HCA Florida Mercy Hospital

12/28/2025

Knee pain is a common symptom that can be caused by anything from sports injuries to arthritis. You can usually treat hip pain at home with self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces can also help relief the pain. But if the pain persists or gets worse, it might be time to see an orthopedic doctor.

According to the CDC, the rate of total knee replacements has increased in both men and women aged 45 and older with more than 790,000 procedures. Following a relatively short period of recovery, patients usually return to a high level of activity.

Check out our free knee health risk assessments to help you get started on a path to recovery and wellness. Start yours here: https://bit.ly/4qlHcee

12/25/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday!

As 2025 draws to a close, we send a heartfelt thank you to our physicians, nurses and all colleagues who show up every day to care for our patients and each other. We're proud to be part of our broader HCA Healthcare network which supports over 44 million patient encounters each year across 190 hospitals and more than 2,300 sites of care. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Our ER is here 24/7 if you need us this holiday season: https://bit.ly/498KNoZ

12/24/2025

Strokes require immediate medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults will have a stroke in their lifetime. Dr. Ravi Pande, a neuroendovascular surgeon at HCA Florida Healthcare, shares the risk factors of stroke and ways to prevent it.

Have more questions? Stop googling — get trusted guidance anytime, free of charge.

Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

12/23/2025

Holiday moments are meant for joy, but if the unexpected does happen, knowing where to go can make all the difference.

As the largest network of hospitals and physician practices across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare is here to make access to advanced and personalized care easy - wherever the season takes you.

From minor injuries and seasonal sniffles to true emergencies, our primary care providers, urgent care clinics, and emergency rooms each offer the right level of care when you need it most. Remember: urgent care or primary care is often best for minor concerns, but for life-threatening emergencies, the ER is your safest choice.

Click here to read and learn more: https://bit.ly/3NeJnSl

12/23/2025

🎁 Spreading holiday joy beyond our hospital walls 🎄

At HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, our employees and community came together to make the season brighter for students at Catholic Charity schools Holy Redeemer, Sagrada Familia and Notre Dame. Toys donated by our colleagues and neighbors during our annual Tree Lighting event were personally delivered to help bring smiles and holiday cheer to children and families we are honored to serve.

As part of HCA Florida Healthcare, our mission is to care for and improve human life—and that means showing up for our community in meaningful ways, today and every day. 💙

Discover more about how HCA Florida Healthcare is making a difference: https://bit.ly/4p9e6he

12/22/2025

Living with chronic reflux isn’t something anyone should have to accept.

After months of persistent heartburn that wouldn’t respond to medication, Vanessa turned to Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, Medical Director of HCA Florida Weight Management and Metabolic and Wellness at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, for answers. With decades of experience in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz is known for his thoughtful, patient-first approach and long-standing commitment to the Mercy community.

Following a comprehensive evaluation, Vanessa’s care plan led to a gastric bypass, and the results were immediate.
✨ Heartburn relief
✨ Improved comfort and energy
✨ Continued progress on her health journey

“It was night and day,” Vanessa shares. “I felt better right away and finally had relief.”

For patients experiencing ongoing reflux or digestive discomfort, expert evaluation matters. The right solution starts with a conversation — and a surgeon who understands how to tailor care to each individual.

🎥 Watch Vanessa’s story and learn how specialized bariatric care can help restore quality of life.

12/19/2025

“Too often, patients try to push through the pain, but ignoring it can make things worse," said Dr. Michael Mashura, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with HCA Florida Healthcare. "The best approach is also the simplest: rest.”

Overuse of the muscles and tissues in your lower legs can lead to painful shin splints. Learn the symptoms and how to treat them on our blog: https://bit.ly/3LdBhsF.

12/18/2025

Heart arrhythmias, also known as heart rhythm problems, happen when the electrical signals that tell the heart when to beat and pump blood aren't working properly. An irregular heartbeat can be harmless, but other heart rhythm issues can be life-threatening. Our video breaks down the common signs and symptoms.

Take a free heart health assessment here: https://bit.ly/3XYBL8X

To find a doctor or for more information about arrhythmias, visit: https://bit.ly/44w6rCe

12/17/2025

You’ve seen snippets of our 75th anniversary video—now experience the full story of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, from its founding by the Archdiocese and leadership of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine to the hospital we are today.

Featuring local community leaders, members of our staff, and past and current hospital administrators, this special video honors the people and moments that shaped HCA Florida Mercy Hospital.

On the eve of our 75th birthday—tomorrow, Dec. 18—we invite you to celebrate this milestone with us and the community we proudly serve. 💎

12/16/2025

✨ Featured Physician Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to share that Dr. Néstor de la Cruz-Muñoz is featured in Coconut Grove Magazine! Get to know the surgeon helping transform lives through personalized weight-loss care.

Interested in taking the next step toward weight loss and better overall health? Join us in-person, today at 5 p.m. for an informative seminar with Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz to learn about the weight-loss options available and how they can support your health journey.

📍 Location:
3683 S. Miami Ave., Suite 500
Miami, FL — right on the HCA Florida Mercy Hospital campus

📞 RSVP: 786-635-0400

Your journey starts with information—and the right care team. 💙
Read article here: https://bit.ly/48M2fze

12/15/2025

❤️ Thank you for walking with us for heart health! 👟

This past Saturday, HCA Florida Healthcare proudly participated in the American Heart Association Miami-Dade County Heart Walk, with team members from HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and HCA Florida Mercy Hospital coming together to support heart health across our community.

🫀 Why this matters:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but knowing how to respond in an emergency can save lives. One of the most important actions bystanders can take is CPR.

Did you know?
Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. Yet, fewer than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital receive CPR.

👐 Hands-Only CPR is simple:
• Call 911
• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
• Keep pushing until help arrives

📌 Learn how to perform CPR:
The American Heart Association offers easy, step-by-step guidance here:
👉 https://bit.ly/3YqU32H

We’re proud to stand with the American Heart Association and our Miami-Dade community—because being informed and ready to act can make a lifesaving difference. ❤️

12/14/2025

A second opinion could provide you with a point of comparison or reinforce a treatment plan already received. During your appointment, our doctors will walk you through every option to help you make an informed decision. Connect with our experienced physicians by calling 855.790.DOCS (3627) or visit HCAFloridaPhysicians.com

12/14/2025

Menopause brings changes, but you can take control of your health. As estrogen levels decline, the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis increases. Staying active, eating well, and getting regular screenings help you stay strong through this transition.

Learn more about 5 ways to stay healthy before, during, and after menopause: https://bit.ly/3MINbuW.

Still need guidance? Our Consult-A-Nurse® line offers free, 24/7 support. Call 844-70-NURSE for expert advice—no judgment, just help.

12/12/2025

Joining the American Heart Association - Florida's Miami-Dade Heart Walk this Saturday at loanDepot Park? Stay hydrated as dehydration can sneak up on anyone — not just on hot days or after workouts. Infants and older adults are especially at risk, but we all need to stay alert to the signs.

Early symptoms include:
– Dry or sticky mouth
– Fatigue or dizziness
– Trouble focusing
– Skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched
– Dark urine or low output

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dehydration can help you keep it bay before it becomes a medical emergency. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4j019F4

12/12/2025

Prevention and early detection are your best defenses against colon cancer. Dr. Mohammad Anwer, a gastroenterologist with HCA Florida Healthcare, shares the importance of early diagnosis.
Learn how to reduce your risk with preventive screenings by clicking the link in our bio.

12/11/2025

Have you ever struggled to fall asleep after a big meal or woken up in the middle of the night with an upset stomach? If so, you’ve felt the connection between your gut and . They’re linked through the “gut-sleep axis” – a two-way relationship where poor sleep can disrupt digestion and gut issues can disturb your rest.

Learn more and get tips to improve both your and your sleep: https://bit.ly/491Qje9

12/08/2025

While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, it can take a toll on your . According to American Heart Association, more people have heart attacks between late December and early January than any other time of year. This may be due to stress, disrupted routines, indulgent meals and less time for rest and exercise. If you saw a loved one collapse from cardiac arrest, would you know how to respond?

In this video, representatives from our HCA Healthcare family and the American Heart Association demonstrate how to perform , which involves these simple steps:

📱 Call 911 immediately.
✋ Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast.

Through our collaboration with the American Heart Association, HCA Healthcare is enhancing heart health across the country by leading nationwide education initiatives that promote heart-healthy habits, CPR training and awareness of warning signs of heart issues.

Learn more about Hands-Only CPR from the American Heart Association: https://bit.ly/44XdAeK.

When you need emergency care, trust HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. To find an emergency room location near you, visit: https://bit.ly/4oKoADf

12/08/2025

Venice resident Patrick Decker has always lived an active and purpose-filled life. He and his wife enjoy pickleball, traveling, and hiking, but over time, knee pain began to limit the activities that brought him joy. As a retired pilot who spent 40 years in the air, Patrick now volunteers his time flying missions to deliver much-needed supplies to Haiti. With so many people relying on him, he knew he couldn’t ignore the pain any longer.

Patrick turned to HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, where orthopedic surgeon Tracey Ng, D.O., shared the latest advancements in knee replacement: robotic-assisted surgical technology. After attending a community health lecture and watching a demonstration, Patrick felt confident he had found the right path forward.

In late November, Dr. Ng performed Patrick’s knee replacement using the hospital’s newest orthopedic surgical robot. The system creates a personalized 3D model of the knee, allowing Dr. Ng to precisely remove damaged bone and cartilage and position the new implant with remarkable accuracy. Today, Patrick is recovering at home and finally looking ahead again—to returning to the active life he loves and to getting back in the air to serve communities in need.

HCA Florida Healthcare orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive care for everything from minor injuries to complex joint and spine conditions. We are proud to have hospitals ranked in the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services and joint replacement, as well as hospitals recognized as Five-Star Recipients for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement by Healthgrades. Explore our services: https://bit.ly/44Ieqfm.

12/07/2025

We understand it can be hard to know what type of medical care you need, like whether you should go to the emergency room or wait for your doctor's office to open.

However, we want you to feel secure about your choice for care, which is why we've created a list of symptoms that may indicate you need to visit the emergency room:

-Back pain, when it is unbearable or accompanied by fever, numbness, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, vision loss or loss of control over bladder or bowels
-Broken bones, when the pain is severe or there is a visible deformity
-Chest pain, when it is crushing or squeezing and accompanied by other heart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath or nausea
-Concussion, when you have lost consciousness, even briefly, or experience amnesia, vomiting, slurred speech or a seizure
-Flu, when symptoms become severe, such as having trouble breathing, vomiting uncontrollably or becoming dehydrated
-Side pain, when it is severe and occurs in the lower right stomach, side or back or is accompanied by fever, nausea, diarrhea or blood in the urine
-Stomach pain, when accompanied by a hard or tender stomach, nausea, shortness of breath, fever or irregular heartbeat
Trouble breathing, when breathing stops, is noisy or high-pitched and comes with pain in the chest or severe shortness of breath

If you are unsure if your symptoms require an emergency room visit, you can speak to a nurse 24/7 by calling our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (888) 685-1598.

The Emergency room at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is open 24/7 to provide fast, high-quality emergency services. You can count on us to be there for you.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4a2NURw

12/06/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Team HCA Florida Healthcare brought the holiday spirit + purpose to the Jingle Bell Run in Miami today!

We joined hundreds of walkers and runners to support an important cause: raising awareness and funds for arthritis — a condition that affects more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults.

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems and orthopedic injuries.

We were honored to stand with Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, this year’s medical honoree — whose work in orthopedic and joint care makes a real difference for people dealing with arthritis-related conditions.

💙 To everyone fighting arthritis: we see you, we support you, and we’re committed to being part of the solution.

12/05/2025

🧠 A is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. It can rupture without warning, leading to a life-threatening stroke. Many aneurysms go undetected so it’s critical to be aware of the most common symptom as well as risk factors.

Across our broader HCA Healthcare network, caregivers treated more than 3,000 brain aneurysms last year. HCA Healthcare has 43 comprehensive stroke centers and cares for more than 70,000 patients admitted for stroke treatment annually.

If you’re concerned about your risk for an aneurysm, talk to your doctor. And if you have a sudden, severe headache, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Know where to find emergency care near you by clicking the link in our bio.

12/05/2025

Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Learn what to expect and go into your feeling calm and confident. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.

Schedule your screening mammogram with our convenient online scheduling tool. Visit https://bit.ly/48D2FIr

12/05/2025

In 1950, a hospital by the sea opened its doors with a big mission — to heal, to serve, and to love without limits. That mission continues today through dedicated caregivers like Nurse Allison Camacho Travieso and Dr. Rafael Mas, who both share deep personal ties to HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and the community we serve. 💙

🎥 Watch their story below — a beautiful reminder that HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is more than a hospital… it’s a family.

Join us for a special birthday celebration and experience the joy and spirit of the season together at our Christmas Tree Lighting!🎄✨

📅 Thursday, December 11, 5:30 to 8 pm
📍 HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, Bayside
🔗 RSVP: https://bit.ly/4iAwbTu

Let’s celebrate 75 years of hope and healing — and all the bright moments still to come. 💎

12/04/2025

Chest pain feels different for everyone – it can be a dull ache or a sudden, sharp stabbing sensation. Regardless of how it feels, it’s important to take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort sticks around, it could be a sign of a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition like a heart attack or a blood clot.

Last year across our broader HCA Healthcare network, our emergency rooms saw nearly 838,000 visits related to cardiac complaints. You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if your chest pain is severe or accompanied by any of the symptoms shown here, seek emergency care immediately. Know where to find an emergency room near you: https://bit.ly/48yfd3t.

12/04/2025

📊 Obesity can shorten life expectancy by up to 10 years — but every healthy choice you make can help rewrite that statistic.
Let’s make those choices together.

Join us on December 16 for a free Weight Loss Options Seminar with our expert team.

Better health is within reach. 💚 Will you take the first step? Register today: https://bit.ly/4atgwDs

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

How do you do it? Wash your hands, that is. Do you sing Jingle Bells? Happy Birthday? Whatever's on your handwashing playlist, in honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week. We encourage you to help prevent the spread of infection and keep loved ones healthy with simple soap and water wash.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
✨Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
✨Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available.
✨Remember to clean all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails.

Read more health tips to keep your family heathy this winter: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/protect-your-family-from-illness-with-healthy-hand-hygiene-this-winter.

Let's make hand hygiene a habit and protect our communities!

12/02/2025

Need expert advice for your little one’s health concerns? Our Consult-A-Nurse® service connects you with licensed nurses 24/7, so you can make confident decisions without second-guessing.

Talk to our nurses — free and confidential — for trusted guidance on:
- Allergic reactions
- Common illnesses
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Minor injuries
- Rashes
- Respiratory problems

Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) 24/7.

12/01/2025

Our CEO Allyssa Tobitt will lead the charge to build a community of lifesavers as the 2025-2026 American Heart Association Miami-Dade Heart Walk chairperson. Join us for the Miami Dade Heart Walk on Dec. 13. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives. Visit

12/01/2025

While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, it can take a toll on your . According to American Heart Association, more people have heart attacks between late December and early January than any other time of year. This may be due to stress, disrupted routines, indulgent meals and less time for rest and exercise. If you saw a loved one collapse from cardiac arrest, would you know how to respond?

In this video, representatives from our HCA Healthcare family and the American Heart Association demonstrate how to perform , which involves these simple steps:

📱 Call 911 immediately.
✋ Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast.

Through our collaboration with the American Heart Association, HCA Healthcare is enhancing heart health across the country by leading nationwide education initiatives that promote heart-healthy habits, CPR training and awareness of warning signs of heart issues.

Learn more about Hands-Only CPR from the American Heart Association: https://bit.ly/4oE4b32

11/28/2025

Driven by our shared promise to improve more lives in more ways, HCA Healthcare ’s commitment to care extends beyond the walls of our facilities as we work to build stronger, more resilient communities where we live and serve.

Our colleagues and the work they do to lead and serve in the community amplify our mission to care for and improve human life. In 2024, HCA Healthcare colleagues volunteered 240,000 hours and more than 8,500 charities were supported through donations and volunteering.

Learn more about how we make a positive impact in the communities we serve at https://bit.ly/4p7Nmyc.

11/28/2025

As we continue in this season of gratitude, we’re honored to share a beautiful story from new parents Estefania and her husband, who recently returned to HCA Florida Mercy Hospital to express their heartfelt thanks.

Their son, Gael, was born here this past August, and in a moving letter, they shared how deeply they were touched by the compassion, professionalism, and humanity they experienced throughout their stay. From the warm welcome they received, to the attentive support of our nursing team, to the skilled hands of Dr. Youssef Mouhayer who delivered their baby boy — every moment left a lasting impact.

Their words remind us that gratitude lives in the little things: a reassuring smile, a calm voice, a thoughtful gesture, a team working seamlessly to bring new life into the world.

On this Thankful Friday, just after Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the families who trust us during life’s most meaningful moments — and for the caregivers who show up every day with heart.

11/27/2025

Just in time for Thanksgiving! 🦃

It’s these sweet little ones’ first Thanksgiving, and we’re grateful for the dedicated colleagues who are making this holiday special for them and their families.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our colleagues are committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment for every precious arrival. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, we’ve welcomed over 32,000 newborns in the past year.
Learn more about our comprehensive women's health services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postpartum care by clicking the link in our bio.

11/27/2025

Today and every day, we give thanks for our resilient patients and the communities that trust us with their care.

This , we’re especially grateful for the compassion, strength and dedication that define our HCA Florida South Shore Hospital team – and for the opportunity to show up for others in meaningful ways.

From our more than 84,000 colleagues to yours, we wish you a safe, joyful and healthy holiday. 🦃

Leave us a comment and share what you're for – we’d love to hear from you!

11/27/2025

Today, we pause to reflect on the many blessings in our lives, especially the incredible patients, families, and colleagues.

We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and for the trust you place in us every day. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or working to care for others, we honor you and wish you a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and peace.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2025

Dr. Luis Cadena, an equine veterinarian, recounts his journey from debilitating back pain to recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. His lifelong passion for horses was increasingly overshadowed by excruciating back pain. For years, he lived with a constant ache that he managed with shots and rehab, but the pain finally overwhelmed him while working with a horse, leaving him unable to stand.

An MRI revealed that his vertebrae were failing. At HCA Florida Ocala Hospital​, neurological surgeon Dr. Main performed a minimally invasive spine surgery, a procedure that offers smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. Immediately following the procedure, Dr. Cadena experienced a profound relief, waking up for the first time in 10 years completely pain-free.

Dr. Main explains that the minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to precisely target problem areas while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This specialized care is designed to help patients regain their quality of life. Today Dr. Cadena is finally free from pain, happily working with horses once more and reflecting on how HCA Florida Ocala Hospital helped him get his life back.

We understand that orthopedic conditions are unique and complex. We are proud to have hospitals ranked in the top five percent nationally for overall orthopedic services and joint replacement. Learn more about the full range of our orthopedic services by visiting: https://bit.ly/4inflHR.

11/26/2025

Heart conditions don’t always begin in childhood — and they don’t always make themselves known early.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) can remain hidden well into adulthood, only surfacing later in life. That’s why, especially for older adults, staying proactive with regular checkups and specialized care is essential to catching silent heart issues before they become serious.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, part of the broader HCA Healthcare network, we’re committed to delivering comprehensive heart, lung, and vascular services — right here in your community. In 2024 alone, HCA Healthcare's Congenital Heart Programs performed over 700 CHD surgeries, helping patients of all ages live healthier, fuller lives.

Call 833-544-5031 to connect with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.