Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

If you had to guess the most common fracture from osteoporosis, chances are you’d pick hip or wrist fractures. Surprisingly, there is a much more common culprit: spinal compressions, which occur in more than 700,000 patients each year. Officially known as osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, this type of fracture causes severe, debilitating pain. Compression fractures are generally resistant to conventional fracture treatments of bedrest, anti-inflammatories, spinal bracing and even opioid pain relievers. Kyphosis and back pain Osteoporosis — which causes bone to lose its density, mass and strength — and cancer treatments can leave the spine weak and susceptible to…

For many Cincinnatians, training for the Flying Pig Marathon has one major roadblock: winter weather. Between snow-packed sidewalks, below-freezing temperatures and strong winter winds, frostbite is a significant risk to outdoor marathon training. But the race must go on – and with these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to safely train in even the chilliest winter weather. Frostbite – what is it? Frostbite occurs when cold temperatures damage the skin – and many people don’t realize how quickly it can happen during the winter months. Frostbite can occur in below-freezing (32° F) temperatures, and once the temperature dips…

Dear St. Elizabeth, I’m writing to thank you and the staff of your Heart & Vascular Institute for giving me my life back. I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis a few years ago and learned that this meant my heart’s aortic valve was not allowing proper blood flow. What this meant to me in the course of day to day life was that my stamina was on a downward trajectory and the things I liked to do were slowly becoming unavailable to me. I’m an outdoors kind of person that, having been raised on a working farm, learned to appreciate…

There’s a lot of advice out there on how to live a healthier, longer life – but actually accomplishing that can feel out-of-reach for some people. The American Heart Association provides a realistic science-based foundation to help people achieve success. Their formula focuses on five lifestyle behaviors and three health factors that make up eight key components for better cardiovascular health, it’s called Life’s Essential 8. Here are the eight actions the American Heart Association recommends: The eye-opening thing about the eight actions is – you only need a doctor for a few of them. Most people can make a…

It’s a question that mothers of tweens and teens frequently ask their OB-GYN: When is it time for my daughter’s first appointment? The women’s health specialists at St. Elizabeth Healthcare know this question can be tricky – but it doesn’t have to be. Check out our Q&A session with our compassionate team of obstetrician/gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and rest assured that at St. Elizabeth, your daughter’s care is in the best hands. At what age should a young woman first see an OB-GYN? According to Dr. Abby Loftus-Smith, OB-GYN at St. Elizabeth, there is no “perfect” age to start seeing an…

Each year – especially during cold and flu season – millions of people head to the doctor to address their bothersome cough symptoms. We’ve all been there – the sore, scratchy throat, the dry tickle that keeps you awake half the night and the congested cough that makes everyone nearby want to take cover. What’s a sick person to do? Dr. Drew Byers, Primary Care Physician at St. Elizabeth Physicians, weighs in with some quick and simple guidelines for cold and flu season. “As a general rule, I like to discuss with patients what may be causing their cough and…

In order to get the most effective treatment for your epilepsy and seizures, you need a proper diagnosis. Some physicians will try medications after a thorough examination and family history, or others may want to determine if you are truly having seizures. St. Elizabeth now offers an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at St. Elizabeth Edgewood facility, dedicated to continuously monitor your seizures in a safe environment. The new unit allows advanced diagnosis and treatment for difficult to diagnose seizures or epilepsy. “Ten percent of the population will have a seizure in their lifetime,” says Dr. Ty Brown, Neurologist with St.…

Maybe you’ve never heard of pelvic floor disorders – or perhaps you suspect you might have one but you aren’t sure what to do about it. Pelvic floor disorders are caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, menopause or simply aging. The connective tissues surrounding the pelvis can no longer easily support the organs in the pelvic area, causing a host of painful and sometimes embarrassing symptoms. But rest assured – help is here. The St. Elizabeth Physicians team of fellowship-trained and board-certified Urogynecologists offer specialized, compassionate care to women in the TriState. Pelvic Floor Disorders According to the…

It’s that time of year. The beginning of a new year rolls around and everyone is standing around the water cooler at the office talking about which diet they are starting. Rachel Wagner, MS, LD, a licensed dietitian at St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center tells us, “The latest diet trend always promises rapid weight loss, but the truth is, most people don’t keep the weight off after they stop the diet.” Whether you are starting Keto, Pegan, Noom, or intermittent fasting, the key is to use that time to help you change your eating habits and develop a better…

Health and fitness goals often top our New Year’s Resolutions lists. They’re a great reboot after the hustle, bustle and extra fun of the holidays. But can your primary care physician help with your New Year’s Resolutions? The experts at St. Elizabeth Physicians say yes – in a variety of ways.  Step 1: Make an Appointment First, our team of experts encourages you to start 2024 by scheduling a well visit with your primary care provider. Your appointment won’t take much time out of your busy schedule, but it sets the right tone for the year ahead. You’re putting your health as…