Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

More than 10% of Americans have diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 36 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and more than 2 million Americans have type 1 diabetes. The food we eat – particularly sweets and carbohydrates – convert into glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. People with diabetes have a problem either with insulin production or how their body responds to insulin. The glucose stays in the blood instead of being stored in the body for energy, creating a potentially dangerous situation. What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Many people don’t realize…

University of Alabama’s recently injured quarterback hoped the TightRope ankle surgery would help him get off the bench and back in the game for one the biggest games of his season, and long before the season’s end. Alabama’s well-known quarterback suffered a high ankle sprain during a mid-October game against longtime rival, Tennessee. Crimson Tide fans were relieved when he was able to return to the field on November 9 against LSU. The innovative TightRope procedure allowed Alabama’s star to return to action just four weeks to the date of his high ankle sprain against Tennessee. Innovation That Makes a…

You may have heard the term “integrative oncology” and wondered what it means – and if you or a loved one with cancer could benefit from it. The short answer: absolutely. Integrative oncology uses complementary therapies alongside traditional cancer treatments. For cancer patients, this could mean extra support with treatment side effects, stress relief and emotional balance during a difficult time. Northern Kentucky cancer patients and their families will soon have access to these services in one location at the new St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art cancer facility with a dedicated integrative oncology space, call the doTERRA Center for…

When you are undergoing cancer treatment, your diet and nutrition are an important part of keeping you healthy. Susan Wallace MS, RD, LD, dietitian at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, says, “Your diet is an important part of your overall health. The problem during cancer treatment is all of the barriers that get in the way of optimal nutrition.” Common barriers to healthy eating during cancer treatment could include: Changes in tasteConstipationDiarrheaDry mouthFatigueLoss of appetiteMouth soresNauseaThroat pain (common during head and neck cancer treatment) The Importance of Diet during Cancer Treatment “Thinking about eating three big meals a day can be…

After a hot and humid summer, many of us welcome the crisp fall days with open arms. However, for some people, the shorter days and the switch to colder temperatures can also bring along depression and disengagement from friends, family and life. If you find that a shift in the weather deeply impacts your mood, you could have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD impacts millions of Americans each year, especially those living in northern climates with long stretches of cold. Women have the highest risk of developing SAD, as well as people who: Lack exposure to sunlight.Are at high risk…

With a busy lifestyle, you don’t want anything to slow you down. A shoulder injury can not only slow you down, but you will also find the pain hard to live with every day. David Stepner, PT, St. Elizabeth Burlington explains, “Typically, shoulder injuries come from overuse in sports with a lot of overhead movement, such as baseball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming. However, usual tasks performed everyday such as yard work, housecleaning, and home maintenance when done repetitively or with too much weight, can also be the cause of overuse injuries of the shoulder.” The most common shoulder injury from…

No one likes cold and flu season, but it strikes an extra chord of stress in new parents. With the holidays on the horizon, it can be overwhelming to attend the usual family festivities while toting along your sweet, lovable germ-susceptible baby. What’s a parent to do? The experts at St. Elizabeth Healthcare have you covered. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and tricks to managing holiday fun with your brand-new baby in tow. Use that baby wrap Keep your baby close – and away from germy hands and kisses – by using a baby wrap, sling or carrier.…

The holiday season is so busy. You run around buying presents, attending parties, and visiting family and friends. But the end of the year is not a great time to let your diet slip. The problem with holding on to those holiday pounds is it adds up year after year. Betsy Oriolo, MS, RD, LD, CDE a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator at the St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center says, “Most of us will gain some amount of weight over the holidays. While some people can lose it once the new year starts, some of us have a harder…

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we know that a breast cancer diagnosis can be shocking and overwhelming. We offer comprehensive care from the moment of your breast cancer diagnosis through your surgery, treatments, recovery and beyond. Our breast cancer care protocol has recently expanded to include meeting with a genetic counselor shortly after your diagnosis. New guidelines recommend multi-gene panel genetic testing be offered to all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, regardless of age or family history. “Genetic information can be very impactful,” says Justine Snyder, Licensed Genetic Counselor in the Precision Medicine and Genetics program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Our…

Many of us have experienced the “pee a little when you sneeze” phenomenon. Urinary incontinence isn’t something you have to live with – and it isn’t a normal part of pregnancy and post-partum life. Pregnancy and Leaking Urine: Why does it happen? More than 46 percent of pregnant women have trouble with leaking urine. Following pregnancy, one in three women report having decreased bladder control after childbirth – and almost 80 percent of women are unable to properly contract their pelvic floor muscles one year after having a baby. “Pregnancy and labor/delivery causes increased stress on the pelvic floor,” says…