When it comes to your family’s medical history, having detailed information is invaluable. Carrie Anderson, MS, LGC, a Genetic Counselor at St. Elizabeth, explains that while many people know a relative had a “heart condition,” healthcare recommendations can vary widely depending on whether it was coronary artery disease, a heart valve disorder, an abnormal heart rhythm or another condition. Gaining …

As a new parent, you want to do everything right for your baby — including helping them sleep safely. But with so many products online and trending on social media, it’s hard to know what’s truly safe. “Some products may look cozy or promise better sleep, but they may increase the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),” …

The leaves turning colors, a crispness in the air, pumpkins appearing on every corner – it must be fall. Along with pulling out the jackets and autumn decor, it’s important to also take protective steps for your health by getting your annual flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccines are created to match viruses …

Bathing your newborn can seem daunting at first, if not downright scary. Newborns are tiny, and the idea of stripping them out of their warm onesies and swaddle blankets and subjecting them to a wet – and potentially slippery – bath might alarm you. Take a deep breath, arm yourself with these tips from Dr. Frederick Stine, DO, a Pediatrician …

With the bitter cold temperatures of winter in full force, parents might be unsure how to dress their infants to keep them warm in teeth-chattering temperatures – without overdoing the layers. Generally, parents should put one layer more on their baby than they put on themselves in cold weather, said Dr. John LaCount, a pediatrician with St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Florence …

It’s that time of the year. The cold weather has driven everyone indoors and that close contact puts us as risk. Protect Yourself Against Flu and Other Illnesses Dr. Meghan Markovich, a Primary Care Physician with St. Elizabeth Physicians suggests four important steps: 1. Get a flu shot. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is get vaccinated every …

When Don Sosnoski first arrived in September for physical therapy at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, he was recovering from multiple rounds of pneumonia. He had severe swelling in his lower legs and trouble breathing. He needed two people to help him stand, move between chairs and get out of bed. Therapy exhausted him. “I couldn’t walk anymore,” he says. “I’d have …

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. But you can take control of your heart health by following simple lifestyle changes to reduce your risks. An online program developed by St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers tips, tools and strategies for living a life free from heart disease. Jeanie Foley is a registered nurse and the prevention and …

It’s true that parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, but at St. Elizabeth Physicians, we’re here to help you transition into the wonderful – and sometimes overwhelming – world of parenting. Our experts have put together a helpful list of appointments that your child shouldn’t miss: 1. Newborn screenings at the hospital The St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place administers the …

Winter is a beautiful but often challenging season, especially for new parents trying to keep their babies warm and safe. Our St. Elizabeth experts weigh in on the most important things to remember about babies and cold weather – helping to ease your mind and keep your little one healthy this winter. Cheri Prodoehl, RN, Maternal Child Health Education Specialist at …