1. Healthcare

MCCI Medical Group
Fourth Quarter Patient Newsletter
2014 / VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4
Welcome Message
We are more than half way through 2014 and time has flown. Our partnership for a
healthier you is well underway and in this quarter’s newsletter, we want to check-in to
see your progress with some of the strategies we have provided. This year’s editions
have focused on encouraging you to strengthen your two-way relationship with your
We have extended weekend hours at
Doctor and MCCI team built upon trust and improved communication
several MCCI centers. Please ask the
staff at your MCCI center for more
•
Develop a checklist to get the most from your appointments.
information. Keep in mind that these
•
Issues and updates to communicate with your Doctor such as hours are for urgent care only.
Emergency Room visits, hospitalizations or Specialty Care.
Any falls or bladder issues you may have experienced since your last •
We also have a MCCI Provider on call after
visit.
normal working hours for any urgent
•
Any changes or concerns with your medication.
concerns you may have. Simply call your
•
Interval cancer prevention screenings (per your insurance benefits).
MCCI Center, and our answering service
will contact the on call Doctor who will
return your call, answer your questions
and direct you according to your health
care concerns.
Check out two articles by our MCCI doctors. If you have any questions, ask your primary
care physician for more information. Visit your nearest MCCI Activity Center for several
events and activities– education, social, and physical activities that are conducted on
a daily or weekly basis, or just stop in for a refreshing beverage and get to know your
Activities Coordinator. More exciting activities are expected to be included as the year
moves forward. Since activities do vary by location, check the Activities Calendar at
Inside this Issue
Welcome Message
your MCCI office or visit us online at: http://www.mccigroup.com/.
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We are privileged to continue our health care partnership with each of you, our valued
patients, keeping you informed and involved in your healthcare decisions and providing
Checking Our 2014 Goals
1-2
Dr. Virgilio Sanchez Comments on
2-3
you opportunities to attain optimal health and wellness.
Beating Cancer
Dr. Vladimir Diaz Helps Us
4-5
Checking Up on Our Goal for a Healthy 2014 Together
Understand Diabetes
In previous newsletters, we encouraged you to play a more active role in your health by
Health Awareness Prevention
5-6
Topics
Telephone Mail Order Solicitation
MCCI Activities Centers Update
developing a checklist. Each visit with your doctor includes obtaining your vital signs,
updating your medication list, collecting new information that you have or may not
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have had the opportunity to discuss with your Doctor and various interval prevention
screening surveys to prepare you for your conversation with your Doctor.
6-8
Activity and Events Highlights
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Continuation from Page 1
•
Have you been to the ER or Hospital lately? MCCI encourages patients to follow up with their Doctors
within 72 hours of discharge from the hospital; this will ensure your health record is updated with your recent
health care experience, medications are reviewed and any referrals that may be indicated are completed as
follow-up to your hospital experience.
•
Are you seeing any specialist that we need to be aware of since your last visit? This is important so that
we can coordinate your care effectively. Note: your insurance benefits may require a referral before seeing a
specialist. If you are unsure, speak with your center representatives who will guide you appropriately before you
make the appointment with the specialist.
•
Health Screening Surveys:
o
Care of Older Adult
o
Falls and Bladder Screenings
o
Immunization Screening before administration of a vaccine
•
Are there any other concerns that we need to address today or schedule another visit to discuss?
Remember, your Doctor is available to you when you need to see him/her, and it is important to the management
of your health to meet with your Doctor at the recommended time intervals he/she advises.
WINNING THE WAR AGAINST CANCER
10 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
By: Dr. Virgilio Sanchez (MCCI 8th Street Center)
If you’re concerned about cancer prevention, take comfort in the fact that small changes in your personal daily
choices can make a big difference. You can do a lot, right now, to significantly decrease your cancer risk. Even
the conservative American Cancer Society states that one-third of cancer deaths are linked to poor diet, physical
inactivity, and carrying excess weight. So making the following healthy lifestyle changes can go a very long way
towards becoming one less statistic in this war against cancer. Consider these 10 simple cancer-preventing tips:
1. Know your vitamin D levels. There’s overwhelming evidence pointing to the fact that vitamin D deficiency plays
a critical role in cancer development. By optimizing your vitamin D level, you could potentially decrease your
cancer risk by 50%. Optimal levels are between 50 and 75 ng/ml. What is your level?
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2. Avoid too much sugar—as much as possible. Sugar increases your insulin levels and this will increase your
risk of many diseases including cancer.
3. Keep physically active. Exercising and keeping physically active drives your insulin levels down. Controlling
insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risks. Try to exercise at least 3 times a week
for 30 minutes and maintain a healthy body weight.
4. Relax. Stress can deteriorate your health and can potentially activate cancer genes. Even the CDC states that
over 85% of diseases may be triggered by emotions. Try to avoid negative thoughts as much as possible and it
would be great for your emotional well being if you do not hold grudges. Be patient, love unconditionally, laugh
and enjoy life to the fullest. It is likely that this factor may be more important than all the other physical ones
listed here, so make sure this is addressed.
5. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Ideally; they should be fresh and preferably organic. Good choices
may include colorful berries, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and brussel
sprouts, which have been shown to contain many anti-cancer nutrients. Avoid eating cooked vegetable oils and
hydrogenated trans
fats and processed foods. Eat more raw fats such as avocados, coconut, nuts and seeds. Use
lots of anti-cancer spices such as turmeric, garlic, cumin, ginger and rosemary. Consider supplementing with a
high quality multivitamin/mineral/herb supplement as well as appropriate amounts
of omega 3 such as krill oil.
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
6. Get enough high quality sleep. Ideally, go to bed before 10 pm and get about 8 hours of sleep at night. Deep
sleep promotes healing the body, which is essential for your body to resist and prevent cancer.
7. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like household chemical cleaners, pesticides, or synthetic air
fresheners. Don’t use tobacco.
8. Steam, poach or boil your food, rather than frying or charbroiling them. Don’t cook food in the microwave in
plastic dishes, it can encourage leaking of dangerous plastic chemicals into your food.
9. Avoid constant exposure to electromagnetic fields such as cell phones and wireless devices.
10. Take early detection seriously. Learn about regular self-exams and professional screening for various types
of cancers — such as cancer of the cervix, breast, colon, prostate, and skin. Early detection can increase your
chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely
to be successful. Consult your healthcare
provider about the appropriate cancer-screening schedule for you.
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UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
By: Dr. Vladimir Diaz (MCCI 8th Street Center)
1. Why is my Blood Glucose High in the morning?
People with diabetes may have
a morning high glucose
once in a while, but if it is consistently high then they need to consult their doctor regarding their medications.
Some cases of a morning high glucose may be due to hormones that are released in the early morning. The
recommendation is to check your blood sugar in the middle of the night, around 3am. If the blood sugar is high,
it may be the dawn phenomenon. If it is low, it may be a rebound high blood sugar causing a high blood sugar
in the morning. This happens if
you have a low blood glucose level at night and you body is releasing hormones
as a defense mechanism against low blood glucose. The general blood glucose level guidelines according to the
American Diabetes Association are between 70-130 mg/dl before meals.
2. How should I manage my diabetes when I’m sick? Keeping physically active drives your insulin levels down,
which is one of the most powerful ways
to reduce your cancer risks. Try to exercise at least 3 times a week for 30
minutes and maintain a healthy body weight.
•
Drink Fluids-even if you are able to eat food. You need to replace the fluids that your body is losing due to high blood glucose levels, fever, vomiting and diarrhea and to prevent dehydration. It is
recommended that you drink fluids every hour that you are awake. Drinks that have caffeine will only make the dehydration worse.
•
Check your blood glucose every 2-4 hours when you are sick-especially if you are vomiting. Report
any glucose levels to your physician or diabetes educator. If your blood glucose is high every time you check it, you may need to consult your physician and change your diabetes medication or dose.
•
Never skip insulin injection or medications.
•
Check your blood or urine for ketones whenever you are sick or if your blood sugar stays higher than 240mg/dl. If you have diabetes, ketones in your system indicates that your body is in trouble.
•
Take your temperature. Fevers can cause dehydration.
•
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have trouble breathing, vomit more than once during a
6 hour timespan, have diarrhea more than 5 times or longer than 6 hours, have a fruity odor to your breath, have moderate to large ketones in the urine, lose 5 pounds or more during the time you are
sick, have a temperature over 101° F and have 2+ blood glucose readings in a row that are greater than 240mg/dl or lower than 70mg/dl.
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3. What do I eat if I have food allergies and diabetes? You still need to eat healthy. Focus on fresh vegetables,
fruits, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and lean meats. Avoid prepared foods that may contain allergenic
ingredients. Try to cook your own meals so that you know exactly what you are eating. You can also work with a
registered dietitian to develop a specialized plan.
4. Does insulin cause weight gain? Individuals with diabetes may experience weight gain when they first
start
taking insulin. When blood glucose levels are high, your body wastes the calories you eat because there’s no
insulin to help the body convert the food into glucose. When your blood glucose is controlled with insulin, your
body makes better use of the food you eat. Insulin can make blood glucose too low if not adjusted correctly. If
you’re repeatedly treating hypoglycemia with food, this can result in excess calories and weight gain. It is best to
work with your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin doses to minimize hypoglycemia.
Health Awareness Prevention Topics
September is National Cholestrol Education Month
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_education_month.htm
Previously, Dr. PK provided insight into what Cholesterol is and what it does to our bodies if it is not managed
properly. Dr. PK’s article talked about the different levels of your LIPID Panel (a blood test drawn by your doctor’s
office). See his article on ww.mccigroup.com
Total Cholesterol:
Normal range: Less than 200
Borderline: 201-239
High: Greater than 240
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For more information, visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month
The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman or man grows older. Be sure to get screenings on a routine basis.
See the article above by Dr. Sanchez to get tips on how to prevent Breast Cancer.
November is American Diabetes Month
For more information, visit http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/american-diabetes-month.html
To prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, alter your diet and increase your level of physical activity. See the article
above by Dr. Diaz to learn more about this disease.
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December is Stress Management Month
For more information, visit http://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Manage_Stress.asp
During the holidays, ask for help when you feel overwhelmed or visit an MCCI Activity Center to release your
tension.
Telephone Mail Order Solicitation
MCCI works closely with your assigned insurance company and their assigned contracted affiliates such as Right
Source or Advance Care Solutions for mail order pharmacy solutions; items such as long standing ordered
medications, diabetic supplies, durable medical equipment are ordered and coordinated by your MCCI Medical
Team, often requiring a doctor’s prescription. If you have concerns about who your insurance company’s preferred
contracted vendors are, please contact your Doctor’s Medical Assistant or Nurse and they will assist you and
ensure you are speaking with the correct insurance approved vendors.
MCCI Activity Center Update
All of the Activity Centers are jumping with new and exciting games and classes. Come enjoy a warm, friendly
and caring environment when you come into the Activity Center. Whether it is to have a cup of coffee, make new
friends, join in a game or puzzle or attend our educational andspiritual workshops!
Our Healthy Living classes are a huge hit; many are about learning new ways of eating and making delicious,
healthy recipes, physical therapy, dancing and being consulted by our nutritionist or wellness coach. Also consider joining any one of our Silver Sneakers sponsored fitness classes. Several patients have even lost some
weight! Come check out our Healthy Living classes or any of our other exciting workshops.
**Don’t forget to request a copy of your center’s Activity Calendar. Each of the MCCI Activity Centers are directed
by the Activity Center Administrator. If you have any questions, please call your MCCI office and speak with your
Activities Coordinator. Activities Center hours of operation 8:30-3:30**
Our Activity Calendars are Available Online!
Patients can find the calendars and see what’s going on by visiting: http://www.mccigroup.com/calendar.php.
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At a Glance: MCCI Activities & Fun
1. Malcolm Ross Event: Rafael Garcia, MD spoke about prevetative medicine
2. West Palm Beach Activity Center Spotlight
MCCI Patients play bingo on a Wednesday afternoon. If you’re in the area, stop by
for a game!
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At a Glance: MCCI Activities & Fun
2. Miami Family Event - Fair Expo Center (September 19-21)
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GET TO KNOW MCCI
Below is more information on each MCCI center location in the Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach areas. We
are here to serve you at the location nearest you.
While you may have selected and met with your Primary
Care Provider at your preferred MCCI location, occasionally
you may speak or meet with one of the other MCCI
Providers such as during after-hours via our On Call Service
MIAMI-DADE
MCCI BIRD ROAD
Activity Coordinator: Gretel Antunes
9900 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL
305 - 227 - 5300
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
MCCI EIGHTH STREET
Activity Coordinator: Elizabeth Delgado
3099 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
305 - 644 - 3100
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 2:30pm
MCCI HIALEAH
Activity Coordinators: Antonio Alvarez &
Dulce Hernandez
440 W 49th Street
Hialeah, FL
305 - 819 - 5505
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
MCCI MIAMI BEACH
Activity Coordinator: Fara Rodriguez
306 41st Street
Miami Beach, FL
305 - 535 - 1500
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
MCCI MIDWAY
Activity Coordinator: Raul Issusi
8325 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL
305 - 265 - 7711
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm
MCCI NORTHWEST
Activity Coordinator: Maria Segura
1600 NW 17th Avenue
Miami, FL
904 - 282 - 8000
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm
MCCI SOUTH DADE
Activity Coordinator: Maria Elena Diaz
18469 South Dixie Highway
Miami, FL
786 - 573 - 9400
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
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BROWARD
PALM BEACH
MCCI COCONUT CREEK
Activity Coordinator: Tammy Cox
1331 Lyons Rd
Coconut Creek, FL
954 - 971 - 2266
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm
MCCI BOCA RATON
Activity Coordinator: Nicole Gomez
9080 Kimberly Blvd. Suite #1
Boca Raton, FL
561 - 488 - 2300
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm
MCCI WEST PALM BEACH
Activity Coordinator: Lillia Zambrano
5849 Okeechobee Blvd. Suite 202
West Palm Beach, FL
561 - 683 - 4008 Ext 170
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm
Beyond our excellent medical care, we provide our patients and physicians with all the
conveniences and tools needed to ensure quality care.
Thank you for trusting our doctors with your medical needs.
1-855-420-6224
www.mccigroup.com
you will find great doctors
under our roof
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