Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

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 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 your…

Robotic surgery is one of the world’s most exciting, high-impact surgical advancements. The technology offers surgeons more precision, control and range of motion than traditional open or laparoscopic surgeries. For patients, that means less blood loss, infection risk and pain, and shorter recovery times. “Robotic surgery allows us to offer our patients a level of precision that was unimaginable just a few decades ago,” says Ryan Moon, MD, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “It’s transforming how we approach surgeries, leading to better outcomes and faster recoveries.” St. Elizabeth Healthcare began offering robotic surgery in 2009. Since then, our surgeons have…

Spring brings longer days, warm sunshine and fresh air — a perfect time for new beginnings. The extra daylight and rising temperatures can boost your mood and energy. But seasonal changes can also bring allergies, changing routines and new health concerns. These five tips can help you enjoy the season while keeping your health on track. Five Key Tips 1. Manage allergies before they start Spring allergies can cause sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes. There are a few things you can do to prepare, before they become too severe. “Managing allergies starts with prevention,” says Dr. Kassie Johnson, MD,…

When Angelica arrived at her last prenatal appointment, she expected a routine checkup. Instead, doctors detected pre-eclampsia — a pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure. Angelica’s plan changed in an instant. Following recommendations from every mom she knew, Angelica chose St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place in Edgewood, Ky. The birthing center features 33 private labor and delivery suites designed for comfort. Doctors induced her labor, and within a few hours, Angelica’s son Parker was born. Angelica anticipated the overwhelming joy of holding her baby boy for the first time. “I am a first-time mom — I had never experienced…