Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

“Powering through” a cold, flu or upset stomach tends to backfire because the longer you ignore your symptoms, the more likely they will linger. That’s why taking care of yourself is so important when you are feeling under the weather. Read on for five self-care tips, and then please, do yourself a favor. Get in your pajamas, warm up some chicken soup and take it easy. Your body will thank you. 1. Stay Home and Rest Rest should be your top priority when sickness sets in. It gives your body a chance to: The best place to rest is at…

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and most preventable cancers. Today, more young and middle-aged adults are diagnosed with colon cancer. With these rising cases, early detection and knowledge about your risk are critical. Screening for colon cancer can help save lives. There are several screening tests available to detect this problem in the pre-cancer phase: the gold standard being colonoscopy. Unfortunately, many people delay or avoid screening for colon cancer due to lack of adequate awareness. Here are five important facts about colon and rectal cancer risk factors and early detection. 1. You May Be at Risk Even if…

Robotic surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is nothing new. But the da Vinci 5 Surgical System is. It holds the promise of improving surgical outcomes for people undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. Shorter surgery time and less anesthesia. Reduced pain and better cosmetic results. Decreased risk of complications and a quicker recovery. When you’re having surgery, you’d be happy with any of these results. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want all of them? The new da Vinci robot at St. Elizabeth is designed to deliver. It’s part of our commitment to provide the best available surgical care to…

Putting off hernia surgery can increase your risk for complications. Then again, it’s sometimes OK to wait. Dr. Leonardo Geraci, DO, a General Surgeon practicing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says it’s important to evaluate each case individually. “Hernias are unique to each patient, and it’s critical to weigh the risks of waiting versus the benefits of early intervention to ensure the best outcome.” Your doctor can help you decide. Here, we highlight the different factors that determine whether hernia surgery is necessary and when you should schedule it. What is a Hernia? A hernia is a painful condition that happens when…

Robotic surgery is one of the world’s most exciting, high-impact surgical advancements. The technology offers surgeons more precision, control and range of motion than traditional open or laparoscopic surgeries. For patients, that means less blood loss, infection risk and pain, and shorter recovery times. “Robotic surgery allows us to offer our patients a level of precision that was unimaginable just a few decades ago,” says M. Ryan Moon, MD, a General Surgeon practicing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “It’s transforming how we approach surgeries, leading to better outcomes and faster recoveries.” St. Elizabeth Healthcare began offering robotic surgery in 2009. Since then, our…

Spring brings longer days, warm sunshine and fresh air — a perfect time for new beginnings. The extra daylight and rising temperatures can boost your mood and energy. But seasonal changes can also bring allergies, changing routines and new health concerns. These five tips can help you enjoy the season while keeping your health on track. Five Key Tips 1. Manage allergies before they start Spring allergies can cause sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes. There are a few things you can do to prepare, before they become too severe. “Managing allergies starts with prevention,” says Dr. Kassie Johnson, MD,…

When Angelica arrived at her last prenatal appointment, she expected a routine checkup. Instead, doctors detected pre-eclampsia — a pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure. Angelica’s plan changed in an instant. Following recommendations from every mom she knew, Angelica chose St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place in Edgewood, Ky. The birthing center features 33 private labor and delivery suites designed for comfort. Doctors induced her labor, and within a few hours, Angelica’s son Parker was born. Angelica anticipated the overwhelming joy of holding her baby boy for the first time. “I am a first-time mom — I had never experienced…

Personalized Nurse Midwife Labor and Delivery Care As a mom, there was little mystery or newness surrounding Markie’s second pregnancy. But because it would be her last, Markie wanted to cherish every moment and was looking for a personalized labor and delivery experience. That’s why she followed the advice of several friends who delivered their babies at St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place, a birthing center with 33 private labor and delivery suites in Edgewood, Ky. She wanted a team that valued her individualized birth plan. It was also important that her delivery was safe and unforgettable — one where she…

Osteoporosis is common — two in 10 women over age 50 have it. Osteoporosis happens when your body loses more bone tissue than it produces. Bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. Unfortunately, the first sign of osteoporosis is often a broken bone. Aloiya Kremer, MD, a Sports Medicine Physician and the Medical Director for St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine, is passionate about helping men and women understand their osteoporosis risk. She also provides treatment options to help them rebuild bone. These treatments include two injectable drugs for people at high risk for fractures. We sat down with…

Whether you’re having a hernia repair, gallbladder removal or another common procedure performed by a surgeon, it’s important to feel informed and confident about your care. Kevin Schuler, MD a Gynecologic Oncologist and Assistant Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says “Asking the right questions can empower you and lead to better outcomes.” And when patients come prepared with questions, it helps build trust and ensures they feel confident about their care plan. “At St. Elizabeth, we encourage open communication to deliver the best outcomes possible,” says Dr. Schuler. Below are 10 key questions to ask your surgeon…