Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough. But what if you weren’t sure your treatment center was right for you? In this episode of Rounding with Patients, you’ll meet Larry and Holly, who faced this unsettling question. Learn why they decided to come to the Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth — even though it meant crossing the river and traveling to Edgewood, Ky. Q: Why Did You Switch Your Cancer Care to St. Elizabeth? Holly and Larry were already receiving cancer treatment elsewhere when they began to wonder if they were in the best place for their…

Cardiac Surgery Team Delivers Life-Changing Results When it comes to heart health, expertise matters. At St. Elizabeth, a nationally recognized leader in cardiac surgery, patients and families find unparalleled care, close to home. Through cutting-edge techniques, specialized teams and a commitment to patient-centered care, St. Elizabeth is transforming lives across the region. In recent years, St. Elizabeth has built a cardiac surgery program that surpasses other programs. Performing a full range of procedures—including minimally invasive techniques for heart valve issues—they are the only hospital in the region offering endoscopic surgery for valve problems. This commitment to excellence has earned national…

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and developing habits that shape a healthier future. But, instead of making resolutions — make 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 women and men?” often surface when thinking about health goals. You can take small steps. Start by prioritizing your diet and exercise goals. Doing so can lower cancer risk and lead to a healthier, longer tomorrow. Taking care of your…

As the New Year begins, many people start with a new resolution — often to develop healthier habits. For those recovering from surgery, these resolutions can make a big difference. Drinking enough water and eating healthy foods are key to healing. When you focus on these good habits, it can help your body recover faster and feel better overall. Hydration: The Foundation of Healing Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most critical steps you can take to support your body post-surgery. Hydration improves your body’s circulation, promotes cellular repair and helps the body flush out toxins. “Hydration is…

Dr. Doug Flora is the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, overseeing clinical operations, strategic planning and the expansion of cancer programs. He is also the co-founder of the Center for Precision Medicine, Genomic Health. He talks about efforts to bring the highest quality cancer care to Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Q: How has St. Elizabeth Cancer Care evolved over the last five years? Dr. Flora: As we’ve grown this program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare for the last five years, the most significant change I’ve seen is how easily we’ve been able to recruit nationally, adding nearly…

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 Heart & Vascular Center at St. Elizabeth, shares information about the importance of sleep and how it can affect your heart. Health Risks Due to Lack of Sleep Poor sleep negatively impacts your health in many ways. “When you don’t…

If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your heart health — and especially if you have blood pressure problems — you may have heard of the DASH diet. Dr. Sudha Jaganathan, a Cardiologist at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, explains the health benefits behind this diet. What is the DASH Diet? DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,” otherwise known as high blood pressure. “This diet was developed to help lower blood pressure without using medications,” explains Dr. Jaganathan. People on the DASH diet work to reduce their sodium (salt) consumption, among other healthy dietary changes. Daily Food…

Reflections from Michael R. Gieske, MD, Director of Lung Cancer Screening at St. Elizabeth Healthcare This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate the courage of those facing lung cancer and the advancements in early detection and screening. Lung cancer has long been known as one of the deadliest cancers. But thanks to the dedicated teams at St. Elizabeth Healthcare and evolving technology, lung cancer is increasingly treatable. More people are surviving — even thriving — after a lung cancer diagnosis. Our commitment to complete, compassionate care is helping thousands across Kentucky and beyond. Kentucky Leads the Nation in Lung Cancer…

Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral found in salt. And while sodium is essential for several functions in our body, most of us eat too much of it on a regular basis. Dr. Sudha Jaganathan, a Cardiologist specializing in heart failure at the Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, explains how excess sodium affects our bodies and how to decrease it from your diet. What Sodium Does in the Body Sodium is necessary for our bodies to function. “It helps our bodies hold onto water,” explains Dr. Jaganathan. “This creates volume, and our blood vessels need volume.”…

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 to recover from something as simple as trying to stand up from my chair.” For Sosnoski, 69, regaining his strength and ability to move around was his top priority. He wanted to get back to his retirement job at Costco…