Perhaps you put off cancer screenings over the past few years. Delays of just a few months in detecting various forms of cancer can make treatment more difficult and reduce chances of survival. Here’s a guide to tests that can detect cancer and who should get checked when. Breast cancer Mammogram — an X-ray of…
Norton Specialty Rehabilitation Center – St. Matthews has been designated a Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) Center of Excellence. This is the only national certification in cancer rehabilitation, which offers therapies designed to improve physical function during and after cancer treatment. Oncology physical therapists receive extra training to address the unique needs of individuals undergoing…
A new medication may be showing hopeful results in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Donanemab, an antibody treatment from Eli Lilly, targets a form of plaque that accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. While the medication hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, clinical trial results showed those receiving the experimental drug…
Let’s face it, it’s been a rough year: COVID-19, politics, racial tensions, nontraditional instruction, weather. … Now, add whatever got dumped on you. It’s completely understandable if you’re feeling weary. Good news! There are things you can do, things that are actually pretty easy to do that you’ll enjoy and will help. Look for heroes…
Lyndsey D. Neese, M.D., obstetrician and medical director of quality for women’s services at Norton Healthcare, answers some questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy. Q: If I’m pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? A: The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine strongly recommends pregnant patients have access to the vaccine. Likewise, the American College of…
On Saturday, March 7, 2020, Donn Adams arrived at the Norton Brownsboro Hospital emergency department, losing consciousness and unable to walk. A day later, he became the first COVID-19 case diagnosed in Jefferson County. “I’d never been that sick in my life, and I was absolutely scared to death,” Donn said. Donn had the support…
Cancer patients may have increased fears about exposure to COVID-19 because they are less able to fight off infections than the average healthy adult. The higher risk of getting infections and viruses like COVID-19 can be a result of cancer’s effect on the immune system or a result of cancer treatments. Cancer patients and survivors…
Chandra Weathers got her drive to succeed from two very important women in her life — her mother and grandmother. “They instilled in me a drive to do great things, to make a difference and leave my mark on the world,” Chandra said. Chandra was called to draw on that drive early in the COVID-19…
Recent breakthroughs in coronavirus testing mean you don’t have to choose between fast and accurate to get COVID-19 results. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) — the gold standard in coronavirus testing — is now available with nearly 100% accurate results that the equipment displays within 20 minutes. “The rapid PCR tests for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in use…
Carotid artery blockage treatment, typically medication at first and eventually surgery in more severe cases, can reduce the risk of stroke or worse. Plaque buildup in arteries that supply blood to the brain could cause serious damage if pieces break off and reach the brain. Carotid artery blockages cause up to a third of strokes,…
Board-certified music therapists help patients with any pain, discomfort and anxiety associated with hospitalization. Music therapy also has the potential to enhance healing and recovery. Norton Healthcare has joined many major medical settings around the nation in using music as a therapeutic tool. Top cancer centers are among those using music therapy as a key…
We still need to wear masks in public, keep 6 feet of separation and practice good hand hygiene, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has loosened its guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You are fully vaccinated two weeks after getting your second Pfizer or Moderna shot or 28…