Is Your “Minimally Invasive” Surgery Truly Minimal? The term ‘minimally invasive’ is often referred to as the gold standard in modern cardiac care. However, many patients don’t realize that it is a broad category that encompasses: Various less-invasive procedures that promise general benefits like faster healing and reduced pain when compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Many different techniques, including those …
When Shawn Martin collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest during a Sunday stroll, his wife Emily didn’t hesitate. She called 911 and immediately began CPR. What followed was a remarkable chain of events that not only saved Shawn’s life but saw him discharged from the hospital just three days later. In the world of cardiac care, that kind of recovery is …
Your health evolves from year to year — and your care should, too. That’s why an annual wellness visit is one of the most valuable appointments you can make. It’s your dedicated time to check in with your primary care provider, talk through health changes, review preventive screenings and get ahead of potential issues before they affect your life. At St. Elizabeth, we view this visit …
The New Year is a time for fresh starts and developing habits that shape a healthier future. But, instead of making resolutions, consider making small, meaningful changes to improve your life over the long haul. Questions like “How often should I get a mammogram?”, “When should I start colon cancer screening?” or “What are the best cancer prevention tips for …
Find Strength in Every Story. Share Your Own. Becoming a mom is one of life’s most powerful journeys. It’s filled with moments of excitement, uncertainty and joy. Whether you’re learning about early signs of pregnancy, exploring pregnancy symptoms week-by-week, or preparing for delivery, you’ll find care that listens, supports and celebrates you — through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, …
The holidays bring light, joy and togetherness. But for people facing cancer, this season can also bring stress, fatigue and mixed emotions. Balancing treatment schedules, social gatherings and physical changes can feel overwhelming. During this time, emotions can feel close to the surface — gratitude, worry, hope and exhaustion often blend together. Recognizing those feelings, rather than pushing them aside, …
When it comes to hernia repair, patients today have more options than ever before—thanks to advancements in robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Audrey Ertel, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth is helping patients recover faster and feel better with this innovative approach. “A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall,” explains Dr. Ertel. “We …
When it comes to your heart, you want the best care possible. The heart surgery team at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is delivering cutting-edge procedures and care that improve outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Juan Penaranda, a Cardiac Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare explains what patients can expect and feel confident about when it comes to their heart care here. Q: What Makes St. Elizabeth a Leader in Advanced Heart Surgery? St. Elizabeth is certified by The Joint …
Finding out you need heart surgery can be a daunting and anxiety-filled experience, no matter where you are in your journey. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we recognize these concerns and are committed to making sure you receive comprehensive pre- and post-surgical support to ensure a better recovery and long-term heart health. Our dedicated team does this by working together as one. “Our surgery team is vast,” says Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, a …
You’re eating what you’ve always eaten. Your exercise routine hasn’t changed. Yet, you’re putting on weight. What gives? If you’re in menopause, it’s likely hormonal changes are partly to blame. Unfortunately, the same factors that cause weight gain during menopause make it more challenging to shed pounds. So, what’s a menopausal woman to do? Read on. The Menopause-Weight Gain Connection …


