Health Articles

Select a Category Alzheimer’s DiseaseBehavioral HealthBone HealthBuilding on ExcellenceCardiologyDermatologyDiabetesEarEmergencyEndocrinologyEpicEventExerciseEye HealthFamily BirthPlaceFamily CareGastrointestinal DisordersGenetic CounselingGeriatric CareHealthy WeighHematologyHospice CareInfant CareInternal MedicineJoint HealthMassage TherapyMen's HealthMyChartNeonatologyNeurologyNeurosurgeryNICUNoseNutritionObstetrics and GynecologyOncologyOrthopedicsOtolaryngologyPain managementPalliative CarePediatricsPerinatologyPodiatryPrimary CareProstate (BPH)Prostate CancerPsychologyPulmonology/Sleep MedicineRehabilitationRheumatologySports MedicineStrokeSurgeryThoracicThroatUrologyVaricose VeinsVascularWeight LossWomen's HealthWound Healing 5 per page10 per page15 per page20 per page30 per page50 per page100 per page Sort A to ZSort Z to A Submit Clear Filters

The Importance of Flu Shots

As the year winds down, the annual flu season is revving up. Marc Lumsden, DO, family medicine physician at Cape Physician Associates, explains the necessity and benefits of getting the flu shot once the winter months approach. "During colder months, the flu virus tends to be more... Read more

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Martha Margreiter, MD Breastfeeding can be an essential benefit in the development of infants. Martha Margreiter, MD, pediatrician at Saint Francis Clinic Poplar Bluff, explains the variety of benefits that come with breastfeeding. “Without a doubt, mother’s milk alone promotes optimum health and development for babies. It is... Read more

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ with Andy Gayle, MD

D. Andrew Gayle, MD In a recent interview with the Wayne County Newspaper, Andy Gayle, MD, physician at Piedmont Physician Associates, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, expressed his answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines. How Do I Know the COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe? “The vaccines have completed... Read more

Resurgence of RSV

RSV continues to spread amongst children across the country. Dean Dye, MD, pediatrician at Saint Francis Clinic Poplar Bluff, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, explains the signs of RSV and what parents can do to ease the symptoms of the virus. Dean Dye, MD “Respiratory Syncytial Virus, otherwise... Read more

Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous disease of the bone marrow that arises on white blood cells. It typically affects those over 60 years of age and is not a curable disease. Since bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, it is easy... Read more

RSV on the Rise

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is rapidly infecting many young children throughout the country. Nurse Practitioner Erika Westrich at Cape Physician Associates gives insight on what RSV is, ways to prevent it, symptoms to look out for and more. What is RSV? “Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a... Read more

Saint Francis Using Medical Record Technology to Streamline Care, Improve Patient Outcomes

Five years ago, Saint Francis Healthcare System launched its $43 million electronic medical records system, otherwise known as Epic, and its connected patient portal, MyChart. At the time, Dr. Maryann Reese, then-executive vice president and chief operating officer, told the Southeast Missourian the rollout of Epic was... Read more

Heatstroke

High temperatures during the summer can lead to heatstroke – a very serious condition and medical emergency. It can occur gradually or happen suddenly, even if you have no other signs of heat-related injury. Symptoms of Heatstroke Nausea and vomitingSeizuresConfusion and disorientationLack of sweating despite the heatRapid heartbeat... Read more

Building a Foundation of Wellness through Primary Care

Laura E. Glueck, DO, family medicine physician at Saint Francis Clinic Jackson, a Saint Francis Healthcare System Medical Partner location, says she takes a transparent approach to speaking about health conditions to help build trust and long-time connections with patients. “Relationships are the biggest thing,” she says.... Read more

Give Your Body a Jumpstart

The First Week of January is Folic Acid Awareness Week The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg.) of folic acid each day in addition to consuming food rich in folate to help prevent some major... Read more

Pain Management Center: Spinal Cord Stimulators and Cervical Radio Frequency

Bodily pain presents itself to people in many different forms and levels of discomfort, and stems from a variety of factors including accidents, illness, lack of exercise, improper lifting and more. For those suffering from acute and sub-acute pain, there are various forms of treatment readily... Read more

Do You Have Allergies?

Are you one of the 1 in 5 Americans who suffers from allergies? Here in the southeast Missouri region, allergies are common to pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander. If your symptoms are severe enough, you may need help managing them. Ear, Nose and Throat... Read more

Sore Throat or Strep Throat? How to Tell the Difference

Sore throat is a common complaint in the pediatric population and can be caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) otherwise known as "strep throat." Strep throat accounts for 15 to 30 percent of all sore throats in children ages 5 to 15. Viruses are also another... Read more

Leroy Murray Remains Busy After TAVR Heart Procedure

Leroy Murray is not afraid of a little manual labor. The 84-year-old man, from the small town of Harviell, Mo., worked as a lineman for 40 years and thanks to the TAVR heart procedure still raises cattle, splits wood and mows grass on his farm. Leroy has... Read more

Coronary Revascularization Saves Lives

About every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association1. Many people who experience chest pain or have a heart attack can benefit from catheterization or surgery to improve their quality of life and even their longevity.... Read more

Surgery at Saint Francis

The Operating Room (OR) is a unique setting in healthcare. It depends on teamwork, communication and surgical conscience (ethics/morality) for anyone who chooses the OR as a career. Besides the obvious goal of providing repairs to bodies, another is to keep Saint Francis Healthcare System patients... Read more

Beware of Genetic Testing Scammers

Beware of scammers targeting Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries offering genetic testing. These scammers obtain Medicare or Medicaid numbers from victims for fraudulent purposes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an alert about scammers offering cheek swabs for genetic... Read more

HPV Vaccine Protects Against Certain Types of Cancers

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cancer against HPV infection. Certain types of HPV can lead to oral and genital cancers. HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection when given before initial exposure to the virus. Similar to the need to put a helmet on before... Read more

Behavioral Health at Ferguson Medical Group

David Dahlbeck, PhD, HSP In 2011, behavioral health services began at Ferguson Medical Group (FMG) in Sikeston, Mo. when Dr. David Dahlbeck was hired as the first full-time behavioral health provider. FMG has since grown to seven full-time behavioral health providers with four licensed clinical social workers,... Read more

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Wounds, Saves Lives

Oxygen. This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas heals wounds, reverses radiation burns and saves lives! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy utilizes this miracle substance to treat serious infections, bubbles of air in blood, and chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcerations, venous leg ulcers and tissue pressure injuries. Matthew B.... Read more