The Orthopaedic Institute’s physicians and staff donated $1,935 for Dr. Jaffe and Dr. Berk’s Climb for Cancer. Eighty nine employees donated a minimum of $5, many donating more, to support the physicians as they embark on the climb of a lifetime to raise funds to positively impact the lives of local cancer patients and their families. At all four of TOI’s locations, employees sport denim to work today to show their encouragement.

Local physicians plan to climb highest mountain in Africa for cancer

Two of The Orthopaedic Institute’s physicians have recently accepted the challenge to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, as part of the Climb for Cancer Foundation’s Kilimanjaro Expedition. In July, Edward M. Jaffe, M.D., board certified orthopaedic surgeon, and James W. Berk, M.D., board certified sports medicine physician, will climb the 19,340-foot extinct volcano to metaphorically overcome the obstacle of cancer and to raise funds to positively impact the lives of local cancer patients and their families.

Dr. Jaffe and Dr. Berk are preparing both physically and fiscally, as they frequent the gym and are hard at work to fundraise for the cause.

“Although it is difficult to prepare for the high altitude, I am conditioning my legs to train for the variety of inclines we will encounter,” said Dr. Jaffe. “Most important, I am advocating the cause and reaching out to my personal network to raise awareness and money.”

The minimum fundraising goal for each team member is $10,000. Traditionally, half of the funds raised go toward the cost of the expedition; however, both physicians have committed to covering the cost of the climb, which means every dollar they raise will benefit the foundation.

“Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is only half of our goal. We also have a goal to raise $50,000 for the Climb for Cancer Foundation,” said Dr. Berk.

The Climb for Cancer Foundation funds research grants, gives children the opportunity to attend cancer support camps and offers psycho-social programs, which provide support to cancer patients and their families. The Foundation aims to fill in the cracks left by organizations that make much larger gifts.

Dr. Jaffe and Dr. Berk are raising funds through personalized Climb for Cancer websites, e-mails and letters to friends and family, and other individual campaigns. To find out more information about the climb, visit www.cfc-foundation.org.

Question

I have been told I have torn cartilage in my knee and need surgery. Is that necessary?

Answer

Not always. There are two types of cartilage in the knee — hyaline cartilage and meniscal cartilage. Damage to hyaline cartilage is associated with arthritis and typically does not necessitate surgery. On the other hand a tear in the meniscus is often treated with surgery called arthroscopy. Arthroscopic surgery allows the treatment to be performed on an outpatient basis. Using a small video camera called an arthroscope for visualization, the torn cartilage can be repaired or “cleaned-up.”  This helps to relieve the pain associated with these tears and often hastens recovery and function.

Andrew Rocca, M.D.
Board Certified - Orthopaedic Surgery

Employees participate in TOI-sponsored fitness boot camp

The Orthopaedic Institute’s employee break rooms are filled with talk of sore arms and legs as well as promises to drink more water and eat healthier. After only one week, TOI is hearing the benefits of its second-quarter wellness opportunity, fitness boot camp.

TOI encourages living healthy through regular exercise and weight management, aiming to educate patients about how to prevent orthopaedic injuries and conditions. Employees are hearing this philosophy off the clock, as they participate in the 2011 Wellness Program. The second-quarter wellness opportunity is a TOI-sponsored, six-week boot camp in Gainesville, Lake City and Ocala. Along with their cheering co-workers, employees are enduring rigorous cardio and strength and endurance training twice a week.

Classes began last week with trainers from 807 Wellness Group in Gainesville, personal trainer Kelly Erkinger in Lake City and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Ocala. Each of these trainers ensure safety and frequent hydration. If you are starting something new or have taken a break from exercise, it is important to be safe and aware. Follow the safety tips from a previous blog post from two of TOI’s licensed physical therapists, Chris Follenius and Carlos Riveros.

Start slowly – gradually increase intensity. The most common victims of exercise injuries are those that have exercised too hard too quickly. Remember, good, quality results are never immediate.

Warm up – make sure that you warm up before every exercise. For example, start with five to 10 minutes on a stationary bike or treadmill before your activity.

Stretch – it is important to stretch after the warm up and after any and all workouts to prevent injuries.

Hydrate – drink plenty of water before, during and after every workout.

Learn the right techniques – holding the wrong position while you workout can lead to a serious injury. If you have any questions about your form and you are working out in a gym, contact the gym’s staff to show you the proper techniques.

Know the warning signs – listen to your body. Muscle fatigue is normal, but if you feel any sharp pain, take a break to relax and get some water. If the pain persists, see a physician. If you experience chest pain or tightness, stop exercising and take a break for at least a day. If this continues, see a physician.

The Orthopaedic Institute’s new 16,275-square-foot facility will be located at 1710 SE 16^th Avenue. Construction has been underway since November and will be completed in July. See the most recent construction progress here.



For more information and to see the progression from November 2010 to January 2011, click here.