More Recent Posts

exercise injury

5 Tips to Avoid Exercise Injuries

So you’ve decided to get in shape or take up a new sport. You’re probably feeling gung ho and ready to throw your whole self into the new routine. Then it happens. You suffer an injury that puts you back on the sidelines. Call it the agony of defeat. An injury not only sets you …

0 comments
Portrait of a family at home

Let’s Talk about Autism

You’ve probably encountered someone with autism, even if you didn’t know it at the time. This condition is more common than you may think. How Common Is Autism? One in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Boys are four times more likely to be …

0 comments
Picture of man cutting vegetables and fruits that can help with cancer prevention like cucumber, oranges, and blueberries.

Cancer Prevention and Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in our overall health as it can help to prevent conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, but it can also help prevent cancer. Nutrition for cancer prevention is recommended for cancer survivors as well to help reduce the risk of recurrence and other cancers. The 2018 World Cancer Research …

0 comments

Helping Children and Teens Navigate Viral Social Media Trends

In this digital age, social media is a central part of many teenagers’ and preteens’ lives. It’s a place where they can connect with friends, express their ideas and feelings and where they stay up to date on the latest social media trends.  From dances to challenges, teens are constantly engaging in these trends and …

0 comments
physical therapist discussing blood flow restriction with patient

What’s Blood Flow Restriction? New PT Technique Strengthens Muscles with Lighter Loads

After an injury or surgery, patients are often anxious to work on strengthening – so they can get back to normal. But they have to wait because injured tissue requires a certain amount of time before it is safe to do resistance strengthening exercises such as lifting weights. For example, an athlete recovering from a …

0 comments

World Cancer Day 2023 – Close the Care Gap

At the dawn of the New Millennium in Paris on February 4, 2000, Professors David Khayat of the Salpetriere Hospital in Paris and Gabriel Hortobagyi of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, along with a committee of internationally respected oncologists, arranged a World Summit against Cancer in Paris. After all, what better time to redefine …

0 comments

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery is Possible

If you need gynecologic surgery, there is some good news. Instead of the long abdominal incisions and lengthy recoveries, many gynecologic surgeries can now be done with small or even no incisions. That means a much shorter or even no hospital stay, quicker recovery and other benefits. Why Might Someone Need Gynecologic Surgery? Called Minimally …

0 comments

Asthma Control: Better Breathing with Biologics

If you have moderate-to-severe asthma, you probably dread hearing this term: asthma exacerbation. It’s when symptoms worsen and you need inhalers and other medications to get your asthma under control. It often means missing school or work, plus trips to your provider’s office or even the emergency room. Treatment with prednisone can cause weight gain …

0 comments

Substance Abuse on the Rise: Know the Signs

No one thinks it will happen to them, but substance abuse upends families every day. A recent report(1) from the National Institute on Drug Use showed some concerning trends among young adults (age 18-30): Daily, past-month and past-year marijuana use reached the highest levels recorded since 1988. Reports of past-year hallucinogen use started to increase …

0 comments
A smiling plus size woman sitting at her desk and writing a journal.

Make Your Resolutions & Goals SMART

Have you ever created a health-related resolution at the beginning of a new year, or any type of goal for that matter, only to find yourself eventually abandoning it?  This may be because the goal was not realistic or it may have been non-specific and too large.  While deciding you are ready to make a …

0 comments

Poison Control Dos and Don’ts: Tide Pods, Nyquil Chicken and More

It’s every parent’s “Oh no!” moment. Your child ingests something they shouldn’t, like a cleaning solution or medication. Or maybe you accidentally gave a second dose of acetaminophen to your sick child when you should have alternated with ibuprofen. How Common Are Accidental Poisonings? It happens, and you’re not alone. Thousands of children are seen …

0 comments

After an Assault: Help is Here

Where can you turn for help if the worst happens? After an assault of any kind – physical or sexual – confidential and compassionate help is available at CHI Health Emergency Departments through our Forensic Nurse Examiner program. What Does a Forensic Nurse Do? Specially trained in crisis intervention, Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) strive to …

0 comments
low-carb food for balanced diet

Is a Low-Carb Diet Right for You?

Low-carb or keto diets seem to be a hot topic in today’s world of health and nutrition. You may have tried this way of eating or are curious as to what it means exactly. A low-carb diet keeps carbohydrates to 30-40% of your daily calories, whereas a very low-carb diet (VLCD), is 21-70 grams of …

2 comments
Checking your thyroid

7 Signs Your Thyroid Needs to Be Examined

One of your body’s most important regulator glands that help with your breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, cholesterol level, body temperature, and more is your thyroid gland. When this little butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), it can take a toll on your body …

1 comment
Patient taking part in diabetes management by using a glucose tester.

4 Tips for Diabetes Management

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on our previous year’s goals, what we accomplished, and what we wish to improve over the upcoming year. Diabetes management is a lifelong process, and something can always be done to further improve your health. Consider these four tips for the new year: …

0 comments
Family sledding together

Burning Calories During the Winter

Staying healthy and active can be particularly challenging during the winter months. It is easy to wrap up in a blanket and stay on the couch when the weather turns cold and we have less sunlight throughout the day. Furthermore, the holiday season surrounds us with sweet treats and larger portions that are hard to …

0 comments
Mother and daughter smiling together

What are Cancer Clinical Trials?

Clinical Trials are research studies that involve people. Through clinical trials, doctors find new ways to improve treatments and the quality of life for people with certain diseases. What Do Cancer Clinical Trials Test? Researchers design cancer clinical trials to test new ways to: Treat cancer Find and diagnose cancer Prevent cancer Manage symptoms of …

0 comments
Man makes a list of healthy food.

Build Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle

Bariatric surgery can be a helpful tool for losing weight, but ultimately, the best success comes when the patient actively establishes healthy habits and nourishes their body with nutrient-dense foods, mostly including lean protein and vegetables. These foods digest slowly and ensure steady energy release to reduce cravings. They are of high nutritional value and …

0 comments
doctor pointing at model of prostate with patient in background

PSMA PET Scans: Prostate Cancer Imaging Gets Specific

For decades, the imaging for patients with prostate cancer has been mostly based on indirect signs of cancer spread. But this has all changed recently. Two new PET radiotracers for patients with prostate cancer have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the past 2 years. A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan …

0 comments

3 Life Hacks to Prevent Hemorrhoids

About half of Americans age 50 or older experience occasional hemorrhoids, but they’re rarely discussed. If you’ve had hemorrhoids, you know they are uncomfortable or even painful. But did you know they’re also very preventable?  What are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus. They happen when blood …

0 comments
type 2 diabetes healthy foods

Type 2 Diabetes Can be Reversed

Over the last 40 years, the rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity have been continuing to rise. There is a sense that type 2 diabetes is just a matter of aging, family history, being overweight/obese – and something that is beyond our control. The reality is that type 2 diabetes is a reversible chronic …

1 comment
Serious african american woman protesting against bullying.

Stay Safe: Inside Intimate Partner Violence

It might be uncomfortable, but it’s important to talk about intimate partner violence – or what we used to call domestic violence. Far too often, it’s a life-or-death issue. One in five homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner, according to data from US crime reports. The number is even higher for just women …

0 comments
mother holding her baby

What Can My Newborn Taste and Smell?

Babies are born with all five senses: Sight Hearing Touch Smell Taste Newborns experience the world around them quite differently than adults do. We commonly hear newborns cannot see very far in front of them, and that their vision is in black and white. But what can a new baby taste and smell? What Can …

1 comment
newborn vision, newborn eyesight, newborn visual development

All about Newborn Vision

Many of your baby’s key developmental milestones depend on their vision. At the time of birth, your baby’s vision is still developing. At birth, newborn vision is very near-sighted, so babies can only focus on things that 8-10 inches away. Babies can best see their mother’s face when held close to her chest while breastfeeding. …

0 comments
Patient and doctor discussing test results.

Take the Test: National Depression Screening Day

Did you know depression can be “silent?” The signs aren’t always obvious, and they’re often  explained away or minimized. Meanwhile the symptoms persist or worsen – until someone asks the right questions. The good news is screening for depression is becoming more common in the doctor’s office. Just as we screen for conditions like diabetes …

0 comments
A woman getting a mammogram

A Closer Look: Breast Density and Cancer Detection

How dense are your breasts? It’s not something women think about until it’s time to screen for breast cancer. About 40 percent of women have dense breasts. What does it matter? Here’s what you need to know. What are Dense Breasts? Your breasts are made up of a mix of fibrous, glandular and fatty tissue. …

1 comment
aging generation

Ladies, Healthy Aging is Possible!

If you are anything like myself, having seen pictures of Blanche from Golden Girls and finding out that the actress playing Blanche was only 51 when the series started can be quite the surprise! Fifty-one used to seem far in the future for many of us, yet I find myself edging closer and closer to …

0 comments

Everybody Poops

Yes, it’s true and we all know it. Unfortunately, sometimes the process of eliminating stool (“pooping”) doesn’t go well. Individuals may experience fecal incontinence and/or difficulty emptying, which can result in embarrassment, social isolation and further medical complications. Here are some basic facts that everyone should know: What is Normal When it Comes to Pooping? …

0 comments

Return to Activity after a Concussion

When and how to return to normal activity after a concussion is oftentimes challenging since a concussion may cause a constellation of symptoms. The greatest challenge is determining what symptoms are aggravated, with which type of activity and to what extent. How Long Do I Have to Rest After a Concussion? Returning to normal activity …

0 comments

Understanding Concussions

Over the last several years, there has been an increase in concussion awareness. Sports-related concussions are often what people think of first; however, a large majority of the population suffer concussions from falls, motor vehicle collisions, or being struck by an object. What Is a Concussion? Concussions are considered the result of a blow, jolt, …

0 comments
childhood Obesity

Head Off Childhood Obesity with 5-2-1-0

The little things parents do can make a big difference for their child’s health and can prevent childhood obesity. For example, did you know that babies form taste patterns and preferences by nine months of age? And the first two years of a child’s life are when they establish many of their eating habits? That’s …

0 comments

Keep Your Fall Drinks in Check

It’s that time of year — fall is approaching!  From cinnamon and pumpkin spice, to sea salt and caramel, coffee shops around the country have our mouths watering. However, if you’re not careful, these delicious drinks will have you packing on the layers, and I’m not talking about your favorite fall jacket. Seasonal Drinks That Aren’t as …

0 comments

Homesick at College

All across the United States, students are experiencing their first year of college. In addition to academic demands, this can mean newfound freedom and independence, learning to live with a roommate and navigating new social circles. College students leave behind familiar faces, routines and places. Meanwhile, those family and friends continue on with their own …

0 comments
tanning beds

The Bed is Dead: 3 Tanning Truths

Think tan skin has a healthier glow? It’s really showing you damage that could be deadly. Whether you seek out the sun or use tanning beds, these truths about tanning could save your life. 1.) Sun Tanning is NOT Healthy. Any color the skin develops is a direct result of DNA damage to the skin …

0 comments
HIV testing tube and virus

Take Action Against HIV

Just because HIV/AIDS isn’t in the news doesn’t mean it’s over, or that people are not at risk. Testing for HIV is important. More than 30,000 people in the US received an HIV (“human immunodeficiency virus”) diagnosis in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  There’s always a concern that people with HIV …

1 comment
Asian Female Doctor Giving a Patient the Shot of Vaccine.

Cultural Differences, Modesty and Preventive Screenings

Preventive screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears and colonoscopies are an essential aspect of health care because they help detect cancers early, when they are still treatable. For example, research has shown that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer detected early and be cured, and less likely to need …

0 comments
migraines

Myths about Migraines & How to Help

If you or someone in your life experiences migraines, you’ve probably felt a range of emotions – sympathy, sadness and even frustration when migraines get in the way of your everyday life. It’s important to understand that migraine pain is more than just a sensory experience. It also has emotional and social aspects. For example, …

0 comments
pathologists

Solving Medical Mysteries: Pathologists Play a Role

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your doctor sends something to the lab, here’s the secret: it ends up with someone like me, a pathologist working in a laboratory.  Exactly what type of cancer do you have? Or, what bug is causing your stomach inflammation? These medical mysteries often get investigated in pathology labs.  …

0 comments
Young man toweling off sweat in the hot sun

Dehydration Symptoms and Prevention

When it is hot and humid outside, the risk of dehydration increases.  When the air is humid, sweat cannot evaporate and cool the body as quickly as it usually does.  This can lead to an increase in body temperature and the need for more fluids.  Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it …

0 comments

The Benefits of Keeping a Food Journal

If you’ve participated in the CHI Health Weight Management program, you know that we devote a lot of time and commitment to assisting our patients with weight loss in our clinic. Our focus is on helping our patients understand their body and its needs. Sometimes this can be a struggle for some in the beginning, …

9 comments
migraines

Migraines Hurt: Make It Stop

Intensely and relentlessly painful, migraines leave sufferers desperate for relief. In his memoir, “A Brain Wider Than the Sky,” author Andrew Levy wrote: “The migraine head wants to be cut open; it longs to be cut open.” That, clearly, is not a solution. Though it once was considered. Trepanation, a technique of removing bone from …

0 comments
Enjoying life after retirement

Hepatitis Alphabet Soup

You may have heard about a recent outbreak of Hepatitis A, linked to organic strawberries imported from Mexico and sold throughout the US.  Fortunately no one has died from this outbreak but several people were hospitalized from the infection.  You may have wondered, what is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C and how …

0 comments
carb cycling

Carb Cycling – What Is It?

Carb cycling is a systematic approach to eating carbohydrates that shifts between high, moderate, and low-carb meals on specific days. The idea is to have each day tailored to the type and intensity of your workout. This way of eating used to be most popular in the bodybuilding world and with high-performing athletes, but is …

0 comments
family showing that they are vaccinated

Pneumonia Vaccine: New Recommendations

Pneumonia is a term that is defined as inflammation of the lungs that is caused by an infection from a germ; either a virus or bacteria or in some cases a fungus. There are many types of germs that can cause pneumonia. The condition can involve certain parts of the lung or both lungs. Severity …

0 comments
Healthy lifestyle on ketogenic diet, eating clean keto food good health dietary in heart dish with aerobic body exercise, gym workout training class , weight scale and sports shoes in fitness center

6 Pillars to Support Your Health

Improving your health can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re dealing with weight gain or a chronic health condition. The good news is you have more control of your overall health than you may think. When people seek out metabolic health counseling, we discuss six different areas which are in their control. These are …

0 comments
Cropped shot of a young sportsman drinking water while running on riverbank. Warm sunset tones.

Stay Hydrated: Protect Your Heart

How Dehydration Affects Your Heart Is thinking about summer causing you to sweat? Be sure to replace those fluids to protect your heart. Dehydration puts you at risk for serious conditions like swelling, dizziness and heat illness. Your heart has to work overtime to pump blood when fluid levels dip too low. There is no …

1 comment

Home Remedies for 5 Common Kids Summer Injuries

The weather is nice, and our children are spending more time outside, which is great! But that usually means more injuries and ailments for them. Here are some home remedies to deal with 5 of the most common injuries/ailments that can occur. Home Remedies For Burns A minor burn is red and tender with minor …

0 comments
Family With Friends Camp By Lake On Hiking Adventure In Forest

Summer Snacks For Kids

SUMMER! Warm weather is on the way and that means tasty treats and fun times.  The summer months are a special time for kids –camps, sleepovers, outside activities and no school! What are your kids eating during those steamy summer months? Among the parties and vacations, kids will be at home and looking for things …

0 comments

Body Image: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection!

What if we could challenge societal views on body image? What if we could approach the year as an opportunity for learning? An opportunity to think about ourselves in a more compassionate light? Could I impose a suggestion for this year? It’s body acceptance! Would you be willing to give yourself permission to have compassion …

0 comments
mother helping daughter learn to swallow pills

Helping Children Learn to Swallow Pills When Necessary

Whether it’s for an occasional antibiotic or a daily medication, knowing how to swallow pills can be helpful for both children and adults. Sometimes, both children and parents can struggle with this task. I find that most people have trouble swallowing if they are anxious about it, so that is the beginning of the discussion …

0 comments
Senior woman treated by young doctor

Osteoporosis Prevention: Start Young

The numbers may surprise you. Osteoporosis is responsible for 2 million broken bones every year in the U.S. and causes 75,000 deaths, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. It is estimated that one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older in the U.S. will break a bone due …

0 comments

Why Choose a MBSAQIP Accredited Bariatric Surgery Program?

The goal of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (chi) is to help promote safe, top-quality care for patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a surgical center. Patients seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice to receive care at a nationally accredited program that meets the …

0 comments

Aching Joints? You’re Not Alone

It’s a pain many of us face sooner or later. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 25 percent of adults have arthritis. It is nearly three times more common in women and becomes more common as we age. Arthritis involves swelling …

0 comments

Melanoma Prevention: Tips for Proper Sun Protection

“A drink in my hand, my snow up against the burning sand, probably getting gorgeously tanned in summer!” We are 100% in summer mode now with school being out, which means that our kids are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. So now is the time to have a plan for protecting …

0 comments
woman holding kitten and listening to music

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup – Why Self Care is Important

Many of us have heard the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” but do we really know what that means? When our cups are empty, we may not feel fulfilled, joyus, or like we can be present in our day to day activities and for those we love.  How We Reach Burnout In …

0 comments
urinary incontinence

Make Urinary Incontinence a Thing of the Past

If you’ve ever stifled a sneeze or tried not to laugh out of fear of urinary leakage, you’re not alone. Accidental urine leakage is common. Tens of millions of men and women suffer with urinary incontinence, according to the American Urological Association.  Dealing with leakage can affect everyday life, making it harder to exercise, be …

0 comments

Introducing CRNAs: Experts in Anesthesia Care

If you have a surgery or procedure, you may receive the care of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, CRNAs administer anesthesia safely to more than 50 million patients each year.  As a CRNA, I can assure you we play a unique and vital role in providing …

0 comments

Osteoporosis and Bone Health in Women

Did you know that approximately 1 in 2 women, age 50 and older, will break a bone due to osteoporosis? About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. This is a disease that is more common in women than men, and can cause serious and painful lifelong consequences if not treated. Osteoporosis is …

0 comments

Unbreak Your Heart: Tips for Women on Heart Disease

The leading cause of death for women in the United States is heart disease, accounting for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Know the Symptoms of Heart Disease Many of the symptoms we commonly know as associated with heart disease are male-specific. Symptoms in a female can be misleading and often silent/asymptomatic. Some symptoms …

0 comments
Insulin Resistance write on a book with keywords isolated wooden table.

Insulin Resistance: Little-Known Condition Wreaks Havoc on Health 

Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, brain fog, erectile dysfunction, low energy. Unfortunately, many of us have accepted these conditions as an inevitable part of getting older. But what if that is not  necessarily the case? What if there is a common root cause of these conditions? What if that root cause is reversible? The culprit may be …

0 comments

Bladder Cancer Awareness

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers. It occurs mainly in people who are 55 years and older.  Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder.  It most often affects the urothelial cells of the bladder, that form the lining of the entire urinary tract. Signs of Bladder Cancer One of the …

0 comments

Infertility – There is Hope

Infertility affects up to 15% of couples worldwide. As we approach international infertility awareness week, April 24-30th, let’s take a moment to examine how this medical problem affects couples and ways that it can be treated. What Is Infertility? Infertility is defined as failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse in …

0 comments

BMI Myths Debunked: Unpacking the Facts

What Is BMI? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines body mass index as “a measure of weight adjusted for height, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.” It was developed about 200 years ago by a mathematician named Adolphe Quetlet. Originally called the Quetlet Index, the …

3 comments
Shot of a doctor using a digital tablet to discuss a brain scan with a senior patient

What You Need To Know About Aphasia

Many people have recently heard the term Aphasia since the news about Bruce Willis stepping away from acting. Aphasia does not stand alone and it is important to see a neurologist for a proper evaluation of the underlying condition causing aphasia. What Is Aphasia? The term is defined by the National Aphasia Association as an …

0 comments

8 Steps to Improve Heart Health

Many individuals understand the significance of cardiovascular health – the question is how can we best achieve this? Eight Lifestyle Changes to Improve Heart Health The American Heart Association created Life’s Essential 8®, which refers to eight lifestyle changes that we can make to improve the health of our heart. These steps include: Managing Blood …

1 comment

10,000 Steps: Magic Number or Mathematical Myth?

Step trackers urge us to keep moving, and that’s a good thing. But is 10,000 really the magic number for steps in a day? First off, where did the number 10,000 come from? The fabled 10,000 steps as a target for daily activity goes back more than 50 years to a Japanese clockmaker who wanted …

0 comments

Return to Exercise after Pregnancy

Most women look forward to going back to exercise after pregnancy. But when should you return to running and sports after pregnancy? When Is It Okay to Exercise after Pregnancy? While you may be mentally ready to get your body back after 9 months of pregnancy, your body may be not quite as ready to …

0 comments
coffee and caffeine

The Buzz On Caffeine

How To Determine Caffeine Tolerance Excessive caffeine consumption is not mathematical. It is individual. Caffeine sensitivity depends on the amount and frequency of consumption, body weight, physical condition and overall anxiety level among other factors. For most healthy adults, moderate amounts (100-200 milligrams (mg) per day, about 1-2 cups of coffee) pose no physical problems. …

1 comment

New Mom Feelings: Let’s Talk About It

Your new baby is a bundle of joy. So why are you in tears? New motherhood comes with plenty of challenges, and the emotional lows can be surprising. What women who’ve been there would say, if you asked them: “It’s okay to not love every moment. Sometimes it’s hard, and you’re in survival mode.” “There’s …

0 comments
child on smartphone looking sad

Risk Factors for Suicide in Children, Signs and How to Seek Help

I’m Dr. Jyotsna Ranga, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with CHI Health and Creighton University. Child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States are really concerned about rising suicide rates in children and adolescents. It is now the second leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 19. Now with the …

0 comments
Person putting sunscreen on their face in the winter and practicing good skin safety.

Skin Safety 101

Skin safety is important year round as skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, when caught early skin cancer is highly treatable.  3 Types of Cells in the Epidermis The top layer of your skin is called the epidermis. There are three types of cells in the epidermis: …

0 comments

Endometriosis – A Common Disorder for Women

This blog was co-written by John Cote, MD and Lauren Williams, RD.  Happy endometriosis awareness month! — said no one. Millions of women have been diagnosed and are being treated for endometriosis.  This month is a reminder to many people that this disease will or can affect you or someone you know. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis …

0 comments
Young cerebral palsy patient

Kindness Counts: What You Should Know about Developmental Disabilities

What you don’t know about developmental disabilities may surprise you, which is why learning about them is so important. It builds awareness about people who have developmental disabilities, and with education comes inclusion, acceptance and compassion. Developmental Disabilities Are More Common Than You Think Would you believe you probably already know someone who has a …

0 comments
chest pain

When Chest Pain Isn’t a Heart Attack

“The good news: It’s not your heart. The bad news: I don’t have a clue what it is.” The first half of this statement is heard every day in emergency rooms and doctors’ offices across the country.  The second half may involve a little more honesty than most doctors want to admit. You come to …

2 comments
Heart Stressors Image

Effects of Stress on the Heart and How to Cope

Everyone experiences stress. Today, we’re going to uncover what stress does to your heart and ways to deal with it. Hi, I’m Doctor Eric Van De Graaff, a Cardiologist at CHI Health. How Stress Affects Us Since the beginning, stress has been a natural defense mechanism that creates our fight-or-flight mentality and has allowed us …

0 comments

What is MAB Therapy for COVID-19?

As we all are aware, the COVID-19 disease pandemic still exists today. Thankfully, we have monoclonal antibody therapy (MAB) as a way to help prevent severe symptoms from developing in patients who are at high risk for infection. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy You are probably wondering, what is monoclonal antibody (MAB) therapy? What is a monoclonal …

0 comments

What to Know About Your Thyroid

You probably don’t give your thyroid much thought. This quarter-sized gland just below your Adam’s apple secretes hormones that moderate your metabolism, heart rate, mood — and more. It works quietly in the background, until something goes wrong. Thyroid Disease One in 10 people worldwide have thyroid disease, and it affects women more often than …

2 comments

Thank Fifi and Fido: Furry Friends Offer Health Benefits for Humans

Pet ownership has been on the uptick for decades — rising from 56% of US households in 1988 to 70% in 2021, according to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey. The good news for everyone on the animal bandwagon? That furry friend might also be good for your health. If your pet needs to be …

1 comment

What Is Body Composition Indicator Scanning?

How do you keep track of your body changes during your transformational journey? Sometimes a person’s weight doesn’t change, but they have gained muscle mass while losing weight from fat stores. Maybe you can see this immediately when you look in the mirror. Maybe it takes a little longer. When working to build muscle, how …

0 comments

6 Ways to Avoid Toxic Positivity: Why “Looking on the Bright Side” Isn’t Always a Good Thing

No matter who you are, at some point, you will face adversity and likely even tragedy within your life. All too often, we are encouraged to ‘look at the bright side,’ consider ‘it could always be worse’ or that ‘everything happens for a reason’. These statements may be meant to be comforting to an individual …

2 comments
Chocolate bar nutrition

Chocolate: the Dark Secret

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the store shelves are stocked with heart shaped boxes filled with chocolate. It is the time of year when the news stories remind us of research indicating that chocolate is a healthy choice for our heart … but is it really a health food? Let’s look at the facts. What …

2 comments
Mother holding her newborn baby in the hospital

Baby’s First Poops: What to Expect

There are many “firsts” to look forward to with the arrival of your new child, and poop is one of them! A baby’s first poop is distinct from all subsequent poops, which means there are some important things to know about it. What is the First Poop Called? The first poop your baby passes is …

0 comments
Mutating Virus Variant

Mutations, Variants, and Strains: What Does it All Mean?

As COVID-19 evolves and persists in our communities, the conversation continues every day in homes, workplaces, and the media concerning the latest variant and the potential or observed implications each might have for all of us. But what exactly is a variant, a mutation, or a strain of a virus? Although these terms are often …

0 comments
Farmers Market

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Makes 8 Slices Ingredients 3 cups cauliflower florets 2 egg whites 2 teaspoons dried oregano, basil, sage and/or thyme ½ cup low-fat mozzarella, shredded Directions Preheat oven to 450°. Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until a uniform “rice” texture is obtained. Place cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl, add 3-4 Tablespoons …

0 comments
Doctor listening to patient's heartbeat during home visit - wearing face mask

Treating Heart Valve Issues with TAVR

Aortic Stenosis is a condition most commonly caused by an accumulation of calcium that narrows the aortic valve and makes it more difficult for the oxygenated blood to leave the heart and travel to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis affects about 2.5 million Americans over the age of 75. Other causes include a …

0 comments

Benefits Add Up for Bariatric Surgery

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you’re probably used to checking numbers — on food labels, on the scale, at your doctor visits. Some recent statistics compiled by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery reveal how bariatric surgery stacks up for effectiveness in achieving weight loss, improvement in related health conditions and overall procedure …

2 comments

What Is Newborn Phototherapy?

Newborn jaundice is very common. Jaundice occurs when a yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in the blood, which causes yellowing of the infant’s skin and eyes. Phototherapy uses blue light to help treat newborn jaundice. Phototherapy For Jaundice and Increased Bilirubin Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the normal breakdown of “used” red blood …

0 comments

Can You Spot Human Trafficking? 

If you think human trafficking only happens in big cities or scary neighborhoods, the sad truth is you are wrong. Human trafficking happens in every country in the world, here in the United States, and in communities large and small. What is Human Trafficking? CHI Health is committed to preventing and responding to all forms …

1 comment
Woman relaxing on vacations in an apartment

Ways to Reduce Stress

My life is busy, your life is busy, and we all have busy schedules that can cause stress. With that being said, there is definitely room for good stress relief practices in our routines. I have found that incorporating one or more of these activities into my daily life, helps decrease the level of stress …

1 comment
Pregnant woman receives vaccine at doctor's office

The COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnant Women

How Serious is COVID-19 for Pregnant Women? In August of 2021 alone, 22 pregnant women in the US died of COVID-19.  Data from the CDC showed after the Delta variant arrived, the risk of stillbirth was four times higher for women with COVID-19 versus women who did not have the virus. That’s a significant rise …

0 comments

Why Is Quitting Smoking so Difficult AND Necessary?

Three-Link Chain of Addiction Why is it so hard for many people to quit smoking? Most smokers know that they’re addicted, but they may not realize that there are several aspects to their addiction. We call this the “three-link chain of addiction.” Smokers have a better chance of quitting and staying quit if they address …

0 comments

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

We have welcomed in the New Year. I sincerely hope everyone had a joyous and meaningful holiday. Typically this time of year, there are lots of ads on TV, in print media, and on social media regarding making resolutions for making life better. Losing weight and exercising is often the #1 thing that most people …

0 comments
Mommy and daughter reading recipe on tablet at kitchen

Healthy Wins to Stick to in the New Year

Tis the season for diets, exercise plans and health goals.  Are you making New Year’s Resolutions this year?  Wellness promotions are everywhere – social media, TV ads and grocery stores. Be Cautious of Quick Fix Diets I’m all in for a health reboot or jump start – however, please be cautious of the plan you …

0 comments

COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Booster Dose

In January 2020, the World Health Organization announced that there was a mysterious Coronavirus– related illness that had first been identified in Wuhan, China.  Since then this illness has spread resulting in a global pandemic; the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the Spanish Flu more than a century ago. For almost two years, …

1 comment
Family preparing Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen

Mindful Eating and the Holidays

The holidays are here! No doubt many of us are anticipating time with family and friends, gift giving and receiving, and then there’s all that yummy food! Comfort foods – those once-a-year-delights that many of us didn’t get to enjoy the past two years with the pandemic concerns. So this year’s tempting treats may seem …

0 comments

Safety First When Choosing Gifts for Kids

December is the ideal time for National Safe Toys and Gifts month as that is when we are picking out holiday gifts for our children — and also for nieces, nephews, grandkids and friends. Tips for Shopping Safely for Kids If you’re not a parent or your kids are getting older and asking for new …

0 comments

Physical Therapy After Prostate Surgery

Post authored  by Rihab Sayed PT, DPT, and Dane Klett, MD Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of the prostate due to cancer. The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra (the tube that urine passes through as it exits the body). Recovery tends to involve one night …

0 comments
Chocolate yule log christmas cake

Healthier Season’s Treatings: Delightful Desserts

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are upon us already! Family time, holiday caroling, and the season of giving- what could be better? There’s one other thing that frames the holiday season for many, and that’s food. Particularly, TONS of delicious desserts that are usually laden with sugar and calories. Overindulging on these treats …

0 comments

Healthier Season’s Treatings: The Main Course

The holidays are here! That means food and family.  You might be wondering how you can be healthy but still enjoy all the traditional food your family is accustomed to.  Consider a few healthful swaps to the main meal and stay on track! 4 0z of skinless turkey breast has:        152 calories …

0 comments
Stuffed tomatoes in form of Santa Claus for Christmas

Healthier Season’s Treatings: Appetizers and Beverages

The holidays are a time to celebrate the reason for the season with loved ones.  You do not have to wrap-up the holiday season with uncontrolled blood sugars and not feeling your best.  Overstuffing on high-calorie appetizers and beverages can make the remainder of your meal and celebration less enjoyable.  Consider these ideas for choosing …

0 comments

CHIhealth.com | Contact Us | News Center | Privacy Notice | Suggest a Blog Topic