July 14 2021 – Broward Health North’s Rehabilitation Institute, which first opened its doors in 1991, celebrated its 30th year of providing high-quality, comprehensive rehabilitative services to the community with an anniversary celebration.  To commemorate the occasion, the hospital unveiled the rehab program’s new name “Rehabilitation Institute” and wall signage on the unit.
 
From L to R: Cheri Silveria, director of rehab services, Ariel Inocentes, MD, Rehab Institute’s Medical Director, Jeffrey Samuels, MD, 
former Medical Director of Rehab Services, Susan Newton, hospital COO, and Keith Foster, MD, hospital chief medical officer
 
Broward Health North Chief Medical Officer Keith Foster, M.D., kicked off the event by recognizing several of the longest-tenured team members, including Jeffrey Samuels, M.D., who was hired as the rehab program’s first medical director, a position he held for over 20 years.
 
“We are successful in what we do because we have a special culture here at our hospital,” said Dr. Samuels. “Everyone that works here is here because they are dedicated and strive to do everything they can to help our patients regain their physical skills.”
Broward Health North Chief Medical Officer Keith Foster, M.D.,Dr. Foster shared an inspirational message with the caregivers during the ceremony.
“Your commitment to put our patients first has been integral to the many, many positive outcomes that have come out of our Rehabilitation Department,” said Dr. Foster. “Let’s continue to innovate, elevate and transform lives.”
 
Former trauma and rehabilitation patient Andres Perez-Molina was also in attendance along with his mother and girlfriend. He expressed his gratitude for the care he received last year after a spinal injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down, saying, “Thank you for being family to me; now I am family to you.” 
 
Perez-Molina has regained his motor skills and is now back to his active lifestyle.
 
The Rehabilitation Institute provides a wide array of rehabilitation services in both an inpatient and outpatient setting for those that have multiple injuries, including but not limited to amputations, brain, spinal cord, and other traumatic injuries. For more information, call 954-786-6413 or visit BrowardHealth.org/RehabInstitute.
 
 
About Broward Health
Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.
 


July 13 2021 – Summertime in South Florida is in full swing, which means plenty of sunshine, longer daylight hours, camp, pool parties, backyard barbeques and outdoor activities. The hot summer months can also bring an increased risk of recreational accidents, heat overexposure, sunburns, bug bites and more. Broward Health’s family medicine specialists share tips on how we can protect ourselves during the summer season. 
 
Swimming Risks
Whether swimming in a backyard pool, snorkeling in the ocean or waterskiing on a lake, water safety should be a priority. There are several precautions you can take to avoid water-related accidents: 
•Never allow a child to be in or around the water without adult supervision. Fencing, netting or pool covers should be used to prevent children from entering the area. 
•To avoid the risk of a spinal cord injury, be aware of the dangers of diving into shallow waters and ensure that there is proper signage to serve as a reminder. 
•Make certain that the dock, pool and/or boat deck are clear of clutter to avert a slip and fall. 
•The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping rescue equipment nearby, such as a life preserver, lifejackets or a long pole with a shepherd’s hook at the end. 
 
“Unfortunately, Broward County leads the state of Florida with the most unintentional drowning deaths,” said Venu Devabhaktuni, M.D., medical director of Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “In addition to all of the above safety tips, swimming lessons and refresher courses are important to have a healthy, fun summer.” 
 
 
 
 
It is not always apparent when someone is struggling so it is critical to be vigilant and keep an eye on young swimmers at all times. Key signs to identify if someone might be drowning:
•A swimmer might push their arms downward attempting to elevate their bodies above the waterline.
•A swimmer’s hair is covering their face and they have glassy or unfocused eyes.
•A swimmer may be gasping or hyperventilating. 
 
With dry drowning, water is not inhaled into the lungs. Instead, when a child breathes in water it causes vocal cords to spasm and close, shutting off airways and making it hard to breathe. 
 
Secondary drowning happens if water gets into the lungs. There, it can irritate the lining of the lungs and fluid can build up, causing a condition called pulmonary edema. 
 
Bicycle, skateboard and skating injuries
Young adults and children riding any type of bicycle, skateboard or scooter are extremely prone to sustaining scrapes, broken bones or other injuries. Properly fitted helmets and protective gear such as elbow and knee pads are a must. Parents might also consider enforcing time and location restrictions, such as avoiding riding at dusk or on busy streets and intersections.
“Wearing a helmet at all times while roller blading, skate boarding or riding your bicycle can prevent up to 80% of all head injuries,” Francis Amador, M.D., medical director of Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department. 
 
 
 
 
Managing Screen Time
Although outdoor activities are the ones we tend to think of as potentially dangerous, it is important not to forget the dangers of kids’ online activities. 
“Excessive media use can lead to aggression, obesity and other behavioral issues,” said  Elizabeth Steinberg, M.D., a pediatrician with the Broward Health Physician Group. “Make sure that kids of all ages know they cannot send or receive inappropriate photos and are aware of the serious consequences of online bullying.” 
 
 
 
To find a pediatrician for your child this summer, visit BrowardHealth.org/Find-Doctor.


July 13, 2021 –  Rennova Health, Inc. (OTC: RNVA) (OTC: RNVAW), joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly to provide an update on the business and the timing to file the second quarter financial statements.
 
“Now that the second quarter is over, can you give us an indication of how that looked and if you expect to file your 10-Q on time in mid-August?” asked Jolly to start the interview. “The second quarter, Everett, has been a stabilization of the existing business,” said Lagan. “There was quite a lot of activity in the capital markets and we had a significant reduction in our convertible preference shares,” he explained. “With regards to timing for the Q, we’ve made some changes to our financial team that will help us and currently we are on schedule with numbers for the 10-Q and we do expect to file on time.”
 
Jolly then asked whether or not the Company expects to continue issuing additional common shares moving forward to meet their obligations. “We do have obligations under debt instruments and convertible preference shares,” said Lagan. “But, like I said, there has been a significant reduction and who knows what the second half of the year will bring. I think we are getting to a stage where an end to issuing additional common shares is on the horizon.”
 
“You recently put out a press release announcing the completion of the software division separation. Do you remain confident that the division will be successful?” asked Jolly. “We’re very confident in the success of that division,” said Lagan. “It has plans for a very exciting product on top of its core products that are already fully developed,” he shared. “We have worked on this for a long time and the separation is now complete,” said Lagan. “We intend that Rennova shareholders receive common shares in that entity and participate in its success.”
 
“Are there any takeaways from the last nine months that you would like to share?” asked Jolly. “Our filings disclose the difficulties that we have coming out of the period of time of the pandemic,” said Lagan. “Many companies have not made it through and we continue to work for the benefit of everyone here, and I still believe very firmly that the longer term prospects of this company will be significant and profitable for all.”
 
 
 
About Rennova Health, Inc. 
Rennova owns rural hospitals and a physician’s office in Tennessee and a physician’s office in Kentucky. For more information, please visit www.rennovahealth.com 
 
 


July 13, 2021 – Lee Health Solutions, a department of Lee Health, in partnership with many local community agencies and supported in part initially by a grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, is offering “It’s All About You” – a research based Chronic Disease Self-Management program originally developed at Stanford University Patient Education Research Center.
 
The program is designed for people 18 years of age or older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage their chronic conditions and the symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions.  
 
The virtual workshop is 2 hours once a week for 6 weeks and it is FREE.  
 
Virtual workshops will be offered on:
 
Tuesdays beginning Aug. 3 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursdays beginning Aug. 5 from 1-3 p.m.
 
For more information or to register, please call 239-424-3121.
 
 
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


July 13, 2021 – Cleveland Clinic Martin Health welcomes board-certified medical oncologist Robert Klafter, MD. As medical director for oncology at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, Dr. Klafter is eager to enhance the care that patients can access. 
 
“Cleveland Clinic’s mantra is ‘Patients First’ which is something I have worked to do throughout my career,” said Dr. Klafter. “I don’t specialize in lung cancer or breast cancer. I specialize in people. I care about the entire journey from diagnosis to resolution, and am humbled to be able to guide patients along an uncertain path.” 
Dr. Klafter is now accepting new patients at Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, located at 501 E. Osceola Street in Stuart. This office is located on the campus of Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. Patients may call (772) 419-2162 to request an appointment. 
 
“I love what I do,” said Dr. Klafter. “I love being an oncologist. I love being involved in people’s lives.” 
 
Dr. Klafter completed medical school at New York University, where he also completed the residency program in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Klafter completed the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program at Emory University. He also completed the Masters in Business Administration program at Emory. 
 
Prior to joining Martin Health, Dr. Klafter has been an attending physician in full-time patient practice for 20 years. He was recognized multiple times among the “Best Doctors of New York” and “Best Doctors of Atlanta” by New York Magazine and Atlanta Magazine, respectively. Dr. Klafter has also served on the faculty at Mount Sinai School of Medicine/Mount Sinai Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, as well as Emory University/St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. 
 
 
About Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is part of the Cleveland Clinic Florida region. It features three hospitals with 521 total beds, a free-standing emergency center, and numerous outpatient centers and clinics across Martin and St. Lucie counties on Florida’s east coast. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health offers preventive, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, a heart center, wellness and rehabilitation services, and much more. Learn more at clevelandclinic.org/martinhealth.