Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

As the summer days gradually come to an end, we understand the mix of emotions that arise as you prepare your child for another school year. The anticipation, excitement, and even a touch of nervousness can create a whirlwind of emotions for both you and your child. We’re here to support you as the seasons change by providing an essential checklist to ensure your child’s health and well-being. Explore six important tips you can tackle before school starts to improve your child’s academic year and start them on the right foot. 1. Manage Medications Proper medication management is crucial to…

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It may not be possible to prevent all yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) but a few simple tips can help lower your risk of developing either one. Differences Between a Yeast Infection and a UTI Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus called Candida. It’s normal to have a small amount of yeast in the vagina and vulva, the area around the vagina that includes the clitoris, labia, and urethra. However, too much can lead to a yeast infection. Signs of a yeast infection may include: ● Itchiness, redness, or swelling in the vagina…

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As an expectant or new mom, we know you want the best for your baby. But this joyous time can also feel overwhelming — particularly if you face a substance-use problem. You may not know where to go or whom to ask for help. We understand, and we’re here to help, says Kellie Bishop, Baby Steps Program clinical nurse liaison. The St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program specializes in working with pregnant and new moms with substance-use challenges by providing support, resources and education to enhance the health of mother and baby. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance for…

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Deciding when to see a gynecologist is an important healthcare question for women and girls. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduling a first gynecological appointment, or wellness exam, between the ages of 13 and 15. Routine wellness exams with an OB/GYN provider are recommended for adult women. Knowing what to expect during an appointment and which symptoms require a visit to the OB/GYN are important for health at every stage of a woman’s life. What to Expect During an Appointment Wellness exams are a normal, natural part of maintaining women’s health. It’s helpful to be mentally…

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Mary Lynn Brunemann spent her childhood and adolescence outside and under the sun, including as a competitive swimmer and lifeguard. So when her mom was diagnosed with melanoma, Mary Lynn, a practicing nurse in occupational medicine, knew she had to take extra steps to monitor herself for skin cancer. “I’d always gone to the dermatologist once a year, but I began going more after my mom’s diagnosis,” says Mary Lynn. Mary Lynn had several lesions removed over the years. But last April, just weeks before her retirement from St. Elizabeth Foundation, she noticed a very small red spot on her…

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Midwives play a unique role in maternity care and delivery. Women around the world experience their invaluable contributions, patient connections and compassionate care. Here at St. Elizabeth Physicians Women’s Health, our certified midwives are integral to our women’s healthcare team. We sat down with St. Elizabeth Physicians patient Zoey Turner to learn about her experience with the midwifery team during her prenatal care and the delivery of her first baby in January 2023 Choosing Midwives for Care When she was around 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Zoey made the switch to midwifery care at St. Elizabeth Physicians. “I was looking…

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No doubt about it: mother-daughter relationships are complex. You can be the best of friends, or you can experience conflicts that pull you apart. When a mother and daughter have a difficult relationship, it can take an emotional toll on both and affect their mental health as well. But the mother-daughter bond can’t be broken easily. When both of you commit to it, it’s never too late to grow closer and have a healthy mother-daughter relationship. The Early Years Daughters are greatly influenced by their mothers. Often, the mom is the first person a child has a close relationship with.…

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You’ve dreamed of bringing your bundle of joy home. Now that it’s happened, your body and brain are doing things you never expected. Is something wrong with you? Probably not. You’re probably experiencing typical postpartum symptoms. But since they’re unpleasant, most people don’t want to talk about them. Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression Before labor, the only postpartum symptom you probably expected was joy. Now, your hormone levels are all over the place. As a result, you have wild mood swings. You even feel sad and struggle to bond with your baby. Known as “the baby blues,” this sadness is…

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