Greetings to our patients and readers of Chapala Med’s Health Newsletter. Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s Chapala Med newsletter. When I sit down and gather information and write a few paragraphs, I have in mind the health interests of the community that I serve and the patients whom I provide care for. This being the age of the internet and social media, I try to use them wisely and responsibly to gather this information.
Since I opened my practice in Chapala in 2012 the medical care scene has rapidly evolved but one thing has remained consistent as far as medical care goes here in EXPAT community, seeking recommendations and medical advice on the local web forums. The interesting thing is that for the most part, most people whom comment and give advice do so under a pseudonym. It is also under the safety and anonymity of these pseudonyms that people take the opportunity to bash one doctor or another. Thus far I have not known of any doctor whom has not fallen victim (justified or not) to these critiques that range from their attitude, their level of knowledge and how much each may charges for his/her services without the opportunity to defend his/herself in this local public forum. Having said that, I would like to invite any of our patients whom have a complaint or a concern about any aspect of the care and service that they have received to either write me an email, drop a note in the SUGGESTION BOX in our waiting room or to ask to speak with me directly, my door is always open to address these issues. I follow the recommended guidelines set forth by the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) and ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine) and most of the specialists I work with follow their guidelines. Medicine and we as humans have our limitations but I’d like to believe strive to provide the best care and in a transparent manner that is available in the area. Please remember I always welcome positive or negative feedback. Getting feedback from our patients is an important component for our constant improvement at Chapala Med.
Although this time next year, the Ribera Medical Center Hospital is set to open it’s doors (construction can been seen now) across from EL DORADO condominiums on EL LIBRAMIENTO, Chapala Med has earned it’s affiliation with HOSPITAL COUNTRY 2000 in Guadalajara. The medical staff and administration have been a great support for our medical team in the past few years and we are working with them to have a medical interpreter/ concierge to help guide English-speaking patients during their stay at the hospital. I think that this is an exceptional service that they have agreed to provide in the next few weeks. In the future, the RMC hospital will also count with the full support of this major hospital in cases that require resources that the RMC hospital may not have to handle extremely complex cases. The future of medical care in Lakeside looks brighter and brighter each day!
In closing I’d like to remind our readers of our (Chapala Med & Ribera Medical Center’s) MISSION STATEMENT so that you are all aware of what we are striving to accomplish everyday and hold us to this mission. Thank you for continued support.
Santiago R. Hernandez M.D.
Goal of Men’s Health Month
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. Click on the links below to
Until July 15th. MEN’S COMPLETE HEALTH CHECKS are only $550 + lab testing. Book your appointment now!
We are upgrading our EMR (Electronic Medical Records) Software.
DrChrono interactive software information
Chapala Med was the first private practice in Guadalajara and the Chapala Lakeside to use an EHR. Chapala Med has upgraded to an interactive EMR. Our patient’s will have access to their medical records via the ONPATIENT website and APP for iOS devices. Below are links to a informational videos on what to expect in your office visits and how you can best use the ONPATIENT application/website.
The really neat thing about this software and that it works with iOS devices is that if you have an APPLE WATCH, you can upload your heart rate and physical activity information to your medical chart with little effort!
Clopidogrel Plus Aspirin Cuts Ischemic Events in Stroke, TIA
The combination of clopidogrel and aspirin is associated with reduced risk of major ischemic events but increased risk of major hemorrhage among patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA).
A U.S. nurse hospitalized in Guadalajara Mexico, shares her experience
Here are some of the things that I noticed were different from being hospitalized in the US:
EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT:
We are used to registering at ER and sitting and waiting to be triaged depending on our presenting symptoms. I think ex-pats would love to hear that their physician will meet them and care for them without a wait.
Having the ability to consult with specialists immediately is so efficient. Sending images to the radiologist right away is amazing. Speeds up diagnosis process.
HOSPITAL:
Meals are 9-2-7 which is later than Americans are used to eating. Also, no menus are given to fill out to choose what you would like to eat.
Welcome Pack is excellent. Provides items needed, especially if someone is not expecting to be hospitalized and has nothing with them. Would have been nice to have been told about it. Didn’t notice it sitting on a table.
Lots of meds given IV instead of orally.
NURSING CARE:
Nurses don’t come into the room unless changing or hanging IV’s. Wonderful for getting a night’s sleep. Use call bell if something is needed.
Nurses do not normally help with bathing or going to the bathroom. Bring your support people and one who speaks Spanish.
Things that I felt could be improved:
Nurses do no assessment (take scheduled vitals and labs). Conditions change and with nurses hardly ever coming in the room and not doing any assessment, feels like this is risky. IV sites were seldom checked. This was scary to me. If the patient isn’t savvy about IV sites or is too sick or out of it, the site could infiltrate in the many hours that no one comes in the room. Or a phlebitis could develop.
Other than the above, I feel I received excellent care and am grateful!!
Exercise regimen can maintain cognition in older adults, researchers say. May 13,2018 article
The researchers found that just about any type of exercise can contribute to improved cognitive performance — from aerobic exercises that include walking, running and cycling to weightlifting and mind-body exercises such as yoga and tai chi.
UCLA head and neck surgeon Vishad Nabili, MD, shares the latest about PRP therapy for facial plastic surgery and reviews evidence showing its benefits for facial rejuvenation and stimulating hair growth.
Dr. Santiago Hernandez will be out of the office from June 22-29th
As some of you may know, I am a proud member of the ROTARY CLUB of AJIJIC. I will be inducted as president of the club next week for the year of 2018-2019. As part of my duties, I will be attending the ROTARY INTERNATIONAL Conference in Toronto, On. Canada from June 22-29th. In my absence, Dr. Cherry and other doctors from the team of specialists will handle our urgent cases and home visits. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you but I will be in touch daily with my office if an urgent or very important matter needs my attention. I believe that we have a great team and that the staff will be able to resolve any matter that arises in my absence. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
CHAPALA MED’S MISSION
The Healthcare providers & Staff at Chapala Med pledge
“We pledge to preserve our humility, integrity, and all the values which brought us to the practice of medicine. We will engage in ho . nest self-reflection, striving for excellence but acknowledging our limitations, and caring for ourselves as we care for others. We will seek to heal the whole person, rather than merely treat disease, committing to a partnership with our patients that empowers them and demonstrates empathy and respect. We will cure sometimes, treat often, and comfort always”
