“As our bodies age, bones are more likely to fracture or break because living bone tissue becomes less dense. What would have been a minor injury for someone in their twenties can become life threatening for someone over the age of sixty,” says Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist, Alan Valadie, MD.

Time is not on the side of the patient; movement even in as little as a day after surgery is encouraged to begin the recuperating process. A full recovery can only be determined by how much effort is put into it. That’s why it’s important to begin a daily regimen that includes strength training and physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility post operation.

Fortunately many patients and physicians are motivated to not let a hip injury leave a permanent mark on a patient’s mobility. Below are some important tips to help recover from hip injuries.

• Exercise even after you complete physical therapy.  A routine exercise program helps minimize bone loss and stimulates bones to recover after surgery.
• Get out of the house…dinner with friends, shopping, anything that keeps you from being sedentary.  Bones heal better when they are used.
• Increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D will help build bone strength.  Maintaining a diet rich in protein will build up muscles.
• Communicate with your physician about your diet, daily activities, and prognosis so that adjustments can be made to treatment plans.

“Most older adults live with at least one chronic condition, combine that with a hip fracture and a patient’s ailment can become amplified. The unfortunate truth is that one out of five hip fracture patients die within a year of their injury, that’s why a patient should never be satisfied with partial recovery,” says Dr. Valadie.

How do you maintain your health to prevent hip fractures? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

We were voted as The Suncoast’s Best Orthopedic Healthcare Provider in Living on the Suncoast Magazine’s 2011 Best Healthcare Providers on The Suncoast.

Nearly a thousand readers took the time to go online and vote. The results will be published in their January issue.

Thanks to all of our friends, family, patients, and supporters for your votes. We appreciate your encouragement.

Thanks,
The Coastal Team

According to the Governor’s Office of Drug Control website, the newly reconstituted council’s mission is to “conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem of substance abuse in this state and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for developing and implementing a state drug-control strategy.”

Just two days ago, the council met for the first time in Tallahassee, to discuss Florida’s prescription drug crisis.

Special thanks to our community sponsors, vendors, and Kerrie Roberts for making the event extra special.

Included in this post are some pictures from the event but to view more photos click here. Enjoy!

As Coastal Orthopedics’ second annual Girls Night Out for Health approaches, it’s important to remember the relationship between an ideal body weight and low back pain. I see numerous patients during the week who have low back pain. A significant number of those patients’ symptoms will improve with a healthy weight loss program.

Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation of your height and weight. Normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30. I will be at Girls Night Out for Health to discuss more about the importance of a healthy BMI at Booth Location Z.

Check out the National Heart and Lung and Blood Institute website for more information on aiming towards a healthy weight.

For more info on Girls Night Out for Health visit GNOforHealth.com.

Follow Dr. Tontz on Twitter: @DrTontz.

Throughout history, women have taken on the role of caregiver, putting the needs of family, friends, colleagues, even people in the community, before their own. If this sounds like you, then a Girls Night Out might be just what the doctor ordered.

Our Second Annual FREE Girls Night Out for Health is quickly coming around the corner. As promised here’s a few updated details about the event.

Singer/songwriter Kerrie Roberts will perform songs from her self-titled debut album. Thematically, the album explores a thoughtful side of faith, hope and love.

Also, hear from over 10 Coastal Orthopedics physicians and surgeons as well as other experts who will discuss topics like Fall Prevention, Whole Body Nutrition, BioDentical Hormone Education, as well as many of other topics.

Some of the available screenings & activities include:

 Here’s what you need to know:

WHERE:   Fete Ballroom at the Lakewood Ranch Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch

WHEN:     Thursday, September 1^st  – Girls Night Out For Health:  5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

**No reservation necessary, but come early. All screenings are on a first come, first served basis.**

For more information visit: GNOforHealth.com or contact 941-792-1404 Ext. 3150.

His main specialties include, kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgical procedure, non-operative spinal care, and outpatient spinal decompression surgery. While his expertise lies in adult spine trauma and reconstruction, Dr. Tontz says 90% of his patients do not require surgery.

“I approach each patient’s treatment, individually, as if I were in their shoes. For me, surgery is a last resort. There are minimally invasive, non-operative procedures that are available for the treatment of spinal disorders and pain that can be just as effective as surgery,” said Dr. Tontz.

A few facts:

• He completed his spine fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.
• Tontz took part in surgical and research residency programs at the University of California, San Diego.
• He received his medical degree from University of Southern California School of Medicine.

“We firmly believe that Dr. Tontz will lead the way in creating a spine center of excellence that will allow our region to enjoy national prominence in cutting-edge medical treatment,” said Coastal Orthopedics chief executive officer, Paul M. Duck.

William L. Tontz, JR., MD

Last month, Belinda Holmes was named Chief Administrative Officer for the company. Holmes’ role chiefly leverages her extensive experience in revenue cycle management and healthcare administration. Her healthcare experience spans over 20 years, including roles as a Department of Health and Hospitals auditor and as vice president of a medical consulting firm.

“I look forward to my part in leading a cutting edge practice through the transformation and challenges of Healthcare Reform,” said Holmes.

Today, we announced that Donna Holm has been named Coastal’s Chief Financial Officer. With nearly 30 years experience in various accounting, operations and financial management roles, Holm has developed a niche in healthcare financial management and tax operations.

“By embracing innovative and cutting edge technologies, Coastal is a leader in the industry and I look forward to implementing our shared goals for company-wide success.”

Congrats to both and welcome to the team!

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