Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) Save Lives

There are only two ways of dying in sports: neurologic and cardiac. The typical neurologic injury results from overwhelming head trauma, causing severe brain hemorrhage. Sudden cardiac death is caused by the heart beating out of rhythm or ceasing to beat at all.

Unfortunately, there is no way to quickly revive the brain on an athletic field. However, through the use of AEDs, the human heart can be revived by trained personnel.

Raised Bill No. 981 addresses the responsibility of schools to provide AEDs at all athletic competitions. Passage of this bill will directly save the lives of young athletes in Connecticut.

Let's hear your opinion: Do you agree with this? Are you willing to help your school raise the necessary funds (approximately $1200) to purchase an AED?

Diagnostic Imaging: Not Just X-Rays Anymore

Healthy Rounds will be discussing the transition from the term radiology to diagnostic imaging with Dr. Phillip Kohanski Assistant Director of Diagnostic Imaging at the William W. Backus Hospital. The change in terminology is a result of so little radiation involved in new medical imaging techniques. The new generation of imaging has in many cases obviated the need for exploratory surgery.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a procedure that has become very common but patients should be cautious. Ask questions:

• What is the field strength of the magnet? Closed MRIs should have a field strenght of one Tesla or more.
• Is an "open" or "closed" MRI preferred? Closed MRIs have better resolution and should always be the preferred study. Patients with claustrophobia might prefer an open study but be sure the open unit has a high field strength
• Who will be reading the MRI study? The radiologist should special training in MRI.

Diagnostic Imaging is an exciting field of medicine where physicians, technologists and patients are all learning about its' impact together.

Have you had a recent procedure?

What was your experience?

Any tips on how to avoid the claustrophobic feeling of an MRI?

Welcome to the Healthy Rounds Blog

This blog is intended for the dissemination of useful healthcare information. It was designed to coincide with the Healthy Rounds radio broadcast which appears on WXLM 104.7 and on the internet at WXLM.FM every Saturday at 2pm. This week's program addresses the issue of organ and tissue donation. Much has changed in this area with increasing opportunities for donation by people of all ages.
Are you an organ donor?
If so why?
If not why not?