Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

April 1 is usually a day filled with good-natured fun. But for Alicia and Nick Eads, that day in 2010 took a more serious turn. Alicia was 20 weeks pregnant with twins, and she started having painful pre-term contractions. The couple, who had already lost two pregnancies, rushed to the Labor and Delivery Triage at St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital. To be cautious, physicians immediately told Alicia to stay off her feet and reduce her stress. “The doctors put me on bedrest and started me on medicine to stop me from having contractions,” says the now 42-year-old mother of three. “They…

Loaded and refreshing Italian Pasta Salad! Made with tender pasta, smoked salami, fresh veggies and herbs, two types of cheese, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing.

Finding your purpose can feel exhilarating, overwhelming or a little bit of both. We all crave a meaningful life that has a sense of purpose and worth. However, many people feel stuck in their day-to-day lives and struggle to discover their life purpose. No matter what stage of life or situation you’re in, there are three steps you can take to find your life purpose and the benefits of finding it. Step 1. Recognizing How a Sense of Purpose Can Benefit Your Health It may not be surprising to learn that people who feel they are living a meaningful life…

As an athletic trainer, Mike Quinn is passionate about health, fitness and keeping people safe and injury-free. So, it’s no surprise this 54-year-old dad volunteers for his 14-year-old daughter’s soccer team. What is surprising is that his commitment to keeping kids safe ended up saving his own life. After helping the girls warm up for practice one day in early March, Mike decided to go for a run. He stretched in the parking lot and set off on his run. After only a short distance, he collapsed. He’d had a heart attack. “I was at the far edge of the…

The chilly winds and dropping temperatures can only mean one thing – cold and flu season is approaching. It’s a time when we brace ourselves for the seasonal onslaught of coughs, sneezes, fever and body aches. And it’s important to be prepared. At St. Elizabeth, technology makes it easier than ever to seek medical care without leaving the comfort of your home. You can avoid traffic and transportation hassles by using our Video Visits On Demand service. We understand the inconvenience and discomfort that cold and flu symptoms can bring. That’s why we encourage you to use virtual health –…

What Is Interventional Pain Management and Is It Right for You? If you experience back, neck or knee pain, you know it can get in the way of everyday life. Over 20 million suffer from chronic pain in the U.S. Often this chronic pain doesn’t go away with traditional pain management, such as over-the-counter medicine, physical therapy or lifestyle changes. For many in this situation, interventional pain management may help. Interventional pain management is a medical specialty that uses safe and effective advanced techniques and minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat chronic pain. The goal is to reduce pain…

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), every year, 350,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart can’t pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. It can come on suddenly, without warning, or result from other conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) or an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy). We all have the power to step in when someone experiences cardiac arrest. The first step, always, is to call 9-1-1. And the second is hands-only CPR. This life-saving technique does not require medical knowledge – almost anyone can…

Have you been having low energy levels, mood issues or unexplained weight changes? If so, you may be experiencing thyroid problems. Anyone can have thyroid issues, but they are five to eight times more common in women. Thyroid problems in women can affect everyday energy levels, fertility, menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Menopause or pregnancy may also impact thyroid function. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that makes chemical messengers called thyroid hormones that travel through the bloodstream. They help control the body’s metabolism, which is responsible for digesting food, getting rid of waste and regulating energy levels.…

Most women younger than age 40 don’t need to begin mammogram screenings yet. Why? In your 20s and 30s, your risk for developing breast cancer is low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only around 9% of all new breast cancer cases occur in women under the age of 45. In addition, younger women are more likely to have dense breast tissue. Factors that can increase breast density include pregnancy and breastfeeding, which typically occur during those young adult decades. What Is Dense Breast Tissue? Breast tissue is made up of glandular, connective and fat tissue. When…

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has become something of a media darling. Fans of the chemical claim it effectively helps deal with pain, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease and more. Manufacturers sell it in many forms, and CBD stores have popped up all over the place. Now many are wondering whether it’s safe to take CBD while pregnant. The short answer: probably not. Here’s why. A Single Authorized Use CBD comes from the cannabis plant known as hemp. Another version of cannabis produces marijuana. Unlike marijuana, CBD’s roots are in hemp, a less potent sister plant. Hemp consists of less than 0.3%…