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The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid disease can manifest as hyperthyroidism (excessive production of the thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (under-active production of the thyroid hormone) or abnormal growth of thyroid tissue (nodules, goiter, cysts and/or cancer.) Our primary care physicians generally begin by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam and obtaining blood work to determine if there may be a thyroid problem. Often, referral to one of our Endocrinologists is needed.  More in-depth evaluation with ultrasound, needle biopsy and/or nuclear testing may also be required to make a diagnosis. Our physicians…

Every treatment available today in the fight against cancer is based on past clinical trials. It is no different in our fight against breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. When that one is you, you want to make sure that you have access to every treatment available—including the latest clinical trials. Doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to care for patients with breast cancer, whether it be trying to cure breast cancer or dealing with side effects of treatment. In fact, every new drug that is approved…

If you are considering a partial or total knee replacement, arguably you could not have picked a better time to get one. Dr. Matthew Hummel of OrthoCincy just this year joined an exclusive group of physicians performing robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement surgery, which offers a host of benefits to patients. Dr. Hummel will share his experience with the procedure at the next installment of the Living Without Limits lecture series presented by the Orthopedic Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, a partnership among St. Elizabeth Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Physicians and OrthoCincy. “Living Without Limits: Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement” will…

All babies born at the St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place in the months of November and December will receive a purple knitted hat to raise awareness for Shaken Baby Syndrome. The purple knitted hats represent the “Period of PURPLE Crying,” a nationwide educational program focused on informing parents and caregivers about crying in healthy infants. These bouts of crying – sometimes for hours – are normal but can be frustrating for parents. This frustration can lead to the baby being shaken or abused. “Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable,” says Tabatha Biddle, Maternal Child Health Education Specialist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.…

We’ve all heard the saying about being caught flat-footed. But what may really catch you by surprise – your flat feet could be causing your knee pain. If you suffer with knee arthritis, you understand the familiar symptoms of joint stiffness in the morning or pain when walking and standing for long periods of time. But when you combine knee arthritis and flat feet there may be a quick answer to alleviating pain – shoe inserts. Dana Hoskins, Physical Therapist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Florence Outpatient Physical Therapy says, “If a patient with knee pain has a flat foot, I…

The next step in minimally invasive spinal (lumbar) fusion is now available at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Mazor X technology is making it easier for surgeons to be more precise and efficient during spinal fusion surgery, meaning you are less likely to need spinal revision surgery. St. Elizabeth is the first in the region – and one of the first in the nation – to offer the upgraded Mazor X technology for spinal fusion surgery. The Mazor X tool is just one of many robotic tools offered at St. Elizabeth to increase the efficiency and precision of surgery as part of…

Falling back may have more of an impact on your health than you realize. A study released last year at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting found daylight saving time transitions may be tied to a temporary increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke, accounting for 87 percent of all cases. It is caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain. Previous research has shown that disruptions in a person’s circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, increase the risk of stroke. To see whether daylight saving time puts…

We asked St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center Dietitian Amber Cranfield, what we should be eating more of in 2018. The answer? Quinoa and sweet potatoes. Quinoa What it is: Quinoa is a grain, similar to rice or barley, but has much more nutritional quality. Why it’s so good: When looking at a list of healthiest foods, quinoa is always near the top, and for good reason. Quinoa contains healthy anti-inflammatory fats and a high amount of complete protein. Quinoa also earns praise for its high content of antioxidants, or cancer-fighting properties. How you get it: Quinoa is great in…

As I drove my children home from a basketball game recently, I heard a tiny voice from the back seat of my car say, “Mommy, my neck hurts.” I realized that my 5-year-old son had been playing Minion Rush (Universal Studios) for about 20 minutes as we drove home. As a physical therapist and sports clinical specialist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, I thought to myself, “How sad is it that a 5-year-old has neck pain?” Since that moment I have made a sincere effort to help my family, my friends and my patients decrease the negative effects of tech neck.…

Most of us will experience hip pain, and many of us will require medical care for pain that won’t go away. Most hip pain occurs for treatable reasons, and your doctor can help determine the cause and possible treatments. Occasionally, hip replacement is necessary, however, most pain is the result of factors that do not require a replacement. In those cases, a range of treatments may help, including physical therapy, injections, or medication. For others, hip arthroscopy can provide great relief.   Arthroscopy Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a camera (called an “arthroscope”) is inserted into the joint through a small…