Mercy Hospitals Of Bakersfield

Health & Wellness Festival 2012

For More Healthcare Resources, Visit These Links From Around The Web

Medical emergencies can be a time of great anxiety for patients and their families. At Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield, we strive to make the hospital experience positive by providing excellent medical care to the community we have served for 100 years. Learn about all of our medical services by visiting our website or calling (661) 302-4472.

• This article from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology can help you explain chronic illness to your child.
• Learn some tricks to help you give your child medicine with PBS.org.
• Understand the importance of anesthesia for surgical procedures by reading this KidsHealth.org article.
• Know how you can prevent bone fractures with WebMD.com.
• HowStuffWorks.com explains the healing process for broken bones. 

How to Assess a Rib Fracture

A rib fracture is different than a fracture of the extremities, as the bone will not protrude like it would in the arm or leg.

This video can help you identify a rib fracture when it occurs. The first thing to look for is bruising and discoloration along with physical signs that the patient is trying to protect the area. Short breaths along with sharp pain when coughing are other signs that a rib is fractured. This type of injury requires medical attention, as it can result in a punctured lung.

If you suspect that someone has suffered a rib fracture, contact Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield. Our emergency services are available when you need medical care the most. Learn more about us on our website or call (661) 302-4472. 

Homemaker Care Program further Expands

The Homemaker Care Training Program has continued to make progress to improve the quality of in-home care within our community. Last month, they added The Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) to their training curriculum.  GBLA will provide training on the Senior Law Center, Fair Housing Project and the Ombudsman Program.  These three components will give the trainees a greater perspective of seniors' rights while living at home and in a residential facility.  GBLA is the newest collaborator and joins the Kern County Health Dept, Aging and Adult Services, Alzheimer's Disease Association, American Lung Association and many other local healthcare professionals who contribute to the success of the training program.  

Signs That You May Have Suffered a Fracture

Although the bones are incredibly strong, they can still be injured under intense pressure. When enough force is applied to a bone through a traumatic blow or fall, it can crack, resulting in a fracture. There are several different types of fractures, and some are easier to identify than others. Open fractures in which the bone breaks through the skin can be seen immediately. Closed fractures that are contained within the body can be harder to pinpoint, but they do still require emergency medical attention. Here are a few signs that can indicate a closed bone fracture:

Bruising or swelling near the bone: Soft tissues surrounding the bone will become irritated once a fracture occurs. This will result in inflammation of the tissues and bruising of the skin that can be seen almost immediately after the initial injury.

Immobility of the injured area: In spots like the wrist or ankle where it may be hard to distinguish a sprain from a break, it is best to try and gently move the injured body part. If movement is possible, a break has probably not occurred. The pain from a fracture is typically so intense that sensation is lost and movement cannot take place.

Deformity of the bone: In compound fractures, where the ends of the bone are completely separated, you may feel the bone just under the skin. If you can see any deformity in the bone, protect the area and seek medical attention right away. Once the bone has broken it needs to be reset by a physician so that it can repair itself through natural processes.

For the quick medical attention needed in the event of a fracture, visit Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield. Learn about our emergency medical services by checking out our website or calling (661) 302-4472.