Newton Medical Center

Celebrate International Infection Prevention Week with These Quick Tips for Good Health

Everyone gets sick now and then, but did you know that you hold the power to keep colds, the flu, and other infections at bay in many cases? With simple infection control techniques, you can help your family and yourself stay healthier. In honor of International Infection Prevention Week, which runs from October 14th to the 20th, put these infection control tips into action. With the right prevention techniques, you may be able to make fewer trips to your medical care provider.

Wash Your Hands Often

This simple step is an incredibly powerful way to stop the spread of germs. All you need is warm water and soap. Scrub your hands while you sing “Happy Birthday” to ensure that you are washing for an adequate amount of time. Wash your hands before you cook, before you eat, after interacting with someone who is sick, and anytime you touch a dirty surface. Be sure not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands, as these places are entry points for germs and bacteria.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

To keep from spreading your germs to other people, always cover up when you cough or sneeze. However, don’t use your hand to do so. Instead, cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue. This way, you’ll keep your hands germ-free and reduce the likelihood that you’ll spread your germs to other people.

Talk to Your Doctor

All of the members of your healthcare team should clean their hands before giving you any treatment. Clean hands in medical facilities are crucial for controlling the spread of harmful bacteria. If you don’t see a doctor, nurse, or other medical facility team member wash his or her hands in front of you, it’s okay to speak up about it. Clean hands protect everyone in a medical facility, including the healthcare team.

At Newton Medical Center, we’re passionate about infection control because we want you to experience the best care we have to offer. To learn about the healthcare services we can provide in our state-of-the-art medical facility, including emergency and triage care, call (888) 507-9146.

Pregnancy Nutrition to Ensure a Healthy Delivery

When you become pregnant, you’re not just eating for you anymore. Everything you eat also becomes nutrition for your baby, so it’s important to make smart dietary choices. In fact, healthy eating not only supports your baby’s development, but can also make your experience during delivery at your medical facility easier on you. What should you eat while you’re pregnant? Keep these guidelines in mind for a good pregnancy and delivery:

Stick to the Rules of Healthy Eating

If you maintained a healthy diet before you were pregnant, you won’t need to make many changes. However, if your diet could have used some improvement, it is time to commit to a healthier lifestyle. A diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and leafy vegetables will help keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.

In addition to eating healthfully, you need to eat more when you’re pregnant. You can maintain your usual caloric intake during your first trimester, but bump up your calories by 300 during your second trimester and 450 during your third trimester. Get these extra calories from foods that are high in protein, folic acid, and iron to support your baby’s development.

Avoid Risky Eating

Your immune system can fight off infections that your baby’s system cannot. Stay away from foods that could contain dangerous bacteria, like sushi, soft cheese, unpasteurized milk, and raw meats. You should also reduce your caffeine intake to 200 milligrams or less per day and avoid alcohol.

Treat Yourself

Cravings are natural during pregnancy, and it is fine to sometimes give in to them. Desserts and other goodies are okay in moderation. Pregnancy is certainly not a time to diet and restrict your calories. If you maintain healthy eating practices, you should feel fine indulging in the occasional scoop of ice cream.

Are you looking for a great place to have your baby? Come to the BirthCare Center at Newton Medical Center. Our doctors and nurses are committed to giving you a comfortable birthing experience. Should a medical emergency arise, our facility has a Level II neonatal care unit. To learn more about our medical facility, including our emergency and triage care services, call (888) 507-9146.

Learn Ways to Live a Healthier and Happier Life!

From childbirth to menopause to emergency medical care, Newton Medical Center is your medical facility of choice. To find out more about the services we offer or about ways to live a healthier and happier life, check out these articles and websites. Call us at (888) 507-9146 to learn more about our services and programs.

• Read this article from MedicineNet.com now to help you be prepared for any future emergency room visits.
• If you do have health insurance but are facing a denied claim from your insurance company, the information in this article from the Los Angeles Times may be of use to you.
• Find out what to do if you don't have medical insurance by reading over this informative article from CNN Health.
• To get details about the number of people without insurance, check out this information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Find out everything you need to know about menopause on this page from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Mommy's Minute: What to Take with You to the Hospital

When it's time to give birth, you'll be in a rush to get the medical facility. The last thing you want to do is get to the hospital and realize you’ve left something important at home. Watch this video for suggestions on what to take with you to the hospital.

As this video explains, you'll want to have your bag packed and ready to go before you need it. Items to pack include comfortable clothes for Mom, Dad, and Baby, socks, hair ties, cameras, and a car seat to bring your baby home in. You can also ask your doctor or hospital for a list of recommended items to bring with you.

At Newton Medical Center, we want your birth to be a pleasant experience. Our medical facility offers technology for a safe and happy childbirth. To learn more about our BirthCare Center, call us at (888) 507-9146.

Looking Back at Newton Medical Center's History of Compassion

Newton Medical Center has been a source of compassionate medical care in Georgia since the 1950s. Through the years, we have grown and changed into a state-of-the-art medical facility. Read on to learn more about our origins and how far we’ve come.

1950s

In the early 1950s, the need for a medical center in Newton County became evident. In 1954, Newton General Hospital opened with just 36 beds. The resources that the hospital brought to the area allowed many sick and injured people to obtain the quality medical attention they needed without having to travel far from home. As the county grew, so did the need for additions to the center.

1960s and ‘70s

In 1961, the need for a larger medical facility prompted the expansion of Newton General Hospital. An operating room and 13 more beds were added. Later, 35 more beds and ancillary departments further expanded the hospital's ability to serve its patients. In 1971, an intensive care unit was built to allow the sickest of patients to be cared for in the hospital, and six more beds brought the total number of hospital beds to 88.

1980s and ‘90s

Major expansion and remodeling changed the hospital in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Several new and important departments were added to the hospital, making it a more complete healthcare center for the residents of Newton County. Departments that were added included the Outpatient, Laboratory, Emergency Care, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, and BirthCare Centers, as well as a new medical office building.

2000 and Beyond

The growth and expansion of the facility continued into the new century. The Women's Diagnostic Center was added in 2000, and 2002 saw the addition of a surgical center and hyperbaric wound care center. The name of the hospital was changed to Newton Medical Center in 2004 to reflect the growth and changes the facility underwent during the previous 50 years of providing compassionate care.

Newton Medical Center is your healthcare facility of choice in Newton County. We offer the medical services that you need in a compassionate and caring environment. To learn more about our services, call us at (888) 507-9146.