Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

In the hot summer months, the pool is usually a favorite way to cool off. Unfortunately it can also be a dangerous place for young swimmers. According to Modern Mom, drowning is the second most common cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and younger. In fact, the article estimates more than  370 children will drown next year within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. This terrible statistic doesn’t come from neglectful parenting, drowning can catch Moms and Dads  by surprise. The instinctive drowning response is characterized by silence, not thrashing and yelling portrayed in the movies.…

It’s normal to crave a mid-day snack or an extra portion of your favorite dish at dinner, but if you can’t get food  off your mind, something may not be right. According to CNN, finding out why your stomach is always growling can tip you off to an underlying physical or mental health issue. If you’ve experienced a growing appetite lately, see if one of these 11 problems applies to you. The list includes symptoms  you may not  associate with hunger like a lack of sleep, a high-pressure work day and even your Pinterest boards.

We think 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. But we’re not sure. The figure is only an estimate because there’s no definitive test that tells doctors and patients Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia characterized by the formation of abnormal proteins in the brain, is what’s causing memory or behavioral changes. Right now, the diagnosis is often the doctor’s best guess, based on the patient’s symptoms and behavior, and his or her health history. The only way to be sure a person had Alzheimer’s is to study his or her brain after death and look for the telltale changes the disease…

If you have diabetes, you should already know that physical activity does all kinds of good things for you: It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, improves circulation, improves heart and lung function and boosts your mood. Of course, exercise also helps with weight loss. Burning just 100 calories a day five days a week can help trim pounds quickly. The American Diabetes Association offers these ideas for how to work a 100-calorie burn into your schedule. Remember, the amount of calories you burn will vary, depending on how intensely you exercise and how much you weigh. People who weigh…

You’ve put up with the clicking, the pain and stiffness. You’ve gotten medication and injections, tried physical therapy and even alternative treatments like acupuncture, but the question still lurks: When is it time to finally give in and get a joint replaced? The simple answer is there is no simple answer, according to Dr. Matthew Hummel. It’s all about how you feel A physician from OrthoCincy who specializes in hip and knee replacements, Hummel explained that it really comes down to quality of life. “Unless there’s the immediacy of a fracture or a sports injury, the question of when…

At this point, we all know how important sunscreen is to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It aids in preventing age spots, wrinkles, rough skin and, most importantly, cancer. Even if you’re the most devoted sunscreen user, you’re probably still guilty of making some major mistakes that could sabotage your skin. This list of seven  common (and easily fixable) sunscreen faux paus from Charlotte’s Book reveals some surprising ways you could improve your sun protection this summer. Our top three takeaways: Wear sunscreen every day, not just when you’ll be in the sun for an…

Trail running may not seem much different than running on the road or sidewalk, but it does require a different type of skills. Depending on the season and the weather, you may need a different wardrobe – including a pair of shoes with a better tread and longer pants or tights so you don’t rub against poison ivy, poison oak or thorns. Running on trails also uses different muscle groups than running on flat surfaces. If you’re new to  trail runs, take your time and don’t be afraid to slow down or walk through difficult  sections. Here  are a few…

Nothing says summer like an afternoon picnic. While they  are a great way to bond as a family – or with a group of friends – some of the dishes in your basket are filled with unneeded calories, fat and sugar. The writers at  Greatist shared their  favorite  healthy picnic meals, including  sandwiches, (including a hummus-veggie spiral we can’t wait to try), salads, snacks, sides, desserts and drinks. So before you pack the PB&J, pasta salad covered in mayonnaise and a few cans of soda, consider a few new options. Do you have a favorite summery picnic recipe for us…

If you’re a Type 1 diabetic, planning a day (or week) at Disney can seem daunting. From the Mickey ice cream treats to the heat, it can be easy to lost control of your insulin. A  Buzzfeed  writer shares one priceless  tip  for anyone fearing blood sugar low while waiting in a lengthy line. Let a crew member know you have  diabetes, and that you’re not feeling well. He or she will give you and your family a FastPass slip to skip the line as soon as you’re feeling better. Just another reason why Disneyland is the happiest place on…

Do you know a teen who loves kids and wants to earn a little extra spending money? Babysitting could be the perfect gig for him or her, especially during  the summer. If you or your teen is concerned  about the responsibilities associated with taking care of  someone else’s child, register for the  St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Safe Sitter class. What will my teen learn? Your teen  (ages 11-13) can learn how to handle emergencies, keep children busy and manage the business side of babysitting. Each participant  who passes the course will receive a certificate and manual with all the information discussed…