A pack-a-day smoker, my husband, Brad, began smoking in 1976 when he was 16. His father, grandfather, parents’ friends and friends smoked. Although it was after the 1964 release of the landmark Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, it was a time when 40% of Americans smoked. People could light up in any number [...]
Dubbed “Wonder Woman” by one of her “Survivor” competitors, Alison Raybould, MD, did not have the power to gain sole survivor status on the CBS TV show and win $1 million. On day 37, she was finally voted out at the final five, outlasting most of her competitors. After the completion of the show, she [...]
Gynecologist, James Riojas, MD, FACOG with Meritas Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Most women in the U.S. begin menopause between the ages of 40-58, with an average of 51. Depleting estrogen levels leave women with a range of potentially life-disrupting symptoms and health risks, including genital and sexual symptoms, hot flashes, mood changes, night [...]
Throngs of fans don’t miss an episode of the TV show “Survivor.” Since its premiere two weeks ago, the broadcast has brought more than 7 million viewers each week. One such fan is not only the daughter of a North Kansas City Hospital physician, but she is among this season’s David vs. Goliath cast. Alison [...]
Urogynecologist, Ian Rosbrugh, MD When women experience pelvic floor disorders causing urinary or fecal incontinence, they often suffer in silence, hesitant to address the topic. They are not alone. The National Institutes of Health estimates one-third of women in the U.S. have pelvic floor disorders. Today, more women are reaching out for help [...]
By Stacie Newberry, LCSW, Jennifer Riddell, LCSW, and Dawn Rosey, LCSW Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life – from childhood and [...]
Many health insurance plans make you designate a primary care doctor, but finding the right one can be difficult and stressful. Michael R. Brown, DO, a family medicine doctor with Meritas Health Park Plaza (Kansas City North, near Parkville) shares tips to help you find a primary care physician that’ s a good fit. A [...]
An innovative wound treatment using fish skin is bringing dramatic healing, reduction in pain and cost savings to patients at NKCH. Karl R. Stark, MD, vascular surgeon Vascular Surgeon Karl Stark, MD, with Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute and director of the hospital’s Wound Healing Center, along with his colleagues, are the Northland’s [...]
Summer is in full swing, and children are making a beeline for the cool water. Know the causes, signs and how to prevent dry and secondary drowning. Dry Drowning Dry drowning happens when your child takes in a small amount of water that does not reach the lungs. The airway spasms and closes up. Dry [...]
Asthma attacks are scary, and if you’re a woman, your chance of being diagnosed with asthma increases as you age. When you’re 20, the rate of diagnosis is equally split between men and women. However, by age 40, women are twice as likely to have asthma than men of the same age. Pulmonologist, Andrea [...]
