Spring 2004

Spring 2004
Vol. 3, No. 3

You Are What You Eat
If you are what you eat, then eating a well-balanced diet can improve your overall well-being. The healthcare professionals at Lancaster General sure think so. Eating the right amounts of the right foods is an essential part of appropriate weight management. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also dramatically reduce your risk for developing certain illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.

Check Your Pulse
The next time your heart is racing - check your pulse. It might not be because of cupid's arrow. A rapid heartbeat can signal the presence of an arrhythmia. An arrhytmia, or irregular heartbeat, describes a change in the routine beat of the heart. Depending on the type of arrhythmia, your heart may beat more slowly (bradycardia) or more quickly (tachycardia) than it should.

CPR Classes
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not just useful for medical professionals. People from all walks of life find it's a good tool to have to help save someone's life during a cardiovascular emergency. CPR can restore the circulation of the blood and prevent brain damage caused by lack of oxygen.

Give the Gift of Life
If you could save a life by donating 45 minutes of your time, would you do it?
You can when you donate blood at the Lancaster General Blood Bank. A single donation can help the save the lives of up to three people. Although donors give about 920 units of whole blood a month, more is needed. Blood cannot be manufactured or stored for long periods of time, so the supply is constantly in need of replenishment.

Making Informed Healthcare Decisions
Lancaster General recognizes you have a choice in your healthcare. You can choose your doctors and where you go for tests and treatment. Because these are important decisions, you want to choose wisely. Be sure to ask questions and research your options.

It's All About Control
If you laugh, cough or sneeze and feel uncontrolled leaking of urine, you may be one of 12 million Americans who suffer from urinary incontinence. Help is available. Lancaster General has developed an Incontinence Program at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital to help treat men and women who have bladder control concerns.