Newsletter February 2009

Pioneer Medical Group Salutes Dr. Jerry Floro

Pioneer Medical Group is pleased to announce that Dr. Jerry Floro has been selected as a 2010 Southern California Super Doctors by Los Angeles Magazine. The list, published in January 2010 issue of the magazine, is comprised of the top 5% of doctors in Los Angeles and Orange Counties as determined through peer nominations, a blue ribbon panel review process, and independent research on the candidates.

A board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Floro received his undergraduate degree from USC and attended medical school at Vanderbilt University, completing his training at Vanderbilt and Harbor General - UCLA Medical Center.

Congratulations to Dr. Floro for being named a Super Doctor; his patients have known he is super all along!.

Take Heart - You've Got Control!

The main cause of heart disease is atherosclerosis, which is the thickening and hardening of the arteries. A heart attack occurs if an artery closes all the way or narrows so much that a blood clot blocks the blood flow. Advancing age and heredity are two risk factors for heart disease that can't be controled, but other risk factors are under your control.

According to the American Heart Association, there a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease. Read more...

February is Healthy Heart Month

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

1. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

3. Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort but women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 or get to the hospital right away.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive - up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by call. The staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped.