events because according to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival, but only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander. Today, less than eight percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive.

Locations and date include:
Cary – Wednesday, February 8
Adult CPR Anytime
WakeMed Cary Hospital Conference Center, Cary
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Presented by: Jimmy Locklear, MD, WakeMed Faculty Physicians – Raleigh Cardiology; and Wake County EMS

Raleigh – Thursday, February 16
Infant/Child CPR Anytime and Handling Pediatric Emergencies
Andrews Conference Center at WakeMed Raleigh Campus, Raleigh
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Presented by Courtney Mann, MD, Wake Emergency Physicians

Garner – Tuesday, February 21
Adult CPR Anytime
White Deer Park Nature Center, Garner
10:30 a.m. to noon
Presented by: George Hamrick, MD, FACC, WakeMed Faculty Physicians – Carolina Cardiology; and Wake County EMS

Raleigh – Thursday, February 23
Adult CPR Anytime
Heart Center Conference Center at WakeMed Raleigh Campus
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Presented by John Sinden, MD, FACC, WakeMed Faculty Physicians – Raleigh Cardiology; and  Wake County EMS

Brier Creek – Wednesday, February 29
Adult CPR Anytime
WakeMed Brier Creek Healthplex, Raleigh
10:30 a.m. to noon
Presented by: John Kelly, MD, FACC, WakeMed Faculty Physicians, and Wake County EMS

Participants will receive one free CPR Anytime for Family & Friends kit per household. However, donations to the WakeMed Foundation – Heart Education Fund are encouraged and make it possible for WakeMed to continue heart health education programs in the community. Register online at www.wakemed.org

Additionally, February 14- 19 we’re also pleased to sponsor the classic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, a timeless story of love, dreams, and redemption. Les Miserables will be staged at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.  For tickets, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ProgressEnergyCenter.com

Our rehab hospital – the only inpatient rehab hospital in Wake County – will grow from 84 beds to 98 once the beds are operational by the end of the year.  In North Carolina, WakeMed Rehab Hospital is second only to Carolinas Medical Center in the number of inpatient rehab beds.

The Longview House is very close to many people’s hearts both as a historic property and as the place where many a wedding reception and anniversary party has been held over the years.  After our announcement, we heard concerns about the future of the home. 

Although we are still finalizing land use plans for 14 acres we purchased adjacent to the home, we promise to honor the legacy that is the Longview House and not tear it down.  Our intent is to develop the land surrounding the Longview House.

According to the ancestors of Clarence Poe, he used to sit on porch of the Longview House, survey his farm, and comment on how you need to look at life and health with a long view.  We commit to honor this perspective in the future development of the property adjacent to the home.

Ladder injuries are most common in adult males aged > 18 years (mean 42.9 +/- 16.2 years), from a distance of 1-15 feet. Other primary injuries include fractures or dislocations to the extremities, spine injuries, bleeding in the brain and even death.  

In the United States, injuries due to a fall from a ladder results in an average one week hospital stay and six weeks of disability and unemployment. For the sake of your health, please be very careful when doing anything on a ladder.

And, if you are a photographer who is thinking of taking a picture of someone misusing a ladder, please print the picture in the paper with a list ladder use of dos and don’ts.  Better yet, refrain from taking the picture and intervene in consideration of the health of the ladder user.

Post provided by Dr. Okechukwu Nwoko, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with Wake Orthopaedics.

All pediatric liquid acetaminophen for infant and children will be 160 milligrams per 5ml (or one teaspoon).  The hope is the single liquid concentration product will reduce dosing errors and create less confusion for parents and caregivers.

Acetaminophen, which is available both generically and under the brand name Tylenol, is a medication used to reduce fever and control pain.  Historically, it has been available as infant drops, 80milligram per 0.8ml, and for children 2 years and older as a liquid, 160milligrams per 5ml (or one teaspoon). 

Acetaminophen is generally safe when given in reasonable doses, however, each year children are treated at WakeMed Children’s Hospital for acetaminophen overdoses.   An overdose has the potential to cause liver toxicity and liver damage if taken over a long period of time or given at too high of a dose.    

The reason for changing to a single concentration is to help reduce and prevent medication errors.  The change was voluntarily agreed upon by the over-the-counter manufacturers.   Therefore, for a period of time both the concentrations will continue to be available in retail stores.   Parents and caregivers should be aware of the various products and to only use the dosing recommendations included with the purchased product.  

The new infant 160milligram per 5ml (or one teaspoon) product will now come with a dosing syringe rather than a dropper and for children the liquid acetaminophen will come with a dosing cup to assist with measuring doses.   Always contact a healthcare provider such as your pharmacist, nurse or physician if unsure of the appropriate dose.      

It is critically important for parents to fully understand any medication they are giving to their children and that they communicate clearly with their pharmacist or physician as to how much to administer and how often.  This way both caregiver and baby will feel better.

Interested in learning more about the change? 

otcsafety.org

NC Poison Center

Tylenol.com

Rhonda Zillmer is a WakeMed pediatric pharmacist.

As of last week with the opening of Brier Creek Healthplex, WakeMed now has six emergency departments in Wake County – making it more possible than ever to find an emergency department with reasonable wait times.  

For your convenience, we provide up-to-date emergency department wait times on both wakemed.org and on our Smartphone App for both iPhones and Droids.  For less-urgent medical needs WakeMed also has two urgent care locations, but of course, if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency and need immediate assistance, please dial 9-1-1.

*Average time it took for a patient to enter the emergency department door and be seen by a physician in each of WakeMed’s six emergency departments over the past week (Jan. 9 through Jan. 15)

Substance abuse and accidental overdose is a problem in North Carolina. According to a News & Observer story published a few days ago, more than 1,000 North Carolina citizens died last year as a result of prescription drug abuse.

Recently, the Apex and Holly Springs police departments both announced they will now have permanent, on-site containers at their stations where unwanted prescription medications can be deposited in an effort to reduce substance abuse and accidental overdose. 

Do you have unwanted prescription medication?  Drop them off here:

• Holly Springs: Holly Springs Police Department lobby, 110 W. Ballentine St., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Apex: Apex Police Department lobby, 205 Saunders St., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You do not have to be a resident of either town to drop off unwanted medications.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY MEALS
• Enjoy your favorite dishes – just do it in moderation! Only 1 scoop/serving of the high calorie foods.
• Fill at least ½ your plate with fruits & vegetables.
• Make a “one plate” rule & avoid going back for seconds.
• Have a healthy snack before you sit down for a large meal. Try these snacks: 1 slice of whole wheat toast & 1 tbsp. peanut butter, Greek yogurt topped with raspberries, 1 low-fat string cheese & a small apple.
• Skip the dips – they’re loaded with calories, sodium, & are high in fat.
• Drink water or use fresh fruit slices in sparkling water for a low-cal “cocktail”. If you need to warm up to a cozy drink, try low fat hot chocolate and use 1% or skim milk.
• Don’t sit around the food table and snack! Put your food on a plate and sit away from the food to eat & socialize to avoid mindless munching!
• Exercise before and after you go to a holiday party.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydration often makes you think you’re hungry! Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day.

ACTIVE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
• Throw the Frisbee around
• Go for a family walk
• Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt and look for different colored leaves or find different holiday decorations
• Have your family play a game of football, baseball, or basketball
• Plan a road rally and have everyone “ride” something different like roller skates, skateboards, scooters, or bikes
• Have board games that involve moving like Pictionary
• Plan a tournament using Wii fit or Wii sports
• Burn calories by turning on your favorite music and starting a dance party
• Plan to get-together with friends for a walk
• Always carry comfortable shoes & clothes in your car so you can squeeze in a walk while waiting or completing your holiday shopping

HOLIDAY COOKING SUBSTITUTIONS
Instead of this; Try this
Butter (sweet dishes); Applesauce
Butter; Olive or canola oil
Whole milk; 1% or skim milk
Heavy Cream; Use 1% or skim milk & mix in flour to thicken
Cheese; Cut the amount in ½ or use low-fat cheese
Sour Cream; Fat free sour cream or plain yogurt
Gelatin; Sugar-free Jello
Egg; Substitute 2 egg whites for 1 egg
Salt; Natural herbs (rosemary, oregano, etc.)

These tips were compiled by Julie Paul a registered dietitian with WakeMed Children’s Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Confessions Of An Elf is a tell-all book written by one of Santa’s own North Pole elves. In fact, the revered and very strict Elfin Code of Silence had to be breached in order for the author to make some of the inside information available to the public. The result is a sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful collection of ultimately inspiring and deeply moving essays on the spirit of Christmas and Santa Claus himself.

Ira David Wood III
Reading & Book Signing
Thursday, December 22
Drop by anytime between 3 and 4 pm
WakeMed Raleigh Campus Heart Center (3000 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27610)