There are times when it’s good to be first and times when, perhaps, you’d rather not be. Deep in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dustin Clark experienced both as the first ECMO patient treated at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation — is a technology that helped some of the nation’s sickest COVID-19 patients survive respiratory failure. …
In most cases, heart failure is a progressive condition that prevents the body’s vital organs from getting the blood and oxygen they need. But advanced medical devices and better medical care are helping people with heart failure live longer and better. At age 67, Michael Long has outlived most males on his father’s side of the family. Heart disease has …
Someday, Veronica Williams and her husband Sean will have quite the story to tell their daughter Brooklynn about her birthday. That day, when Brooklynn entered the world, her mom came close to leaving it. It was March 9, 2022, weeks ahead of Brooklynn’s due date. For days, Veronica’s smartwatch had alerted her to an abnormally high heart rate. When she …
When it comes to high blood pressure, ignorance isn’t bliss. In fact, not knowing could kill you. That’s because high blood pressure (hypertension) has few noticeable symptoms. Left untreated, it can damage your kidneys, heart and other organs before you even realize you have it. The good news is by understanding your risk of high blood pressure and taking steps …
Getting enough quality sleep each night is good for your whole body – including making sure your heart stays healthy. Experts recommend that adults of all ages get an average of seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to help keep their bodies (and heart) in tip-top condition. Dr. Anusha Shanbhag, MD, a Cardiologist at the Florence Wormald …
Maximizing Nutrition Without Breaking the Bank If you want to improve your eating habits by incorporating more fruits, vegetables and lean protein, you may be worried that doing so will be too expensive. While whole foods can sometimes cost more than packaged foods, there are ways to make eating healthy cost-effective. Plus, it’s always worthwhile to eat better for your …
Heart valve disease can lead to serious complications if not properly treated, but with early detection and advanced treatment options, many patients can successfully manage their condition. The Structural Heart & Valve Center offers the latest treatments for heart valve disease, including minimally invasive options. Dive deeper with Dr. Michael Kasten, MD, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, as …
It was a beautiful Friday in September, and Shelly Emrick was in her element, volunteering at a community service event. As the crowd grew, a fellow volunteer asked her to sign up for a carotid artery screening. The St. Elizabeth Healthcare CardioVascular Mobile Health Unit was parked nearby, waiting for its first “customer,” she explained. “Just get the ball rolling,” …
David, a Kentucky-born Permanent Deacon now living in Ohio, spent decades battling a smoking addiction that controlled his life. Starting in college, his habit grew to two packs a day. It left him breathless, coughing constantly and worried about his health. When a low-dose CT scan at St. Elizabeth showed lung abnormalities and loved ones encouraged him to quit, David …
Nourish Your Body and Mind Through Journaling What you eat impacts the way your body functions and plays a big role in your overall health. Making better food choices helps build a stronger immune system, improves digestion, boosts energy levels and reduces your risk of developing many serious health conditions, including heart disease. Ever wonder how keeping track of the …
