News

What You Should Know About Hernias

An abdominal hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall that allows something to protrude through, usually the small bowel or colon. Hernias affect around 10 percent of the population, a majority of them being men. However, women also do develop hernias.

Joel VanderVelde, MD, general surgeon at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, sat down to share common symptoms, treatments and his general knowledge about hernias to help you best understand and be on the lookout for them.

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition Announces the Election of Two New Board Members

New board members bring unique perspectives and experience to the KBC Board during a time when breastfeeding support is more important than ever.

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), a nonprofit working to create a culture of breastfeeding support in Kanas, is pleased to announce the election of Mandy Chapin and Diana Lady to its board of directors.

Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Story of Resilience and Strength

Amy Hedstrom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the young age of 32. She noticed a very small lump in November of 2014 and went to get an ultrasound where nothing appeared. It wasn’t until April of 2015 that she noticed the lump was growing and went to get the lump biopsied, where she was then diagnosed. Upon diagnosis, Amy was referred to The University of Kansas Health System St.

Years of Back Pain Led Kansas Woman to Life-Saving Physician

When Nina McGrath, 70, was in her early 20’s, she was involved in a car accident that prompted more than five decades of severe pain in her back. After years of provisional care, including steady visits to chiropractors and multiple steroid injections, McGrath made an appointment with board-certified pain management specialist Michael Gaume, MD.

This decision saved her life.   

The Sobering Facts of Impaired Driving

There are some accidents and tragedies that cannot be avoided, whether due to genetic makeup or unfortunate timing. Although car accidents can fall under the “unfortunate timing” category, an accident resulting from impaired driving is not one of them. Every day in America, 30 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes. That’s one person every 48 minutes. Between Christmas and New Year’s, an average of 300 people die per year.

The Healthy Bladder Diet

Lung cancer in women

What if we told you lung cancer affects more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer combined?

It’s true. Once considered a “man’s disease,” lung cancer is no longer discriminatory and women need to be aware. Overall, the chance that a woman will develop lung cancer in her lifetime is about 1 in 17. 

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer women fight. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, there were nearly 1.7 million new breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2012. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing a few prevention methods you can use to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Creating a Consistent Exercise Routine

Cancer Care Tips for You and Your Loved One

Caring for someone who has cancer is a beautiful gift. Of course, this type of relationship can be different from a spouse, friend or sibling relationship. It can at times feel amazing to help the one you love, but it can also be a big strain on you and your relationship with that loved one. Preparing for both your roles and what needs to be done is a great way to handle the stress that can arise from caregiving.

Follow these tips and start feeling more prepared for your caregiving journey.

Get Organized

When should you get a flu shot?

Sooner rather than later, according to Dr. Mark Sankoorikal, internal medicine physician with The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.

“Get the flu shot. It is the most effective strategy to preventing the flu,” Sankoorikal explained.

The science of the flu vaccine and how it affects the body is a common concern every fall.