The education I received from the recent Sharp Coronado Health and Wellness Fair has left me equipped with knowledge that I didn’t even know I needed, but could prove to be priceless and lifesaving. The event was a very well organized, informative tour of the services and cutting-edge equipment provided at our local hospital and a huge success according to the hospital administrators.
From the many options I reported when I had a pre-event tour of what could be expected, it was all that and so much more. In recent years I have had experience with several hospitals and care facilities in the San Diego area due to aging and ailing parents. To say I have mostly been underwhelmed would be an understatement. Knowing what I know now I can only look back and wish they had had the care that is available here.
The da Vinci X Surgical System robot was demonstrated, which showed me the intricacy with which the robot arms are operated and able to make the cuts, sutures and surgical procedures through tiny incisions versus several inch long incisions which increase the risk of infection during a longer healing process. Sharp Coronado Hospital is among the first in the United States to perform surgery with the robot.
Attendees learned that Sharp Coronado is sanitized with black light sanitizing by “Sofia,” the Xenex Light Strike Germ-Zapping Robot; now if only “Sofia” made house calls it would be perfect!
Other critical information learned were the three questions to always ask your physician. Often times, when we or a loved one is in the midst of illness, we forget important questions. But there are three questions you should remember to ask:
1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important to do this?
Every time you speak with a health care provider you should ask those three questions.
The hospital is now pleased to offer 3D Mammography which gives more accurate results than traditional mammograms. You don’t have to be a patient of the hospital to get this important and potentially lifesaving test done here. Oh, and if for some reason you need a blood draw from Sharp, you can get it done without leaving your car! That’s right, you can schedule a drive up blood draw as well as some other lab tests. The technician will come to your car.
One of the stations at the fair had statistics on the positive effect of music in healing, and information on how it is provided throughout the hospital and memory care facility. The hospital is in need of new or used iPods and iTunes cards if you have a previously loved Apple music device that you no longer need.
The devices are loaded with a patient’s favorite music, or music from a time in their life which could trigger brain activation where previously there was little function. The hospital also offers pet therapy and trains those appointed how to be a care partner while the patient is hospitalized.
Aromatherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, sauna, and fitness with guidance all are part of the Sewall Healthy Living Center. The acupuncturist was offering complimentary acupuncture seeds placed strategically on the ear, I got mine for stress relief. I was given a seashell with a lemongrass oil doused cotton ball as the aromatherapy-to-go to aid with exhaustion and stress.
I spoke with another attendee, Sherri Stromlund, asking what she thought of the event and the facility. Here’s what Sherri had to say: “I have a lot of work to do in my health. We did the acupressure, chair massage, full body wellness scan (yikes) and the palm scan.” The palm scan pre-registers people for a quick admittance in case of needed care. She also said, “I’m sure a lot of people don’t know about some of the services offered.” And she added, “I have Sharp for my HMO and I’ve always loved how compassionate and kind the staff is – always. I think for me just finding out about the services they offer the community, even if they aren’t your HMO, was really good. Several services that I was unaware of, but will definitely take advantage of.”
One very important thing to note, Sharp Coronado Hospital and its facilities take MOST insurance including TriCare, so remember you don’t have to leave Coronado to get excellent medical care at a state of the art facility. Tours of the facility are available to anyone by appointment by calling the hospital, 619-522-3600.
