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Watch out for these warning signs!

Every second matters when a stroke occurs. You don't have time to hesitate, second guess yourself, or do a quick search online for symptoms. According to the National Stroke Association, the most effective treatment should begin within the first three hours. If you are familiar with the warning signs, you'll be ready to call 911 the moment you suspect something is awry in yourself or a loved one. Here's what the American Stroke Association says you should be looking out for:

• An odd smile – You may notice that one side of the mouth is unable to pull up into a grin.
• Difficulty moving one side of the body – Stroke patients often experience limited paralysis or weakness in one arm or one leg.
• Slurred words – A stroke can make it difficult to understand the patient when he or she tries to talk.
• Confusion – The patient may also struggle to understand your end of the conversation.
• Vision problems – A stroke may cause blurred vision or a sudden blindness in one or both eyes.
• Inability to walk – Dizziness and loss of balance are both signs of a stroke.
• A severe headache – Unlike the common headache, this warning sign will come on suddenly, and the pain may be so intense that you cannot concentrate or continue with your day.

Tennova's Stroke Center at Physicians Regional Medical Center provides care you can trust in an emergency. Remember our name if you notice potentially dangerous warnings signs in yourself or a loved one.

Learn more about what you can expect from us at our website, or call us at (865) 545-6727 for more information.

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Staying active is the key to a comfortable and enjoyable senior life.

Senior patients often complain that they don't have the energy to exercise anymore. While you may not have the stamina you did in your 20s, your energy levels will live up to your lifestyle. If you primarily spend your days rooted to your couch, you will experience fatigue. If you push yourself to start participating in more active pastimes, your energy will increase. Don't let your future fade into a blur of sitcom repeats. You aren't done living yet! Try these tips to get the most out of your senior years.

• Start slow. There's no denying it; changing your lifestyle is hard. If you go at with too much fervor, you'll burn out quickly and return to old habits. Small, gradual changes bring better results over the long-term.
• Experiment with different activities. Don't waste your time on activities you dread. You have many options! If you can't stand the heat outdoors, try walking at the mall. Look into exercise you'll enjoy, such as dancing or swimming.
• Maximize the benefits of your exercise routine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests seniors will see better results when they engage in a mixture of moderate aerobic exercises, strength training, and balance activities.
• Find like-minded friends. Exercise is more fun in a group! Look into local classes for seniors.
• Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have. If you're worried that exercise will worsen a condition, talk to your doctor. In many cases, an active lifestyle will improve your health, as long as your doctor has approved the activity. According to the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons, the right fitness regimen can help patients who struggle with arthritis or osteoporosis.

Tennova Healthcare provides many opportunities for seniors to get active and social. Have you looked into our Senior Extra Program? Membership is free if you are over 55. Call (865) 549-2021 to get started, and join us tomorrow for a hike around Lakeshore Park. We're meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the upper parking area.

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It's possible! You can get your knee pain under control once and for all.

One of the most common side effects of aging is the development of joint pain, specifically in the knees. This discomfort can make walking difficult, especially if you have stairs in your home or workplace that you must climb daily. For many, there are easy solutions for this pain. Try some of these remedies to relieve discomfort and reclaim your life.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, effective remedies can vary depending on the type of knee pain you are experiencing.

If you're noticing a new pain…

• Rest and see if the pain disappears on its own.
• Apply ice to the knee.
• Keep the knee raised to prevent swelling.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications.
• Prevent morning pains by keeping a pillow below the knees or between the knees.

If you only notice the pain after physical activity…

• Start your day by stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings.
• Try yoga.
• Switch your cardio exercise routine from running to swimming or biking.
• Avoid running on cement or other hard surfaces.
• Invest in a quality pair of running shoes that best fit your foot type.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

If your knee is inflamed because of bursitis…

• Ice your knee several times a day.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• If you're overweight, make it a goal to lose some extra pounds.
• Don't sleep on the side that has bursitis.
• Stay off your feet when possible.

Tennova Healthcare can help you find the cause and solution for your knee pain. Learn more about our orthopedics department at our website or make an appointment with one of our physicians. Give us a call at 1–855-TENNOVA (836-6682).

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As you age into your 50s and beyond, colon cancer screenings should become an important part of your preventative healthcare.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Although this disease does not get the same media attention as breast cancer or prostate cancer, it is the second leading cause of death in America according to the American Cancer Society. It is often easily prevented or treated – if problems are located in their earliest stages. Give yourself your best chance! Commit to regular screenings as recommended by your doctor. Consider these reasons why screenings are important for anyone over 50.

• There are about 100,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed each year.
• Most Americans have a 5 percent chance of developing colon cancer in their lifetime. Those with extra risk factors, such as a family history, have worse odds.
• Thanks to the movement for screenings, there are over 1 million colon cancer survivors in America today.
• Screenings are the number one preventative measure against colon cancer.
• Colon cancer often begins as abnormal cells that grow in polyps. It can take between 10 and 15 years for these polyps to develop into cancer. Screening every 5 years will catch most problems before they even turn cancerous.
• Even polyps that have already progressed to cancer can usually be successfully treated, if the diagnosis is made during the earliest stages.

When was your last screening? Our cancer care team is skilled with early detection methods that will give you the most accurate results and the best chance against a potential cancer diagnosis. If you would like to speak with a doctor about screenings, call us at 1-855-TENNOVA (826-6682) for a physician referral.

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Everyone gets stressed from time to time. Don't let it affect your health.

When your car breaks down, you have a big project due at work, or your kids are struggling with an assignment for school, it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed – but when stress becomes a chronic fixture in your life, you know it's time to take control of the situation. Your emotional health is linked with your physical well-being, especially when it comes to your heart. Stress can be just as dangerous to your cardiovascular system as a poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle.

Stress and Your Body
When you find yourself in a situation that is threatening, upsetting, frustrating, or otherwise stressful, your body responds by releasing extra adrenaline into your system. According to the American Heart Association, this hormone will cause your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise. This can be beneficial when you may need a little extra energy to power through a difficult situation, but when your body is in this state day after day it will put a strain on your heart.

The Heart Disease Link
Those who are prone to regular stress are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease in their lifetime, but the connection between the two is not certain. Some researchers theorize that the stress response in the body could damage artery walls when experienced for a prolonged period of time. Stress can also weaken your immune system, affect your sleep patterns, and strengthen cravings for fatty "comfort" foods.

Tennova Healthcare provides comprehensive care for all our heart patients. Whether you are interested in preventative measures or you are recovering from a cardiac event, we can meet your needs with today's latest technology and an expert staff of highly-qualified physicians. Stop by our Heart Institute online to learn more or call us at (865) 471-2500.

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Eat your way to better heart health.

Food can be a source of great pleasure as well as the nutrients we need to live. And scientists have learned that certain foods can help lower your risk of heart disease. Since February is American Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to look at some of the foods you should choose to boost your heart health, based on suggestions from the American Heart Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whether fresh, canned, or frozen. Along with whole grains. They’re a great source of fiber, which can lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol, which reduces your chance of developing heart disease. Some of the best fruits and veggies for your heart health are:
  • tomatoes
  • spinach
  • cabbage
  • broccoli
  • salad greens
  • apples
  • oranges
  • bananas
  • peaches
  • frozen berries with no added sugar

When buying frozen vegetables, get them in their pure state, with no added sauces. When buying canned, look for ones low in salt. Canned fruit should be in fruit juice alone, not syrup.

• Choose whole-grain foods as much as possible. These include:
  • oatmeal
  • 100 percent whole-grain bread
  • brown rice
  • barley
  • bulgur
  • whole-grain pastas

• For protein, try to eat:
  • seafood
  • lean cuts of meat, such as extra-lean ground beef, sirloin, and pork tenderloin
  • poultry breasts without the skin
  • legumes, which include peas and beans
  • nuts and seeds
  • eggs or eggs substitutes

• For dairy products, consider these guidelines:
  • buy low- or non-fat dairy products
  • look for cheeses with 3 grams of fat or less per serving
  • for an alternative, try soy milk or other soy-based “dairy” items

• Reduce your use of fats and oils and choose the "good" oils–monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils. These include:
  • canola
  • olive
  • sesame
  • peanut

• Avoid products with saturated fat or partially hydrogenated oils. These include:
  • coconut oil
  • palm oil
  • animal fats

Choose foods with zero trans fat gram per serving.

• Keep plenty of healthy snacks and drinks on hand, such as:
  • water
  • unsweetened juices
  • bite-sized vegetables or fruits
  • raisins
  • dried fruit
  • low- or non-fat fruit yogurts
  • unsalted and/or unsweetened rice cakes

At Tennova Healthcare, we know the importance of a good diet for keeping all of you healthy, including your heart. For more information about heart health and our cardiac services, visit our Heart Institute online or call (865) 471-2500.

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Property is under consideration as a future site for a replacement hospital

When excessive weight presents health risks, bariatric surgery may be the answer.

With the new year, many folks will be resolving to lose weight. For most, eating smarter and exercising more is probably the best way to shed those unwanted pounds. But for people who are morbidly obese or obese with associated health issues, bariatric surgery may be the solution.

At Tennova, the staff of our Center for Surgical Weight Loss can perform the surgery that will begin the weight-loss process, then help with the follow-up that guarantees success. Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? You may be, if you meet the following conditions:

• You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more (go here to calculate your BMI).
• Your BMI is 35 or higher and you also have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
• Your previous efforts to lose substantial weight have failed.
• You’re ready to make significant changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• You don’t drink alcohol to excess.

We offer several kinds of surgical procedures. Here’s a look at the most common ones:

Adjustable Gastric Band – An inflatable plastic band placed around the top of your stomach creates a small pocket that is easy to fill, so you feel full after small amounts of food.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – Using laproscopic surgery, a doctor removes up to 70 percent of the stomach, once again helping to create a full feeling after eating only small amounts of food.

Gastric Bypass – The most common form of bariatric surgery, this involves creating a small section of the stomach that is then directly connected to the small intestine.

Going through bariatric surgery at Tennova has several steps:

• attend a free “Understanding Surgical Weight Loss” seminar
• consult with a surgeon
• attend a patient education class and tour the hospital with a program coordinator
• go through a final pre-surgery visit
• undergo the surgery
• receive follow-up care

If you meet the conditions and think bariatric surgery might be the answer to your weight problems, call us at 865-694-9676 to register for one of our introductory seminars. It could be the first step in a healthier you.

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Giving back to the community helps others and makes you feel better too.

At Tennova Healthcare, we have a saying about volunteering: A little time to care, a little love to share. While our patients rely on the professional skills of our medical, technical, and administrative staffs, they and our visitors also count on people like you—citizens of Knoxville and the surrounding area who donate their time to help others.

At our facilities, volunteers perform a number of services, including:

• staffing our information desks and gift shops
• transporting patients
• delivering mail
• helping with patient activities
• bringing patients reading materials, movies, and flowers

We have volunteer opportunities for adults, college students, and teens over 14. Most volunteers work one four-hour shift every week, and in some service areas we can work with you to find a time slot that suits your schedule.

All volunteers must do the following before receiving an assignment:

• Fill out an application.
• Interview with one of our Volunteer Services staff, to learn more about our service areas and what’s available.
• Pass a background check.
• Undergo a tuberculosis skin test, which is given by a employee health nurse.

We also have a special volunteer opportunity for some of our past patients. If you’ve had bariatric surgery at our Center for Surgical Weight Loss and are one year past the operation, you may be eligible for our Bariatric Support Partner program. Volunteers receive specialized training, then work with current bariatric surgery patients by doing such things as:

• helping them walk through the hallways
• encouraging them to complete the Oral Intake/Activity Log and to use the Incentive Spirometer (Voldyne)
• bringing their questions or concerns to appropriate hospital staff
• being available for phone assistance and encouragement before the patient is admitted and after the patient has been discharged

For more information on the Bariatric Support Partner program, click here.

Volunteers are truly the face of Tennova, as they are often the first people patients and their family meet. We couldn't do all that we do without them and their willingness to help others. If you'd like to join them, you can find an online application here. Fill it out, talk to our staff, and see if volunteering at Tennova is right for you.

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Here are some holiday eating tips that will both satisfy your taste buds and keep you healthy.

The end of the year brings a variety of holidays and celebrations, which means coming together with family and friends to share companionship and, most likely, food. Holiday festivities, however, can lead to a one-pound weight gain that doesn’t come off, and making healthy food choices can be a challenge.

To help you eat right this holiday season, here are some guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the National Institutes of Health.

Before the Event

• If you’re hosting a holiday party, offer plenty of healthy foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts.
• Consider serving broiled or baked lean meats or fish instead of fried.
• Serve foods high in fiber, with such ingredients as whole grains and beans.
• When baking, reduce cholesterol by replacing each egg with two egg whites.
• Substitute low-fat broth for dairy products in your mashed potatoes.
• Use low- or non-fat dairy products instead of ones with more fat.
• Instead of using oils or butter in baked goods, you can use applesauce.
• The day of the party, eat a substantial, healthy breakfast. Also consider having a healthy snack right before the party to curb your hunger.

At the Event

• In a buffet line, use a smaller plate, and don’t go back for seconds.
• At a sit-down party, take a smaller-than-usual first portion, so you can enjoy seconds or a dessert.
• Limit your alcohol content; sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is a good alternative.
• Eat slowly.
• Enjoy conversation and other activities rather than heading right for the food.

After the Event

• Engage in some kind of physical activity, whether it's games guests of all ages can play or a simple walk around the block.
• Go easy on yourself—losing or maintaining weight during the holidays is tough, and don’t get too upset if you slip up once or twice. Just try harder to follow the healthy eating guidelines next time.

At Tennova, we want everyone to be as healthy as they can be, this holiday season and all year round. Consult our online resources for more information on nutrition and weight management.

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