The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute has earned The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for Comprehensive Stroke Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. There are only 4 designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida accredited by The Joint Commission and NCH Wingard Stroke Center will become the 5th and only center on the West coast of Florida to achieve this designation. For more than 70 years, The Joint Commission has been a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety in health care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organizations highest commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Proper accreditation is now more important than ever for a hospital to display its commitment to high-quality, comprehensive patient care. Thats why The Joint Commission focuses on quality care with the goal of helping hospitals become high reliability organizations for delivering safe, effective care. Achieving Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Certification is the benchmark for delivering the highest level of care in the healthcare industry. No other certifications are as comprehensive, respected, and as widely recognized as the Joint Commission. We could not be more proud of this amazing accreditation we receive today, said Mazen AbuAwad, MD, Medical Director for the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. This accomplishment as the only Joint Commission designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in SW Florida is the culmination of years of teamwork. It represents a commitment to quality process improvements that are ultimately reflected in the higher-than-average outcomes and care we provide to stroke patients who come to NCH as opposed to going to a non-accredited hospital. NCH had already received certification as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center from The Joint Commission in coordination with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. This designation makes NCH the one and only certified Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida. Todays designation from The Joint Commission further confirms that NCH is the best place to go in a stroke event, said NCH President and CEO, Paul Hiltz. Our community should feel confident in choosing the best quality in SWFL, right here at NCH. We are always doing more to strive for excellence for our patients. As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire a safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate, says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend NCH for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity, and compassion for all patients.   

Running is very accessibleit doesn't require any special equipment or a gym membershipwhich is why so many individuals decide to do it. Running can take a toll on the body, especially when the body is not used to the training or the training intensity changes too much in a short period of time. Injuries are more likely to occur when running without the proper warm-up or attire.Listed below are some common injuries that runners may face, as well as signs and symptoms to look out for.Plantar FasciitisThe plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It supports the arch at the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the fascia tissue that links the heel to the base of the toes becomes inflamed. One of the main symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel, especially after exercise or first thing in the morning.Achilles TendonitisThe achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the leg to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury to the achilles tendon. Symptoms can include a mild to severe ache or pain in the back of the leg or above the heel. Tenderness and stiffness in the morning, which gets better with activity, can also occur.IT (Iliotibial) Band SyndromeThe IT band is a thick band of tissue (ligament) that runs on the outside of the leg; it starts at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shinbone below the knee joint. IT band syndrome occurs when the band of tissue gets swollen and irritated from rubbing against the hip or knee bone. Symptoms can include hip or knee pain, redness, and warmth around the outside of the knee. The symptoms may start after exercise, and as they worsen, you will feel pain during exercise and during rest periods.Runners KneeRunners knee is a dull and aching pain that is felt behind the knee cap, especially where it meets the femur. Symptoms of runner's knee can include swelling, popping or grinding of the knee, and pain around or behind the knee.Ankle SprainAnkle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur at all ages and at all activity levels. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their limits and tear. Sprains can range from a tiny tear to a complete tear of the ligament. Symptoms of ankle sprains can include swelling, pain, bruising, tenderness, and instability of the ankle.FracturesFractures are breaks or cracks in a bone. There are different kinds of fractures and different severities. Symptoms of fractures can include swelling, bruising, tenderness, or deformity. Fractures can occur in most bones; the most common area for fractures to occur in runners is in the foot or ankle.If you are experiencing any of the conditions or symptoms listed above, please call our office at 239 - 325 - 4090 to schedule an appointment for evaluation.

An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who treats musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, and is trained to perform surgery when needed. Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for treating and diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.  Many people believe that orthopedic surgeons only use surgery as an option to treat orthopedic injuries and ailments. That is not true. Orthopedic surgeons use a variety of treatment options, surgery is only one option that orthopedic surgeons use to treat orthopedic injuries or ailments. Other treatment options that orthopedic surgeons use are injections, physical/ occupational therapy, braces, and splints. The injury or condition is what determines what kind of treatment options will be available.Orthopedic surgeons can see patients and treat a variety of different orthopedic conditions. Some orthopedic surgeons may choose to specialize in one area which could be foot and ankle, spine, or hip and knee. Other orthopedic surgeons may choose to not specialize, and work in general orthopedics. Conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat can include:ArthritisOsteoporosis FracturesSports InjuriesTendon or Ligament Issues Nerve ConditionsDegenerative Bone & Joint ConditionsOrthopedic surgeons provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for a variety of different treatment options. They are in charge of getting their patients back to doing what they love to do. If you are looking to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, please contact our office at 239 - 325 - 4090.  325 - 4090.