At Vascular Vein Centers, veins are their main focus; but, complete leg health is their goal. They provide expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders while their on-site lab includes thorough ultrasound duplex scanning, which allows for a detailed understanding of each patient’s problems. Since their inception, the Vascular Vein Centers have provided Central Florida with medically-proven, cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of non-operative vein therapy.
On March 1, Vascular Vein Centers will move into their brand new location in Waterford Medical Suites, 11317 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 300.
The same techniques and expertise will continue when the East Orlando Center moves into its new location on Lake Underhill on March 1. But, what really makes the center stand out, according to past clients, is their long-lasting results and personalized care. Below are some of the more common questions VVC encounters regarding diagnosis and treatment of incompetent veins.
1. What exactly do my veins do and why do I have varicose veins on my legs?
Essentially, veins in the legs have valves. These valves keep blood flowing in one direction - from the legs to the heart. If these valves don’t function properly, they “leak” and blood flows back toward the feet, creating a pressure that causes normally small veins to enlarge and bulge. Veins at the ankle and lower leg level can leak fluid, which inflames the surrounding tissue and skin.
Varicose veins are diseased veins that have become permanently dilated with “leaky” valves. In the United States, it’s estimated that 25 million people have varicose veins. By the time we reach our 60s, it’s estimated that 72 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins.
2. What are some of risk factors for vein disease?
The risk factors vary. Some of the most common include: family history of vein disease; pregnancy; being overweight; prolonged standing or sitting on a daily basis; hormonal factors; advancing age; clots in the superficial or deep vein system and injury.
3. What does a vein procedure typically involve? Will I miss any work because of it?
The medical staff at Vascular Vein Centers have been pioneers in the use of non-operative vein therapy since 2000.
Therapy consists of a combination of laser treatment of the major incompetent veins, followed by chemical schlerotherapy for the branches. The procedures are short, require minimal local anesthesia and patients are able to resume their normal activities very quickly. Post-procedural pain is minimal compared to traditional stripping procedures.
4. What can I do to improve my leg health?
Veins are controlled, they are never completely cured. However, some steps you can take to improve leg health include:
Exercise daily: Exercises that use the muscles of the legs help veins pump blood. The calf pump pushes blood back to the heart and every step lowers pressure in your legs.
Maintain a healthy weight and diet: Being overweight puts extra pressure on the veins. Foods high in sodium may cause water retention and swelling.
Maintain healthy skin: It’s important to keep your skin lubricated with lotion or baby oil to prevent dryness or itching.
Wear compression stockings every day: Specifically made for treating vein disease and for people who stand a great deal by assisting in supporting weakened vein walls, they provide graduated compression on the leg, with the greatest pressure at the ankle to help pump blood up the leg. As a result, blood flow is increased which helps reduce swelling, pain and possible clots in the legs. It is critical that these stockings be properly fitted for your legs and of medical grade.
5. Will my insurance cover the costs of a procedure?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, recognize the treatment of painful varicose veins as medically necessary and will cover the procedures if three to six months of conservative treatment (depending on the particular insurance) have been unsuccessful in eliminating signs or symptoms.
Would You Like More Information?
If you have questions not answer above by Vascular Vein Centers or you would like to schedule an appointment, call their office today.
Vascular Vein Centers - Waterford Lakes
10931 Dylan Loren Circle, Suite B
Orlando, FL 32825
407.380.8878
In honor of American Heart Month this February, Avalon Park Group has partnered with Florida Hospital East Orlando to bring the first annual Florida Hospital East Orlando Mega Heart Event to Downtown Avalon Park on February 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. But this is no ordinary health fair. No, this is one health fair with a big heart. Literally.
Activities for the day include healthcare booths inside the first floor of the Keith A. Ewing Medical Office Building, featuring local Avalon Park health-related businesses, offering information and a chance for residents to get to know their local specialty doctors. Outside the building, however, is where visitor’s hearts will really get moving with Mega Heart - the world’s only inflatable, walkthrough heart that allows participants to actually explore the human heart firsthand.
The Mega Heart allows visitors to experience the inner workings of the human heart by walking through one.
“The heart allows everyone to really see the inner workings of the heart - from valves to what damaged tissue looks like and even where stints go in,” says Scott Felker, marketing manager for Florida Hospital East Orlando. “You’ll be able to walk through and really experience what makes our tickers tick inside and out with the Mega Heart.” Cardiologists from the hospital will be present at strategically located sections of the Mega Heart to act as guides and answer questions as guests make their way through the inner-workings of the heart. The Mega Heart travels the country stopping at health fair events much like this one, however, this is the first time the heart will be making a stop in East Orlando. “We’re also offering complimentary EKG screenings to the first 70 people that sign up as a way to help educate the community on the various cardiovascular diseases that affect someone in this community every day,” says Felker.
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the nation’s number one killers, according to the American Heart Association. Since 1963 Congress has dedicated the month of February as American Heart Month to help educate the population about ways to prevent various heart diseases. “One of the great things about partnering with Avalon Park is that they are a health-oriented community,” says Felker. “They understand that heart education and health is key to a long, happy life and hopefully this will serve as just another motivator for people in East Orlando to continue to monitor their heart health and be sure they’re taking care of their body.”
“We’re thrilled to have the Mega Heart here to complement our existing lineup of healthcare professionals for the Florida Hospital East Orlando Mega Heart Event,” says Stephanie Hodson, marketing coordinator for Avalon Park Group. “This fair will serve as the first in a series of health related events to help our residents become more aware about these issues that affect each and every one of us.”
Residents like 27-year-old, Tina Jordan. “I just recently moved into Avalon Park and I’m thrilled they are taking the initiative to bring something like this so close to home,” she says. “Besides getting to know all of my future doctors, I’m most excited about being able to walk around in a giant human heart, that’s just something I never thought I’d be able to say.”
Avalon Park healthcare professionals are also excited to participant in the first annual health event for the community. “This is a great opportunity for the community to get a chance to find out about the providers and services they have right here in their area,” says Dr. Ken Tesinsky, owner of Avalon Park Eye Care. “We look forward to sharing the importance of health and preventative care with residents.”
Because Avalon Park is an area focused on community awareness and health, according to Hodson, these events are paramount in the continued growth and strength of the local population there. “It’s just another aspect to add to that complete healthy lifestyle that so many of our residents enjoy,” she says.
Article by Corey Gehrold
Healthcare reform has brought about plenty of disagreements, but one thing most people agree on is that healthcare is expensive - and getting more expense each year. In the past 10 years, health care costs increased 120 percent, compared to general inflation at 29 percent. In fact, family coverage in Florida is among the most costly in the nation, topping $12,000 a year.
Some are satisfied with their health insurance coverage and their providers; whereas others find the high deductibles, complex exclusions and fractured services to be a nightmare.
Today, more families are going without insurance simply because they can’t afford it. Did you know medical costs cause 80 percent of bankruptcies? And three-quarters of those bankrupt families had health insurance. Central Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured working families in the nation, partly because small businesses find it hard to maintain affordable health insurance for employees.
With so many uninsured, or underinsured, it puts a huge strain on our healthcare system and raises the cost for those with insurance. The uninsured and underinsured end up with high cost care in the emergency department or hospitalized for conditions that could have been avoided with good outpatient care. The uninsured receive less preventive care, are diagnosed when their disease is more advanced, and once diagnosed, die at higher rates than those with insurance. The American Cancer Society estimates an uninsured person without insurance dies 1.6 times sooner than someone with insurance.
Opponents of healthcare reform say our system is fine. They are concerned about the government taking a larger role in its citizen’s private affairs, the most sensitive of which is our health record. But others point to the low ranking of our country - 40 among nations worldwide - for the average overall health of the people.
Where the big disagreements exist is on how to solve this problem. What’s currently going through Congress is health insurance reform, focused mostly on paying for healthcare for those who can buy insurance, what that insurance covers and how much it will pay. Healthcare reform however would look at the whole system, including quality, cost of care and healthier lifestyles.
Opponents of the current reform proposals say that health insurance is not the problem. Others are concerned that the cost for extending health insurance to the 47 million on insured would bankrupt our already shaky economy. Business owners worry about added costs sinking their bottom lines into the red. Others argue we are already paying for it, but we are already paying for avoidable high cost hospital care for the uninsured. They say insurance reform that does not control the skyrocketing costs may spell financial disaster.
Another concern is that our current healthcare system is not ready for such a broad expansion of coverage. If we increase access, will we have enough doctors, nurses and therapists to help everyone that needs them?
The real debate, however, is on how we will design our healthcare system to meet the needs of the nation while helping businesses grow and strengthening our economy. Distractions have plagued the issue this year. Still, one thing is for sure: while the issues continue to be batted around in Washington, Tallahassee and here in Orlando, people will keep getting sick and someone will end up having to foot the bill.
The League of Women Voters believes that “quality, affordable healthcare should be available to all U.S. residents.” The League believes that all Americans should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention, health promotion and education, primary care, acute care, long-term care and mental healthcare. The League of Women Voters supports a public option for health insurance.
Article by Nancy Rudner Lugo
More than a year and a half ago, Mike Seif, left, poses with his wife and their son before beginning his diet and exercise overhaul.
It was just over 18 months ago that I stood outside the fitness room at the Avalon Park YMCA staring through the large glass wall, mesmerized by about a dozen people on single wheeled bicycles frantically pedaling yet seemingly going nowhere. Little did I know I was about to join them, and embark on a journey of my own.
The previous 14 years of my life, there was never any time to go to exercise and most of the food I consumed was what was easy and available. Ultimately, it took a toll on my body. As I got older, my metabolism slowed down, but the bad eating habits I acquired over the years still remained. I was probably in partial denial as well. My weight had skyrocketed from 150 to 235 pounds.
When I visited doctors they would all tell me my blood pressure was dangerously high and I needed to address the issue. I would check my blood pressure whenever I went to Publix at the machine in the front of the store and they were right, my levels were always in the hyertension II category.
I knew deep down that I was going to have to commit myself to losing weight and overcome these issues. My son was 2-years-old at this point and I knew if I did not do something soon, I may not be around to see him grow much older.
Today, Mike Seif has lost more than 75 pounds on his continuing fitness journey.
Back out in front of the glass wall, outside the exercise room at the YMCA, I watched the studio cycling class pedal in place and stand up and sit down for 45 minutes at a time. I never imagined that I could, or would, ever participate. I began to diet, exercise and even push myself to do cardio. And it worked - I began to feel healthier and lose weight within the first week. As my new routine continued, I found I was at a point where my weight loss had slowed rather dramatically. I was looking for something to take me to the next level, if you will. So, after nearly a year of watching, I finally got the nerve to grab a bike and saddle up.
I managed to hobble my way through an entire class - my clothes were completely drenched in sweat by the end. When I got home and my wife saw how soaked I was she immediately looked outside to see if it was raining. It was 100 percent perspiration that I earned! I finally found an exercise I could do on a regular basis that was incredibly effective and even enjoyable. I was hooked. It got to the point where if I couldn’t make it in on certain nights, classmates and instructors were genuinely disappointed when I missed a class.
Now, 18 months later, I have lost 75 pounds and am still going. I still regularly check my blood pressure at the grocery store but it is now at the low part of the acceptable range. My cholesterol levels are also very low and I scored a 97 for my company physical.
Across the board, the staff at the Y have been amazing and continually inspire me to keep coming back. I am constantly leaning new and innovative ways from them to exercise and my progress continues. I frequently bring my son to the Kids Center where he plays games and does art while I exercise. My wife also attends the Yoga classes and is really enjoying them as well.
I used to think that the value of a gym was based on the equipment and amenities. However, after getting to know the staff and people at the YMCA in Avalon Park, I have learned the true value is in the people who work and belong there. It is because of them that I keep coming back. So my journey continues.
Article by Mike Seif
Imagine a place so calm, so comforting, that your apprehensions simply melt away. Imagine a place where images of babbling brooks flowing softly in the background gently wash your fears away. A place where natural light and lush foliage work hand in hand to relax and inspire. Now imagine that in the same place, surrounded by friends and family, you can receive the latest, most compassionate and state-of-the-art outpatient surgery care available in East Orlando.
The lobby area of the Florida Hospital Surgery Center at Florida Hospital East Orlando is designed to put patients and their families at ease using a combination of natural lighting and calming images.
You don’t have to imagine anymore. Welcome to the Florida Hospital Surgery Center at East Orlando.
Opening its doors in late November of last year, the Surgery Center is part of a brand new, patient-centered three story medical office building on the same property as the Florida Hospital East Orlando Campus encompassing nearly 60,000 square feet of space. This is the first outpatient surgery facility at Florida Hospital East Orlando. The Surgery Center features two state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical suites that accommodate a variety of procedures from orthopaedics to urology and more along with two state-of-the art endocscopy procedure rooms - all designed with the patient, and their quick recovery, in mind. “We’ve designed the entire center with the idea that the mind and the spirit are every bit as important to a quick, successful recovery as the body,” says Ryan Reinke, interim director of the Florida Hospital Surgery Center. “The idea is to put the patient and the family at ease, allowing them as much access to each other as possible to begin the healing process immediately.”
The Surgery Center features two state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical suites where the latest technology is used to help Florida Hospital surgeons reduce patient discomfort and downtime during their outpatient procedures.
In addition to providing patients a calming atmosphere where they can be close to their families, the Surgery Center also effectively increases the number of operating rooms on the East Orlando Campus by 50 percent with space provided for additional, future expansion. “The new center has great benefits for every East Orlando resident that visits us,” says Reinke. “Outpatient surgery centers in general provide greater convenience for the patients along with increased interaction with family members and friends, which typically leads to better outcomes. At this center it will be no different as we strive to continually put patients first.”
Much of the paperwork that is required for the center is done over the phone, saving valuable check in and wait time for patients and families, something Florida Hospital is dedicated to as an organization. “We want patients to be seen as quickly as possible no matter what location or procedure they come in for; the less down time, the better,” says Reinke. The Surgery Center also has easy access to parking and doesn’t entail all the detailed check-in procedures that are required in the hospital. When procedures are done, patients exit through the rear of the facility, keeping the main waiting area peaceful and calm for incoming patients and their families.
The recovery area at the Florida Hospital Surgery Center puts patients just inches away from trained staff to help with anything they may need. Each area also has three full walls to increase privacy and reduce noise.
Use of innovative, new technology has also been a focus of the center, allowing for shorter surgery duration, faster recovery periods and even less pain when compared to some of the older outpatient surgical techniques. “The technology has come so far, even in the past few years, that many patients that visit us will be in and out much faster than they anticipate,” says Reinke.
“We have never had an outpatient surgery center of this caliber in east Orlando,” says general surgeon Dr. Kenley David. “It will also be a means to bring new medical services to the East Orlando community. I am excited to be a part of it.”
Patients entering the center should expect the same experience they would get in the main Florida Hospital East Orlando facility, according to Reinke. “We strive for every patient to have a first-class experience from the moment they walk through our doors,” he says. “We want to make sure every one of their concerns are taken care of, and that starts with every member of Florida Hospital really caring about what happens to them.”
Article by Corey Gehrold
