Newsroom

Respiratory illnesses continue to rise with coughs being a common overlapping symptom among them all. Decoding the characteristics of a cough, including its duration, sound and accompanying symptoms, can help patients understand what is going on and how to treat it. Most people are typically contagious the first three to five days after the initial respiratory infection, according to the CDC. However, a cough can linger around longer. A temporary, acute cough typically lasts less than three weeks and is... ... Read More

Blood work is a standard part of an annual primary care wellness visit because it gives a global picture of your health. The lab results help your provider check for certain diseases and conditions, see indicators of your heart and organ functioning, and track how medications are working. Pasquale Dell’Api, D.O., board-certified family physician at Keys Medical Group Family Medicine – Big Pine Key, says annual blood tests are important for the long term health and well-being of their patients, even when... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center and its medical staff encourage residents to know the symptoms and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families against measles. With outbreaks spreading in other states and people traveling over the holidays, Lower Keys residents are reminded to practice vigilance. Who is at Risk? Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with droplets from an infected person. It poses the greate... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center welcomes Lorna Klein, R.N., patient navigator in quality/education. Patient navigators are healthcare guides who help patients with chronic and complex diagnoses move through treatment and recovery, from diagnostic testing to follow up appointments and procedures. In additional to hospital case managers who coordinate resources for patients, the patient navigator personally follows patients with complicated and ongoing treatments, removing barriers, scheduling appointments and ... ... Read More

Keys Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology welcomes Shannon Pfingstag, CNM, DNP, FACNM, certified nurse midwife. Shannon earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Southeastern Louisiana University and is a fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Shannon has 30 years of experience in nurse midwifery and provides pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, gynecological examination, family planning consultation, disease prevention, menopause management, breast examination and annual wellness car... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center offers free monthly classes to the community as part of its mission to help people get well and live healthier. Joint Replacement Seminars : For individuals considering or scheduled for total joint replacement, the free seminar covers important topics related to the rehabilitation journey, including explanations of the various procedures, home safety considerations, pre-surgical exercises, preparations for surgery, expectations during the hospital stay, post-discharge care, phy... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center and the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 13, 2025, to showcase and celebrate the reopening of the CT room and installation of a new CT scanner. Computed tomography (CT) scanners combine x-ray and computer technology to create 2D and 3D images of the inside of the body, including organs, blood vessels, bones and soft tissues. “This new equipment provides faster scan times, allowing more patients to be served, and expands our cardiov... ... Read More

Keys Medical Group Psychiatry welcomes Lynda Woods, LCSW. Lynda is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience in counseling. She obtained her Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York, NY. Lynda provides outpatient services, including individual, marital and family counseling and works with patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues. She works closely with community organizations such as referral sources, social se... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center hosted an awards ceremony honoring Jessica Laino, R.N., and Sandra Harry, patient care technician, for the care and service they provide to patients. Jessica Laino, a registered nurse on labor and delivery, was nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by a patient and family, who lauded her professionalism, leadership and ability to perform under pressure during an emergency situation. Her communication and leadership within the caregiving team was credited for th... ... Read More

November 14 is World Diabetes Day Lower Keys Medical Center, Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) and Florida Health – Monroe County are recognizing World Diabetes Day by hosting a community event focused on health, wellness, disease prevention and community connection. On November 14, 2025, the public is invited to stop in to the Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Key West Health Center at 727 Fort Street in Key West from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and enjoy light snacks, tours of the CHI facility,... ... Read More