Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

If you could take a simple test that would identify your risks of developing a potentially deadly disease so you could prevent it or treat it sooner, wouldn’t you? A proactive genetic test can do just that. Caroline Ewart, Genetic Counselor in the Center for Precision Medicine and Genomic Health at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says, “Understanding your family tree is important for your future health. Genetics play a big role in what diseases we will develop in the future. The more we understand the family, the more you can proactively do to protect your health.” Many people don’t consider genetic…

Edgewood, KY – Since its 2013 launch, St. Elizabeth’s successful Lung Cancer Screening Program has taken direct aim at the disease in the Northern Kentucky region, completing more than 11,000 screenings and identifying over 100 lung cancers under Stage III, when it’s at its most treatable. But to the Thoracic Oncology Disease Management and Lung Cancer Screening Teams at St. Elizabeth, that wasn’t enough. Noticing a screening gap in those current or former smokers who may be at risk but do not meet typical insurance screening guidelines, St. Elizabeth has decided to expand the Lung Cancer Screening Program with a…

The American Heart Association estimates more than 121 million adults have cardiovascular disease. How are conditions like coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and heart valve disease affected if you are suddenly diagnosed with cancer and need treatment? Or, what if you develop heart disease from cancer treatment? This is when a cardio-oncology doctor can help. “Heart disease is common in the United States; add to that the increased number of cancer survivors on the planet, who are now living with heart disease because of their cancer,” says Doug Flora, M.D., medical oncologist and executive medical director of…

Did you know that your hands are directly affected by the cold? As the TriState community settles in for another Midwestern winter, the St. Elizabeth Hand Therapy team reminds you to stay in tune with your body’s needs during chilly weather. Hand pain, swelling and stiffness are common culprits in the winter – but luckily, specialized hand care is available. “The St. Elizabeth Hand Therapy department offers a variety of treatments for pain caused by cold weather,” says Ricki Collins, a Certified Hand Therapist and a Licensed Occupational Therapist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “We provide numerous modalities, including moist hot…

The added expenses that accompany a cancer diagnosis can put tremendous strain on many patients’ budgets. The med student musicians with Jamming for Hope are doing their best to alleviate that pressure so cancer patients can concentrate on what’s important—getting well. The local non-profit recently made what it hopes is the first of many contributions to the Cancer Center currently under construction on the Edgewood campus of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Jamming for Hope is a charity comprised primarily of medical students that raises money through music, according to Chris Harwood, who started the charity in 2017 with the help of…

If you and your partner are expecting a new baby, creating a birth plan is an excellent way to prepare for your little one’s birth. A birth plan represents what is important to a mother and her partner during labor and birth. This includes both things you would and would not like during active labor, such as medications, aromatherapy, laboring tubs and more. St. Elizabeth Healthcare knows how deeply personal giving birth is, and we’re committed to helping you explore all of the birthing options available to you. A birth plan is a perfect way to keep track of your…

You aren’t alone if the first thing you think of when you think of the holiday season is stress, stress, and more stress. All of that added stress can lead to serious health problems. Studies have shown that there is an increase in cardiac events during the holiday season, possibly triggered by activities such as shoveling heavy snow or a packed calendar of events. During this hectic time, do not ignore your heart health. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. “50% of patients who present with a heart attack experience atypical symptoms” says Dr. D.P.…

You felt your ankle roll, and then the pain. You are not alone; it is estimated that 25,000 sprains occur every day in the United States. It is one of the most common injuries among athletes. Dr. Michael Miller of St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine says, “An ankle sprain is the most common injury to the ligaments in your ankle. By twisting or turning your ankle in an unnatural way, you have pushed those ligaments past their boundaries. The ligaments surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot and provide you stabilization.” When you roll or twist your…

According to a Gallup poll released in 2019, Americans are among the most stressed people in the world. We are connected to our smartphones 24/7, and we seldom take vacations. Can all this stress put you at risk for a stroke? Stress is also very personal. Some people can handle high-stress situations, while others may not be able to function under stress. Andrew J. Ringer, MD, Chairman of Mayfield Brain and Spine, says there isn’t an easy answer to that question. He says, “There are no studies that directly link stress to a stroke, but stress is a factor in…

When a loved one is going through cancer, it impacts the entire family. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we know this can be an overwhelming and stressful time, and we’re here to help. The St. Elizabeth Cancer Center is proud to be working with local nonprofit organizations Cancer Family Care and Cancer Support Community to offer comprehensive support services to cancer patients and their loved ones. When the Center opens in fall 2020, areas for individual and family counseling along with support groups will be available on-site in the doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology, giving patients and their caregivers immediate…