We are NKCH and MH
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NKCHs Survivor Connection
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 […]
Hats Off to the New Year and Birthdays
Noisemakers, party hats and bubbly beverages are synonymous with ringing in the New Year, but what about those people who have a double reason to celebrate? We asked four hospital employees who were born on New Year’s Day what it’s like to share their birthday with such an important holiday. Stacie Blake, BSN, CGRN Staff Nurse, […]
DNA Home Test Kits A Genetic Counselors Perspective
The rise in popular at-home DNA tests such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com has skyrocketed. In the next few years, demand is expected to more than quadruple. Individuals can buy genetic testing kits from local retailers, send away samples of saliva, discover their ancestry, and learn their predisposition to many diseases and health conditions. They get […]
Superbugs and Your Health How to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Guest blogger: Morgan Statt, Health & Safety Investigator, Consumer Safety The discovery of antibiotics last century was a groundbreaking step in medical advancements. Common infections like strep throat that once led to serious complications are now easily treated. Over time however, widespread use of these medicines have caused bacteria to become resistant to the very […]
Smoking Dangers for Your Four-Legged Friends
The Great American Smokeout occurs each November with tips on how to kick the habit. But, did you know smoking can impact your pet’s health? When you light up next to Fido you expose your beloved pet to a potentially harmful environment. Nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide are just some of the cancer-causing substances found […]
Gynecologist Guides Women Through Menopause Treatment
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 […]
Vaping Gets a Red Light
Chocolate. Espresso. Mango. Bubblegum. With tempting flavors and the promise of being a safer alternative to tobacco, electronic cigarette sales have gone from zero to 60 in no time flat. Pulmonologist, Andrea Anthony, MD, with Meritas Health Pulmonary Medicine But, buyer beware. Pulmonologist Andrea K. Anthony, MD, with Meritas Health Pulmonary Medicine, pops […]
Healthy Noggin Know-how
Making a few lifestyle changes now can keep your thinking and memory skills sharp later. Be a quitter. Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, increases your risk of dementia and other cognitive problems. Have some heart. Excess weight and high blood pressure raise your risk of heart disease and can also affect your brain health. Fill’er up. […]
ICMs Help Diagnose Silent AFib and Cause of Fainting
The majority of strokes in the U.S. are caused by a blood clot that plugs an artery leading to the brain. Called ischemic strokes, they are seen in 800,000 people in the U.S. annually. There also are approximately 200,000 people with no identifiable cause for their strokes. These secondary strokes are called cryptogenic strokes. Insertable […]
Nurses Spread Joy at Work
Laura Habighorst It’s no secret healthcare staff experience increasing demands on their time and energy. Statistics show more of them are burning out and leaving their jobs. Nationwide 33% of new nurses leave their jobs in the first year. Educators Denice Morrison, MSN, CNOR, and Laura Habighorst, BSN, CAPA, want to change those […]
NKCH Physicians Daughter Seeks to Become Sole Survivor
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 […]
Quilts Bring Nurse Sew Much Fun
After a long day as director of the GI Lab, Tina Hoss, BSN, CGRN, unwinds by putting fabric on a machine and sewing. Quilting for Tina is a hobby and a stress reliever. She even takes her sewing machine when she travels to Lake of the Ozarks for vacation. Self Taught Tina taught herself to […]