H1N1 flu vaccine available at GB Library

The Santa Rosa County Health Department will be offering the H1N1 vaccine to the general public at the Gulf Breeze Library and Navarre Library in the coming days.

The vaccine will be available for individuals 10 years old and above on two Saturdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. The vaccine is free, and both the nasal mist and injectable vaccine will be offered.

The vaccine will be administered between 9 a m. and noon at the Gulf Breeze Library, 1060 Shoreline Drive, and between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Navarre Library, 8484 James Harvell Road, on each date.

The H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines also are available at the health department’s clinic in Midway from 8 a.m. to 7 p m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. There is a $20 charge for the seasonal flu vaccine, payable by cash or check. Medicare also will cover the fee for the seasonal flu vaccine for those who are eligible.

To learn more, call (850) 983-5200.

Get heartburn help at Gulf Breeze Hospital

Heartburn is an extremely common occurrence and symptom for many people. In fact, more than 60 million Americans have heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Chronic or persistent heartburn – occurring at least three times a week – may be a symptom of a bigger problem like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Gulf Breeze Hospital has acquired the latest technology for the improved diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. Using the new manometry equipment, the hospital’s gastroenterology team provides patients’ relief from the burning, discomfort and chest pain that may occur with GERD.

“This technology significantly improves the comfort to the patient by reducing the time the test requires by six fold or more,” said Patrick Reilly, M.D., gastroenterologist. “At the same time, manometry increases the amount and accuracy of information gathered which allows us to give better treatment options to our patients.”

Manometry is the only technique available for observing muscular function – a key indictor in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal disease. Additionally, this new technology ensures exams are completed quickly, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the need for repeat exams. Gulf Breeze Hospital is the only health care provider in the area to offer this level of manometry equipment.

“Manometry testing is useful in evaluation of not only refluxrelated symptoms but also in the evaluation of non-cardiac chest pains, painful or difficult swallowing and hiatal hernias,” concluded Reilly.

Speak with your physician about your symptoms and ask if manometry is an option for you. For more information about the procedure, call the hospital’s gastroenterology department at (850) 934-2070.

American Heart Month time to get informed

February is American Heart Month, a time to celebrate a healthy heart and take measures to protect it. Often times, the onset of heart disease can begin years, even decades, before the symptoms appear. Early detection of heart disease can delay progression and improve survival rates.

Join ‘Get Healthy Pensacola’ and ‘GoldenCare’ in February to learn from the heart and vascular pros at Baptist Health Care. For your convenience, several educational seminars will be offered in the local community.

¦ Tuesday, Feb. 2: Light lunch 11:30 a.m.; noon to 1 p m. seminar – Andrews Institute Athletic Performance & Research Pavilion, 1110 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Conference Room B;

¦ Wednesday, Feb. 10: Light lunch 11:30 a.m.; noon to 1 p.m. seminar – Baptist Hospital, 1000 West Moreno Street, Pensacola, medical meeting rooms;

¦ Friday, Feb. 12: 9 to 10 a m. seminar – Baptist Medical Park Navarre, 8888 Navarre Parkway, second-floor conference room.

Reservations are required to (850) 469-7897. Baptist Health Care will provide additional heart-risk assessments and vascular screenings throughout February. Visit www.eBaptistHealthCare.org/H eartFirst or call (850) 469-5736 for additional dates, times and locations.

Weight-loss surgery options to be discussed

Dr. Jeffrey Lord, a specialist in weight-loss surgery techniques, will present ‘Weight- Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?’ on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Hospital Conference Center in Pensacola.

The seminar is sponsored by Sacred Heart’s Surgical Weight- Loss Center. Sacred Heart offers two types of weight-loss surgery that use small incisions. The first is laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, which involves a permanent rerouting of the digestive system that leaves patients with a small stomach pouch. The surgery creates a bypass that reroutes food around a portion of the small intestine.

The second, newer approach performed at Sacred Heart is adjustable gastric banding. Using a laparoscope, the surgeon places an inflatable band around the stomach, creating a small upper pouch at the top, with restricted passage to the rest of the stomach. This pouch fills quickly and creates a feeling of fullness.

Reservations are required for this free seminar. Call (850) 416-1628.