Latest news with #BaptistHealth
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Spinal Cord stimulation offers relief for South Florida chronic pain patients
South Florida patients suffering from chronic pain are finding relief through spinal cord stimulation, a therapy that uses targeted electrical signals to block pain from reaching the brain. The treatment, now being offered at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, is helping patients regain mobility and comfort where other methods have failed. Alexa Alexander said she turned to spinal cord stimulation in 2023 after exhausting nearly every other option for her severe back pain. "In 2023, I had a horrible back issue. I could barely walk," Alexander said. "It was excruciating to the point where even when I would breathe, it would hurt." After physical therapy, injections, pain management, and even back surgery failed to help, doctors at Baptist Health recommended spinal cord stimulation. "I like to describe it to patients as a pacemaker for the spine," said Dr. Akshay Goyal, pain management physician at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. "It's a device that sits underneath your skin and sends electrical signals to the spinal cord in a very precise manner to block the pain signals from going from the lower back or legs all the way up to the brain." Dr. Jason Liounakos, director of Outpatient Spine Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, explained how the device changes how patients experience pain. "So essentially what it does is it'll cover up the pain signal with a numbness or tingling feeling and for most people that's a lot more palatable than just a feeling of excruciating, sharp burning pain," Liounakos said. Alexander now controls the intensity of the stimulation through an app on her phone. "I think I've probably gone up to 25, and it starts getting uncomfortable," she said. "It's a very aggressive tingling." When CBS News Miami met her, Alexander had the device set to 13—far below its maximum of 132. Spinal cord stimulation can also be used to treat conditions including diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, spinal cord injuries, and postsurgical pain. Liounakos said it may also soon help patients who've never had surgery but suffer from back pain or sciatica. "The technology, even though it's come a very long way in the last 50 years, there's still a big untapped sort of potential for it," Goyal added. Alexander said the difference in her quality of life is dramatic. "I would say I'm at a 90% difference from when we started in January of 2023," she said. "It's huge." She recharges the battery every few months using a wireless charger strapped to her lower back for about 90 minutes. The device itself can last for years, depending on usage.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins training camp 2025: Schedule, public practices, dates to know
Training camp opened for the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday -- or at least some of them. The team's rookie class reported for camp, one week ahead of the veterans' July 22 report date. The practices at the Baptist Health Training Complex will lead up to the Dolphins' preseason debut on Aug. 10 and their regular season debut on Sept. 7. Advertisement Here's everything to know about the Dolphins' 2025 training camp: Public practices The following camp dates will be open for fans to attend: Saturday, July 26: 9-11 a.m. Monday, July 28: 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30: 9-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2: 9-11 a.m. (season ticker holders only) Sunday, Aug. 3: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6: 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19: Time TBD Wednesday, Aug. 20: Time TBD Thursday, Aug. 21: Time TBD (joint practice with Jaguars) Preseason schedule Dolphins at Chicago Bears - Sunday, Aug. 10, 1 p.m. Dolphins at Detroit Lions - Saturday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars at Dolphins - Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Joint practices The Dolphins will participate in joint sessions with all three of their preseason opponents, including a pair of practices in Detroit: Dolphins-Bears practice: Aug. 8 (Lake Forest, Ill.) Dolphins-Lions practices: Aug. 13-14 (Allen Park, Mich.) Dolphins-Jaguars practice: Aug. 21 (Miami Gardens, Fla.) Aug. 26 cut down day In previous years, teams were forced to gradually trim their roster from 90 players to 53 before the start of the regular season. Now they do it all at once with a massive cut down day at the end of August. Less than a week after the Dolphins' preseason finale against the Jaguars, about three dozen camp participants will hit the waiver wire, although several of them will be brought back as members of the practice squad. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins training camp 2025: Schedule, public practices, dates to know
Fox News
12-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
‘I'm a cardiologist – here's how the summer heat could damage your heart'
Extreme summer heat can weigh heavily on the body and mind. Skyrocketing temperatures can have a severe impact on heart health in particular — especially for people with pre-existing conditions. Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D., a cardiologist with Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, noted that hot weather causes the heart to work harder. "When our bodies heat up, blood vessels near the skin widen and send more blood outward to help cool us down," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "To keep blood pressure steady, the heart speeds up and works harder, raising its oxygen demand." Heat puts extra strain on the heart and can cause dehydration or blood-thickening, which may trigger symptoms or events, according to Iluyomade. The cardiologist referenced a recent analysis of more than 6,000 heat exposure cases, which found that "even small rises" in core temperature can increase heart rates by nearly 30 beats per minute. "Studies show that each 1 °C rise in temperature raises cardiovascular death risk by roughly 2%, and heat waves markedly increase the chance of heart attacks, heart failure and irregular rhythms," he said. "[It's] enough to cause silent heart attacks in people with pre-existing coronary artery disease." Some heart medications can also "exaggerate" how the body responds to heat, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). For those who are living with heart conditions — such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, high blood pressure or arrhythmias — Iluyomade recommends taking precautions during the summer months. To avoid a cardiac event, it's best to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, to stay hydrated (including electrolytes), and to stay in cool, shaded areas, the cardiologist said. Even people who do not have existing heart problems should pay attention to warning signs of heat-related cardiac stress. "Watch for concerning signs like chest tightness, increasing shortness of breath, racing heart, leg swelling or feelings of faintness," Iluyomade advised. Other red flags can include unusual feelings of fatigue, a sense of the heart pounding even during periods of rest, dizziness, nausea or confusion. "[It's] enough to cause silent heart attacks in people with pre-existing coronary artery disease." The AHA also notes additional signs of heat stroke, including high body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and hot, red, dry or damp skin. For more Health articles, visit Iluyomade concluded, "Keep hydrated, take breaks in air-conditioned or shaded spots, avoid heavy effort during midday hours, and wear light, breathable clothing to help your heart manage summer heat."
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Best Breakfasts for Heart Health, According to a Cardiologist
A heart-healthy breakfast can lower disease risk and boost nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Try avocado toast with egg or oatmeal with berries and nuts—both cardiologist-approved and easy to make. Focus on low-sodium, high-fiber meals with omega-3s and minimal added sugars to support heart health has been declared the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. A quality breakfast can help you get the macro- and micronutrients your body needs to function and feel well. Eating breakfast has also been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women, and 1 in 20 U.S. adults have coronary heart disease, the most common type of cardiovascular disease. If you're focused on heart health, there are certain heart-healthy breakfast options that can kick-start your day. We asked a cardiologist to help us determine which breakfast is best for heart health—and our expert delivered with two nourishing options, one sweet and one savory. "Whether you prefer savory or sweet, these breakfast options are packed with ingredients that support cardiovascular health," says Sergiu Darabant, M.D., a cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida. "Enjoy the benefits of fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants with these easy-to-make recipes designed to keep your heart in top shape." Keep reading to learn how to make each of the cardiologist's recommendations. Ingredients: 1 slice whole-grain or whole-wheat bread ½ avocado, mashed Fresh spinach leaves 1 poached egg (or tofu scramble for a vegan alternative) A sprinkle of flaxseeds or chia seeds A dash of extra-virgin olive oil To make it: Toast your bread, then top with the avocado, spinach leaves and egg. Sprinkle on your seed of choice and drizzle with a bit of EVOO. This savory breakfast combines heart-healthy ingredients like whole grains for fiber, avocado for monounsaturated fats, spinach for antioxidants and flaxseeds for omega-3s. "These components work together to support cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients that benefit overall cardiovascular health," Darabant says. Avocados are a key ingredient in this breakfast—this is a recipe for jazzed-up avocado toast, after all. Research has found that higher avocado intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease—possibly thanks to oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to improve blood vessel function and insulin activity, among other cardiovascular benefits. If you're wondering why an egg is in here, it's because eggs can be a heart-healthy source of protein. (If you have heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether you should switch to an alternative, such as egg whites.) One review concluded that most studies focusing on eggs and heart health reported a reduced risk or no association between egg consumption and cardiovascular risk factors, especially when consumed as part of a healthy dietary pattern. Avocado toast not your thing? Check out our Peanut Butter-Banana English Muffin, meal-prep-friendly High-Protein Strawberry & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats or Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries. Ingredients: Rolled oats (or steel-cut oats) Plant-based milk (almond, soy or oat milk) or low-fat dairy milk Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries) A handful of almonds or walnuts A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional) A sprinkle of cinnamon To make it: Cook oats with milk according to package directions. Top with berries and nuts, drizzle with sweetener (if using), sprinkle with cinnamon. What makes it such a great choice? "This sweet breakfast option offers a heart-healthy mix of fiber-rich oats, antioxidant-packed berries and omega-3-rich nuts," says Darabant. One reason oats are a heart-health powerhouse is that they contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucans. This dietary fiber works by forming a gel-like substance in the gut, which can help reduce cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Research suggests that consistent consumption of beta-glucans can lead to improved cholesterol profiles, lowering the risk of heart disease. As for the other ingredients, plant-based milk or low-fat dairy milk is used over full-fat milk, as these options contain less (or no) saturated fat, which supports heart health. In addition, "Berries, packed with antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to heart disease," Darabant says. Darabant uses nuts like almonds or walnuts in this recipe because they provide unsaturated fats and fiber, and walnuts also have omega-3s to help lower cholesterol and combat inflammation. And when it comes to the sweetener: "While honey and maple syrup should be used sparingly, they offer a lower-glycemic alternative to refined sugar," he says. Lastly, cinnamon is sprinkled on top for a final hit of anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it's our #1 Spice to Help Lower High Cholesterol. Other heart-healthy breakfast options include our Vegan Smoothie Bowl, Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl and the delicious and simple Two-Ingredient Banana Pancakes. Starting your day with heart-healthy choices that are as delicious as they are nutritious is simple to do with a little know-how. Classic breakfast foods include doughnuts, pastries and cold cereal. "Sugary cereals and pastries are high in refined sugars, which can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels and a higher risk of developing heart disease," says Darabant. Protein is important at breakfast because it keeps you satisfied throughout the morning. However, there are some options you should skip. "Processed meats, such as bacon and sausage, are loaded with saturated fats and sodium, both of which contribute to high cholesterol and hypertension, major risk factors for heart disease," says Darabant. Instead of processed meats, go for lean sources of protein, suggests Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, the Food + Movement Dietitian and author of 30-Minute Weight Loss Cookbook. That includes proteins with minimal visible fat (such as seafood or lean cuts of pork or beef), low-fat or nonfat dairy and plant-based proteins like beans, nuts and seeds. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. "These are the foods that have been linked to lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and reducing inflammation," shares Enright. "They help to promote better weight management, which is also tied to better heart health." Fiber does this by helping people feel fuller while reducing calorie intake, adds Colleen Wysocki, M.S., RDN, owner of Zest Nutrition Service. "Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve heart health by reducing triglycerides," says Mascha Davis, M.P.H., RDN, author of Eat Your Vitamins. Regular consumption of omega-3s has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, as these fatty acids help maintain healthy blood pressure, decrease plaque buildup in arteries and support proper heart rhythm. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon as well as walnuts and flaxseeds. Consuming a low-sodium breakfast is essential for maintaining heart health, as high sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Choosing low-sodium options will support better blood circulation, reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system and promote overall heart wellness. So, skip that salt shaker and add flavor to your dishes with spices and herbs. Finding a breakfast that supports your heart health shouldn't be a huge undertaking, and thankfully there are both savory and sweet options that are cardiologist-approved, simple to make and delicious. By leaning on choices that are low in or free from sodium and added sugars while providing fiber, healthy fats and other nutrients that support heart health, you can nourish your body while keeping your heart in shape. Now that you've got breakfast down, learn about other heart-healthy habits to practice today. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers train next generation of hockey hopefuls
Typically, at the Baptist Health IcePlex, there are Panthers on the ice. Well, on Saturday, there were kittens and cubs.
