Naval Hospital Jacksonville delivers family-centered, quality health care

Maternity care at Naval Hospital Jacksonville is provided in accordance with guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The hospital delivered approximately 1,200 babies in 2005. The health care team is committed to your family's needs and is honored to share this experience with you.

The team offers a state-of-the-art Labor and Delivery Unit and last year the hospital opened a sparkling new Maternal Infant Unit (MIU) which rivals such units in any hospital in Jacksonville. It has private suites, showers and baths. Reflecting the family centered care philosophy the hospital has embraced, the MIU, in most cases, also makes it possible for babies stay with their moms throughout their stay. There is even a pullout chair for the father which gives the father a comfortable place to rest as well.

The hospital also offers a variety of classes for expectant parents. These include Baby Boot Camp, Infant CPR, classes to prepare the family for baby's first weeks at home, classes covering what procedures the family should expect while in the hospital and Prepared Child Birth class (Lamaze).

Mothers can be assisted with breast feeding and virtually any issue the parents are concerned with. The hospital and Branch Health Clinic Mayport have full-time dedicated staff in these clinics to answer your questions and deliver the most recent information about being pregnant and what to expect. Every health care provider in these clinics have at least 11 dedicated appointments to ensure you and your baby are in the best health possible.

If you think you are pregnant, make an appointment with your primary care manager or call the dedicated telephone number for our families who are expecting at 542-BABY (2229).

Monitoring blood sugar levels is very important for diabetes patients.

If you are a diabetic, the Naval Hospital Jacksonville staff wants to make sure you are getting the best possible care. Did you know you should have a special diabetes blood screening at least once a year? Ask about enrolling in the Naval Hospital's Diabetes Management Program. The program consists of a team of health care professionals who will help you and your family find solutions to your diabetic problems.

The Diabetes Clinic has Accu-Chek Advantage and Precision Extra monitors available which monitor blood glucose levels. In the past two years, more than 200 patients have successfully managed their diabetes through the clinic's program. Beneficiaries may self-refer to the department or may be referred by their primary care manager.

Make an appointment with your doctor or visit Nyvea Mata, Registered Nurse, or Sharon Gladden, RN, BS, CDE, in the Family Medicine Clinic, Naval Hospital Outpatient Wing, second floor, 542-9178. The clinic's hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Fridays 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The mission of the Health Education Department is to provide quality information and educational experiences that will help you make informed decisions that lead to improved health. The department provides education and training on such health issues as diabetes self management, hypertension and cardiac concerns, lipid management and weight control. They can also help with community resources. Internet health information searches. They also have a vast video library for all health education material.

The Naval Hospital Jacksonville Health Education Department is located in the Naval Hospital Outpatient Clinic wing, first floor, room 1509, 542-7431. Appointments are available by calling central appointments at 542-7677. Hours of operation for the Health Education Department are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Fridays 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Early detection and routine screening are the best ways to prevent cancer. Women are encouraged to have mammograms and ''pap'' smears done on a regular basis, especially if someone in your family has ever had cancer. One of the goals of our Women's Care Program is to provide you with the information and tools needed to make better informed decisions about your health and suggest any tests you may need.

Make an appointment with your primary care manager or visit Women's Health Coordinator Serafina Dibenedett in the Family Practice Clinic, 542-7965. The hospital also has a Breast Care Case Manager on staff, Nikki Levinson-Lustgarten, RN, BSN, OLN, and a breast cancer support group, Ribbons & Roses, available. For information, call 542-7857.

The Wellness Center offers a multi-dimensional approach focusing on nutrition, exercise and behavior modification techniques that support healthier lifestyles. Programs are offered for weight management, tobacco cessation, stress management, health and fitness assessments, medication education, and annual health fairs and wellness camps. The Wellness Center is located next to the NAS Jacksonville Fitness Center on Enterprise Road. Self-referrals are gladly accepted from beneficiaries, call 542-5292.

The mission of the Preventive Health Assessment (PHA) screening is to help you, our men and women in uniform, stay healthy so you are medically ready and fit to defend our country. Naval Hospital Jacksonville's dedicated team of health care professionals will perform your body composition assessment, review your health record to ensure your physical exam and immunizations are current, perform counseling, and provide referrals.

They want to prepare you for peak performance. This means not only successfully passing the physical readiness test, but also learning how to take care of yourself so you can take care of our country.

NAS Jacksonville active duty should call 542-3500 option, DSN 942, to schedule a once a year (birth month) visit for the assessment.

Nyvea Mata instructs Beth Havens on the proper use of a peak flow meter as she learns to manage her asthma condition.

If you are an asthmatic, your Naval Hospital Jacksonville primary care manager is committed to providing you the best in family centered health care. Every patient with asthma should have an ''asthma action plan'' at home, school, and documented in their health record. Ask about the hospital's Asthma Management Program.

A team of health care professionals will work with you and your family to make sure you are managing your condition to your best ability. The goal is to make sure you can safely enjoy all of the activities in life that make you happy without experiencing breathing problems.

Make an appointment with your doctor or visit Registered Nurse Gail Kemp in the Family Medicine Clinic, Naval Hospital Outpatient Wing, second floor, 542-7338.