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Unlike many seasonal illnesses or diseases, shingles can develop at any time of year. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, the chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime according to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. There is no cure for shingles, ... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on September 15, 2025. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more likely than the... ... Read More

Score Reflects “Above Average” Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) earned a 4-star overall hospital quality star rating in the most recent update from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The LKMC “above average” rating includes quality measures related to mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care. LKMC achieved a 4-star rating in 2022 and 2023, and received a 3-star rating in 2024. To re-establish... ... Read More

Complex processes contribute to health and well-being We’re repeatedly told getting a good night’s sleep is important and Brien Tonkinson, M.D., Keys Medical Group Otolaryngology/ENT wants you to know some of the reasons why. Dr. Tonkinson says your overall health and well-being directly benefit from the complex internal work going on while you sleep. Sleep frees your body and brain to experience important changes and processes that, if not completed, can lead to less effective physical and mental funct... ... Read More

Pamela Goodwin, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center for 2 years, has received a national 2025 Nursing Excellence Award. Goodwin is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems. She was presented with the recognition during a July reception with hospital leadership where she received a crystal plaque and a symbolic check for the monetary award. Goodwin also received a plaque from Lower Keys Medical Center and a bouquet of flowers at an eve... ... Read More

According to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society, nearly two-thirds of men aged 55-69 have not been screened for prostate cancer. As a result, the rate of advanced stage prostate cancer is on the rise for the first time in decades. Norman Tingle, Jr., M.D., medical director of Keys Medical Group says those at average risk of prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about screening around age 50. “Understanding your risk factors is one of the first steps to decide whether to get screened ... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center and Keys Medical Group recognized the first recipient of the Keys Medical Group O.A.R. award – Jessica Phelps, R.N., Keys Medical Group Orthopedics. The Outstanding Achievement and Recognition program celebrates employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to patients and co-workers. Director of Keys Medical Group, Brad Lutz, said, “Congratulations to Jessica. She has been recognized by her peers for her strong work ethic, teamwork, and compassionate approach to patient car... ... Read More

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. Lower Keys Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center thanks active participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill held June 26, 2025, including North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi Air National Guard, NAS Key West, Monroe County Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Fire Department and EMS, Monroe County Fire Rescue, E-Care Ambulance, Southernmost Medical Transport, Keys Health Ready Coalition, and Florida Health – Monroe County. ... Read More

Children are often encouraged to drink milk for strong bones, but after that, bone health is largely ignored until the golden years. However, taking steps to support bone strength is important to provide structural support, protect vital organs and enhance mobility throughout our lives. According to Dr. Pasquale Dell'Api, with Keys Medical Group Family Medicine - Big Pine Key, adults reach peak bone mass in their twenties, and maintaining bone density is important to prevent osteoporosis as they age. Os... ... Read More