Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Shingles is a condition involving an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin. It is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. People who have had chicken pox in the past are at risk for developing shingles later because the virus remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body. A person must already have had a case of chicken pox in order to develop shingles. Unfortunately, not everyone knows for certain if they have had chicken pox. About one in three people in the U.S. will develop shingles. About half of all shingles cases occur…

Keeping diabetes in check, be it type 1 or type 2, is a lot of work. A well-chosen care team can help patients track of their diets, exercise and medications ““ all key components in managing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends these core members be included on your care team: A primary care physician experienced in treating diabetes. Your primary care doctor can also refer you to other specially-trained health professionals who will make up your care team. A certified diabetes educator (CDE), or specially trained nurse, doctor, podiatrist, pharmacist or other providers. They will teach you the ins…

In case you missed it, NBC News aired an exclusive interview this week with Ebola survivor, Dr. Kent Brantly. We find his story of human survival and recovery inspiring and will be watching the full interview when it airs tomorrow night, September 5. As we watch as cases are still being reported (none of which have been reported in the United States), we can’t help but ask ourselves, what are my chances of being exposed to the virus, a severe and often fatal disease? “We’ve received a few calls with questions about Ebola,” said Patricia Burns, RN, CIC, manager of…

Trying to find something fun to make for dinner tonight? We’ve got you covered. A few simple ingredients and steps and you’ll have dinner that is both social and delicious. Whether it’s for the family, a friend get together or a neighborhood party, everyone will have fun assembling their own. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts 2 Bell peppers, cut into strips ½ yellow onion, cut into strips 4 whole wheat flour tortillas 1 pkt fajita seasoning mix 1 Tbsp canola oil Condiments: salsa, fat-free sour cream, lettuce, diced tomato Directions: Bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 375 degrees…

We hear the claims about probiotics from Dr. Oz and see the articles on Facebook. Friends say adding more probiotics to their diet has had a huge impact. But, what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are living microorganisms (one-cell living beings) frequently referred to as “cultures” that are usually bacteria, but can include yeast as well. Probiotics encourage: Proper development of the immune system Digestion of food and absorption of nutrients Absorption vitamins and minerals Elimination of toxins Prevention the overgrowth of yeast and other pathogens A little gut lesson” The gut has a big influence on health because it has…

A new layer was added to the flu shot debate ““ and it centers around moms-to-be. Like many of people, pregnant women may question whether or not they should get a flu shot, or maybe they don’t think of it at all. In August, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) called for all pregnant women to get a flu shot regardless of how far along they are in their pregnancy. The call to action came from updated guidelines by ACOG, and more evidence showing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for pregnant women. “It is important to…

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Although more women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in recent decades, fewer women have died because of early diagnosis and better treatments. The cause of breast cancer is not known. A number of things increase your risk for breast cancer: Gender A woman is 100 times more likely than a man to contract breast cancer (although the disease affects men as well). Age The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The majority of women with invasive breast cancer are 50 or older when diagnosed. Genetics Genes…

Whether you’re riding solo or cycling with kids, you’ll find a trail that’s perfect for you – right here in Greater Cincinnati. Check out some of our favorites below: Ohio River Trail”“ If your kids are begging to bike with you ““ or you’re dragging them ““ this is the perfect trail. The four-mile paved path sits right along the Ohio River and passes through several parks, by the Reds and Bengals stadiums and near many restaurants. The best part – the Ohio River Trail is pretty flat, making it a great fit for any ability level. While cruising…

They’re tasty, colorful and ““ usually ““ made with healthy ingredients. But, your daily smoothie can be hiding calories and contaminants. Try these six tips to keep your smoothie tasty ““ and healthy: Use fresh, local fruits and vegetables when possible. They contain the most nutrition and taste better. Wash your fruit and vegetables in a mild soapy dishwashing liquid and rinse thoroughly to eliminate bacteria, fungus and insect larvae. That includes bananas! Choose frozen items that do not contain sugar or preservatives if you crave an ingredient that is not in season. Thicken your smoothie with coconut milk, almond…

We know how busy you are. From rushing home to pick up the kids to dealing with household chores and helping with homework, you barely have time to make dinner, let alone plan a healthy menu and take a trip to the store. BuzzFeed takes the guesswork out of meal planning this week with a list of seven quick and healthy dinners. Now, you just need to find time to go to the store. Trust us, your tummy ““ and your waistline ““ will appreciate it! Maybe you can even sneak in a few minutes of peace and quiet on…