Atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, is a disease of the heart. It causes an irregular heartbeat, often faster than normal. Between 3 and 6 million people in the U.S. have A-fib. Each year, around 350,000 people are admitted to hospitals for A-fib, and about 500,000 people are diagnosed. “After turning 40, there is a one-in-four…
It’s no secret that Greater Louisville is a challenging place to live for people with allergies and asthma. Warm temperatures early in the spring and late into the fall can create a long growing season for allergen-producing plants. The Ohio Valley limits airflow, causing allergens to get trapped in its basin, especially in the hotter…
July Fourth is right around the corner. People will enjoy cookouts and fireworks — hopefully without feeling sick due to food or a bug passed from another partygoer. Warm temperatures create the ideal environment for bacteria and other pathogens to multiply and cause foodborne illnesses. Hand-washing and proper food safety techniques can help keep your…
Traveling is something many look forward to during the summer months. However, it can be easy to let your eating habits slip and choose convenient, unhealthy options while on the road or in the airport — leading to vacation weight gain. “It is very easy to gain weight during travel,” said Hope Theiss, licensed and registered…
It’s fun to play with fireworks … until it’s not. Emergency rooms across the country see an increase in burns and hand injuries around the Fourth of July. Charity S. Burke, M.D., hand surgeon, Norton Louisville Arm & Hand, is no stranger to treating fireworks injuries. “When you’re the on-call hand surgeon during the Fourth…
Despite the widespread availability of safe and effective vaccines, adult immunization rates remain low in the U.S. — and far below the targets set by Healthy People 2020, a national agenda to improve the health of Americans. “Many people associate immunizations with childhood and teen years; however, there are two recommended vaccine schedules — one…
The hottest part of the year is right around the corner, which means iced coffee is no longer an acceptable way to stay hydrated. The summer heat tends to take a toll on our bodies. It also can have a serious impact on our attitudes due to changes in sleep patterns, dehydration and restrictions on…
Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, affects an estimated 7 million people in the United States, according to the National Scoliosis Foundation. Scoliosis may occur in children who have congenital or neuromuscular disorders but most often occurs in healthy children with no known cause. While most cases of scoliosis are diagnosed between age 10…
Do you know the four periods of time when you are most vulnerable to a running injury? During the initial four to six months of training Upon returning to training after an injury When you increase your distance When you increase your speed Most injuries are caused by recurring factors that runners or walkers often…
“Big. Bigger. Biggest. Race pace.” These were the words Phyllis Manley Lee shouted out as 22 women paddled their 40-foot longboat down the Ohio River one recent summer evening. As the drummer for the Derby City Dragons racing team, Phyllis’ job is to set the cadence and provide encouragement to her team to push themselves…
The crushing physical pain. The anguish of infertility. The grief of losing a uterus — and with it, the dream of carrying a baby. Lena Dunham, writer and actress for HBO’s “Girls,” chronicled her experience with severe endometriosis for Vogue magazine earlier this year. Endometriosis isn’t talked about much. Yet, it’s all too common — about one…
Have you been living with pelvic pain? Maybe you’ve have bladder or sphincter issues – do you go to the bathroom on the hour, every hour? Or maybe you have to book it to the bathroom to keep from having an accident. These are just a few of the reasons your provider may suggest you…