Stay Safe This Summer
Summer is a time for enjoying outdoor pleasures, family getaways and good old-fashioned fun. But the same things that make summer so relaxing – cookouts, warm weather and splashing in the surf – make it prime time for accidents and injuries. If your mishap necessitates a quick trip to a walk-in center, Sarasota Memorial has you covered with two convenient locations, comprehensive care by board-certified emergency, family and internal medicine physicians and extended evening and weekend hours. Always call 911 in an emergency (including chest pain and shortness of breath). For urgent, but less serious conditions, such as painful ear infections, sprains, fractures and burns, visit one of Sarasota Memorial’s Walk-In Medical Centers – located near University Parkway & U.S. 301 and near Gulf Gate at U.S. 41 & Stickney Point Road. No appointments are necessary. Most insurance plans are accepted, with discounts available for self-pay patients. Call (941) 917-1234 (University Parkway) or (941) 917-5678 (Gulf Gate) for information.

7 Steps to a New You!
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, often the hardest question is the very first one, “How do I get started?” Sarasota Memorial’s Comprehensive Bariatric Program is now offering free personal evaluations to help people take the first step and find out if weight-loss surgery is right for them. The 1-on-1 consultations include a comprehensive health assessment and a financial review to help you clarify your level of insurance coverage and/or self-pay costs. Your personal evaluation with our bariatric experts is part of Sarasota Memorial’s easy-to-navigate 7-step Bariatric Program. Each step will empower you with knowledge and equip you with the tools you’ll need to reach the next level … and the next, until you reach your goal. Call (941) 917-4571.

When It’s Not Just the Economy That’s Depressed …
With more people losing their jobs, their homes and their retirement and savings accounts, it’s only natural for some to feel overwhelmed. If you or a loved one is having trouble coping with depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other emotional difficulty, and you’re not sure where to turn, call Sarasota Memorial’s Bayside Center at (941) 917-7760. Our licensed mental health professionals are on call 24 hours a day to provide free assessments, referrals and advice.

Taking Coumadin?
Tired of getting stuck in the arm with a needle? Want your results right away? With a doctor’s referral, you can schedule an appointment at one of Sarasota Memorial’s two outpatient anticoagulation clinics – staffed with a cardiologist medical director, nurse practitioner and specially trained nurses who provide onsite INR checks with simple fingerstick blood tests and provide immediate results to help adjust your medication dosage. If you do not have a physician, our staff can assist you with the referral process. For more information, call either of Sarasota Memorial’s Anticoagulation Clinic locations at:

Sarasota Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute
1540 S. Tamiami Trail (hospital main campus)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am- 4 pm
(941) 917-8889

Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine
5880 Rand Blvd. (off Clark Road near I-75)
Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8 am- 3:30 pm
(941) 917-8230     

Breastfeeding Part 2: Pumping & Returning to Work
Breastfeeding is by far nature’s best source of nutrition for your baby, and many experts encourage moms to breastfeed babies for six months or more to take advantage of its full health benefits. But breastfeeding can be difficult for moms returning to work or school. Planning ahead is key. To that end, Sarasota Memorial has added a new monthly class to its childbirth education series – Breastfeeding Part 2: Pumping and Returning to Work – to help women anticipate and overcome the challenges of breastfeeding after returning to work or school. Call (941) 917-1700 to register or browse our online health calendar for information on other childbirth or health education classes.

Coming in June
SMH Blood Drive - June 9, 10, 11 & 13 in Sarasota Memorial’s first floor auditorium. The Bloodmobile will also be at the following locations:
• Mon. 6/15 1:30-3:30 pm at the Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd near Clark Rd and I-75.
• Tue. 6/16 1:30-3:30 pm at University Parkway Care Center, 5350 University Parkway.
• Thu. 6/18 11 am-1 pm at Blackburn Point Care Center, 929 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey.
Free t-shirts & refreshments for donors. Call (941) 917-7136 for information.

Perfect Prescription for Weight Loss
Every person is different. Your weight management plan should be, too. If you’ve been thinking about getting your weight under control or diabetes in check, Sarasota Memorial offers a number of programs to suit diverse schedules, budgets and needs.

• Eating Healthy for Life – a 4-week program that focuses on menu planning, grocery shopping, restaurant eating, exercise and education. A healthy balance of one-on-one counseling and a free support group helps participants overcome key barriers to weight loss. Call (941) 917-7777 for information or register online.


• Weight Management Partners Program – For a more intensive, medically supervised program of diet, exercise and education, try Sarasota Memorial’s 8-week Weight Management Partners Program. Each week, participants meet with a multi-disciplinary team of health and fitness experts to assess and refine customized weight loss strategies to meet your personal goals. Call (941) 917-4998 for information.


• Diabetes Management – For people struggling to manage their diabetes, individualized outpatient treatment services and free support groups are available. Information: (941) 917-7468.

Healing Arts
Relax at Sarasota Memorial’s free expressive arts studio, a weekly program designed to promote creative expression, relaxation, health and healing. The class meets 2-4 pm every Monday at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Supplies are provided. RSVP to (941) 917-7293.