Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), every year, 350,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart can’t pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. It can come on suddenly, without warning, or result from other conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) or an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy). We all have the power to step in when someone experiences cardiac arrest. The first step, always, is to call 9-1-1. And the second is hands-only CPR. This life-saving technique does not require medical knowledge – almost anyone can…

Have you been having low energy levels, mood issues or unexplained weight changes? If so, you may be experiencing thyroid problems. Anyone can have thyroid issues, but they are five to eight times more common in women. Thyroid problems in women can affect everyday energy levels, fertility, menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Menopause or pregnancy may also impact thyroid function. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that makes chemical messengers called thyroid hormones that travel through the bloodstream. They help control the body’s metabolism, which is responsible for digesting food, getting rid of waste and regulating energy levels.…

Most women younger than age 40 don’t need to begin mammogram screenings yet. Why? In your 20s and 30s, your risk for developing breast cancer is low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only around 9% of all new breast cancer cases occur in women under the age of 45. In addition, younger women are more likely to have dense breast tissue. Factors that can increase breast density include pregnancy and breastfeeding, which typically occur during those young adult decades. What Is Dense Breast Tissue? Breast tissue is made up of glandular, connective and fat tissue. When…

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has become something of a media darling. Fans of the chemical claim it effectively helps deal with pain, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease and more. Manufacturers sell it in many forms, and CBD stores have popped up all over the place. Now many are wondering whether it’s safe to take CBD while pregnant. The short answer: probably not. Here’s why. A Single Authorized Use CBD comes from the cannabis plant known as hemp. Another version of cannabis produces marijuana. Unlike marijuana, CBD’s roots are in hemp, a less potent sister plant. Hemp consists of less than 0.3%…

Are you ready to meet one of your body’s most important joints? Place two fingers on the side of your face just in front of your ear and move your mouth. The movement you can feel just beneath the skin is your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which controls jaw function. Like many people, when the temporomandibular joint works correctly, you probably don’t give it a second thought. However, if you have temporomandibular joint disorder, this small part of your body is impossible to ignore. TMJ disorder causes jaw pain that can affect your life in a variety of ways. Chewing…

The debate over internet privacy started long before smartphone hit the market. But with the explosive growth of applications and lax privacy protections by some bad actors, the debate has spread to congressional hearings. Recently, a lot of conversations have touched on the safety of period-tracking apps, which many women use to keep up with their personal menstrual cycle timing and duration. How private is your information in a period-tracking app? The answer largely depends on which app you use. Luckily, plenty of information is available to help you assess whether you’re using a fertility app that keeps your data…

If you have recently noticed a change in your breasts such as feeling firm, ropy or rubbery to the touch, you may have fibrocystic breasts. These changes may seem alarming, especially if there’s pain or tenderness, but they’re normal. Fibrocystic breast changes have been diagnosed in millions of women worldwide. Formerly called “fibrocystic breast disease,” this condition is not a disease, even if you still hear this term. It does not raise your risk of breast cancer, either. Still, because fibrocystic breasts can cause some discomfort, you may benefit from a doctor’s visit. What Are Fibrocystic Breasts? Fibrocystic breasts happen…

It’s normal to feel strong emotions such as anger or bitterness after a difficult interaction or a life-changing event. However, holding on to negative emotions for a long time causes chronic stress. This takes a toll on the body and may contribute to mental and physical health problems. On the other hand, finding a path to forgiveness for yourself and others can lead to long-term improvement in both mental and physical health. Here are seven things to know about the benefits of forgiveness and how to get started. 1. Forgiveness May Benefit Your Heart Health Chronic stress can contribute to…

Watching your child grow up and prepare for adulthood can be exciting, challenging and potentially overwhelming. After all, there are so many things to think about, such as continuing education, employment options and living independently for the first time. Another important aspect of becoming an adult that is sometimes overlooked is making the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. How Is Adult Healthcare Different from Pediatric Healthcare? Healthcare for youth is geared toward families and puts the parent in the driver’s seat. That means when your child is young, you are in charge of communicating with doctors and making important…

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the average American worker spends seven hours a day staring at screens. It’s no wonder so many people are curious about the benefits of blue light glasses. Yet a recent study indicates blue light glasses are not an effective tool for preventing eye strain. The Background on Blue Light Sunlight emits all colors of the rainbow in a combination that displays to people as white. Light that appears bright white to the human eye has a greater blue component. Digital screens, such as cell phones, tablets, computers and laptops, emit smaller amounts of…