Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

If you have asthma, you know you face unique challenges in winter. The good news is you can take steps to protect yourself and avoid triggers that worsen your symptoms. What is Cold-Induced Asthma? Winter air can be cold and dry. These weather conditions can cause swelling and extra mucus in the airways. For people who don’t have asthma, that’s no big deal. But for those with asthma, cold weather can worsen their asthma symptoms. The muscles inside their airways can also trigger airway spasms, causing more discomfort and airway irritation. Cold-Weather Asthma Symptoms Cold-induced asthma symptoms are no different…

Depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns have a way of making us feel alone. But what if you already knew a provider who could help you heal? Someone with training to evaluate your current mental health needs and start a plan of care catered to you? Turns out, you probably already do: It’s your primary care provider. Your Primary Care Provider’s Mental Health Role “Your primary care provider is more than just your go-to for physical health concerns — they are your partner in overall wellbeing, including mental health (sometimes called behavioral health). Starting your mental health care journey…

You do a lot. Maybe you’re the one your friends call for advice. Maybe you’re helping a parent. Or showing up for your children, coworkers, neighbors and community — always making space for others. But when was the last time you made space for yourself? This Mother’s Day, we invite every woman — whether you’re a mom, daughter, aunt or friend — to prioritize your health. Taking care of your health means showing up for yourself. Start by scheduling a mammogram for peace of mind and your future. Why Mammograms Matter Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers women face. Detecting…

It’s 7 a.m., and you have a choice to make. Your child still has a cough. They vomited yesterday. And their forehead feels a little warm. You’re pretty sure they should stay home. Or should they? After all, school attendance matters. Make-up work can be brutal. And you have so much to do today… At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your child (and the people around them). If you’re unsure after reading this article, call Nurse Now at 888-4STE-NOW. This free nurse helpline is available around the clock to assess your situation and…

Stuffy nose? Check. Nasty cough? Check. Fever? Check. Doctor appointment? Hmm. Should I? Cold and flu symptoms make you feel terrible. Home remedies (and a lot of sleep) can often get you through the worst of it. But sometimes you have to wonder — “Do I need professional care?” Deciding what to do and where to go can be a tough call — unless your first call is to Nurse Now, a free 24/7 nurse helpline offered by St. Elizabeth. Nurses are ready at (888) 4STE-NOW to answer your questions and guide you to the care you need. When is Cold…

Virtual health is here to stay, and it’s easy to see why. Patients love the convenience of accessing care via a smartphone, tablet or computer. And telehealth visits are often covered by insurance, just like traditional in-person appointments. Perhaps the biggest challenge is knowing which virtual healthcare option is right for you. At St. Elizabeth our goal is to make healthcare simple and accessible, so you can feel better faster — no matter what life throws your way. We’ve designed Virtual Health offerings that include: All our Virtual Health options are available to people in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. When Should…

“Powering through” a cold, flu or upset stomach tends to backfire because the longer you ignore your symptoms, the more likely they will linger. That’s why taking care of yourself is so important when you are feeling under the weather. Read on for five self-care tips, and then please, do yourself a favor. Get in your pajamas, warm up some chicken soup and take it easy. Your body will thank you. 1. Stay Home and Rest Rest should be your top priority when sickness sets in. It gives your body a chance to: The best place to rest is at…

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and most preventable cancers. Today, more young and middle-aged adults are diagnosed with colon cancer. With these rising cases, early detection and knowledge about your risk are critical. Screening for colon cancer can help save lives. There are several screening tests available to detect this problem in the pre-cancer phase: the gold standard being colonoscopy. Unfortunately, many people delay or avoid screening for colon cancer due to lack of adequate awareness. Here are five important facts about colon and rectal cancer risk factors and early detection. 1. You May Be at Risk Even if…

Robotic surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is nothing new. But the da Vinci 5 Surgical System is. It holds the promise of improving surgical outcomes for people undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. Shorter surgery time and less anesthesia. Reduced pain and better cosmetic results. Decreased risk of complications and a quicker recovery. When you’re having surgery, you’d be happy with any of these results. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want all of them? The new da Vinci robot at St. Elizabeth is designed to deliver. It’s part of our commitment to provide the best available surgical care to…

Putting off hernia surgery can increase your risk for complications. Then again, it’s sometimes OK to wait. Dr. Leonardo Geraci, DO, a General Surgeon practicing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says it’s important to evaluate each case individually. “Hernias are unique to each patient, and it’s critical to weigh the risks of waiting versus the benefits of early intervention to ensure the best outcome.” Your doctor can help you decide. Here, we highlight the different factors that determine whether hernia surgery is necessary and when you should schedule it. What is a Hernia? A hernia is a painful condition that happens when…