While gallstones can cause sudden, intense pain in the upper right quadrant or pit of your stomach, sometimes they do not produce such obvious symptoms. In these cases, you may think you are experiencing indigestion when you actually have a gallstone.
Rafid J. Hussein, DO
“You may have... Read more
The sacroiliac (SI) joint, located at the junction of the spine and pelvis, does not move much, but it is an important transitional point between the upper and lower parts of your body. Pain in the SI joint usually occurs as a result of overuse or... Read more
Despite what health club commercials would have you believe, there are plenty of fat-burning exercises you can do at home. Not only do they build muscle and help trim you down, these exercises fit into any schedule.
Pushups - One of the best overall exercises, the key... Read more
As a man grows older, his prostate becomes bigger—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As this occurs, the prostate can block the flow of urine out of the bladder, and the man may experience urinary problems such as a slow stream, incomplete emptying, the... Read more
If you experience seasonal allergies in the spring, fall or both, it is a good idea to start taking medications several weeks before your allergies are due to begin. “Taking medications before you even begin experiencing symptoms stabilizes the allergic response,” says Robert W. Dodson, MD,... Read more
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism. If it produces the wrong amount of hormones – either too much or too little – various systems in the body will not function properly.
With an overactive... Read more
There is the proverbial “frog in the throat,” and then there is the croup, which often sounds more like a barking seal in the throat. Due to its bark-like cough, noisy breathing (stridor) and agitated crying, this inflammatory condition of the upper airways is scary for... Read more
If you’re a woman and it feels like you body is fighting against you in your weight-loss battle, you may be right. Hormones play a large role in determining when you are hungry, what you crave and even where fat is most likely to be stored.... Read more
Conditions such as bunions, corns and hammertoes may seem more annoying than dangerous, but if you continue to ignore such a problem, it could affect the way you walk which in turn could lead to knee, hip and lower back pain. “In many cases, fixing one... Read more
If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain, your doctor may order an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), a test that uses a flexible scope and X-ray images to examine the tubes that drain your gallbladder, liver and pancreas. “ERCP is a minimally invasive way to remove stones... Read more
Tonsil cancer is a type of throat cancer that occurs in one of the three types of tonsils in the throat. The major risk factors for this type of cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol. People with human papillomavirus (HPV) also are at greater... Read more
At Saint Francis Medical Center, staff members focus on relationship-based care in all they do. This means they are focused on creating a greater bond with their patients, their patients’ families and their co-workers. “Relationship-based care is a model of care that incorporates professionalism, teamwork and... Read more
When you or your loved one experiences a medical emergency, you want only the best care. Saint Francis Medical Center’s Level III Emergency and Trauma Center offers specialized care for its youngest patients and seniors throughout the region.
The designated children’s area features exam areas and equipment specifically tailored... Read more
As your child prepares for college, make sure he or she is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. They include:
TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, commonly called "whooping cough") – “We know from studies that the pertussis vaccinations we receive as young children eventually wear off,”... Read more
Back pain is not necessarily a normal part of aging. You can stop back pain before it starts by following these tips:
Maintain good core strength. “If you regularly exercise your abdominal muscles, that can give you enough strength to counteract any potential back issues,” says Patrick... Read more
When you’re in rehab, it helps to have a buddy. Patients at Saint Francis Medical Center’s Inpatient Rehabilitation program get just what they need from rehab’s four-legged friend, a 5-year old golden retriever, fittingly named Buddy.
Buddy, a Cape Girardeau Pet Pal and American Kennel Club Canine... Read more
A summer vacation is a great way to see the country, but it can be hard on your diet. Traveling, dining out and staying in hotels can set back your weight-loss plan if you’re not careful. Luckily, with a little planning, you can have a fun... Read more
High cholesterol can be a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, which is why you should have your cholesterol checked regularly. If it is too high, you need to take steps to lower it.
High cholesterol is defined as a total cholesterol level of 200 milligrams... Read more
If you are experiencing unusually long-lasting or uncomfortable gas and bloating, tell your doctor right away. It could be a symptom of a bigger problem. “Bloating is one of the main symptoms of celiac disease, an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine,” says Rafid... Read more
Head lice? Head to the doctor. “If a child has head lice, the parents might notice an itchy scalp, small red bumps or sores from scratching,” says Beverly L. Brown, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Saint Francis Medical Center. “They might see the tiny lice (no bigger... Read more
While gallstones can cause sudden, intense pain in the upper right quadrant or pit of your stomach, sometimes they do not produce such obvious symptoms. In these cases, you may think you are experiencing indigestion when you actually have a gallstone.
Rafid J. Hussein, DO
“You may have... Read more
The sacroiliac (SI) joint, located at the junction of the spine and pelvis, does not move much, but it is an important transitional point between the upper and lower parts of your body. Pain in the SI joint usually occurs as a result of overuse or... Read more
As a man grows older, his prostate becomes bigger—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As this occurs, the prostate can block the flow of urine out of the bladder, and the man may experience urinary problems such as a slow stream, incomplete emptying, the... Read more
If you experience seasonal allergies in the spring, fall or both, it is a good idea to start taking medications several weeks before your allergies are due to begin. “Taking medications before you even begin experiencing symptoms stabilizes the allergic response,” says Robert W. Dodson, MD,... Read more
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism. If it produces the wrong amount of hormones – either too much or too little – various systems in the body will not function properly.
With an overactive... Read more
There is the proverbial “frog in the throat,” and then there is the croup, which often sounds more like a barking seal in the throat. Due to its bark-like cough, noisy breathing (stridor) and agitated crying, this inflammatory condition of the upper airways is scary for... Read more
Conditions such as bunions, corns and hammertoes may seem more annoying than dangerous, but if you continue to ignore such a problem, it could affect the way you walk which in turn could lead to knee, hip and lower back pain. “In many cases, fixing one... Read more
If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain, your doctor may order an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), a test that uses a flexible scope and X-ray images to examine the tubes that drain your gallbladder, liver and pancreas. “ERCP is a minimally invasive way to remove stones... Read more
Tonsil cancer is a type of throat cancer that occurs in one of the three types of tonsils in the throat. The major risk factors for this type of cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol. People with human papillomavirus (HPV) also are at greater... Read more
At Saint Francis Medical Center, staff members focus on relationship-based care in all they do. This means they are focused on creating a greater bond with their patients, their patients’ families and their co-workers. “Relationship-based care is a model of care that incorporates professionalism, teamwork and... Read more
When you or your loved one experiences a medical emergency, you want only the best care. Saint Francis Medical Center’s Level III Emergency and Trauma Center offers specialized care for its youngest patients and seniors throughout the region.
The designated children’s area features exam areas and equipment specifically tailored... Read more
As your child prepares for college, make sure he or she is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. They include:
TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, commonly called "whooping cough") – “We know from studies that the pertussis vaccinations we receive as young children eventually wear off,”... Read more
Back pain is not necessarily a normal part of aging. You can stop back pain before it starts by following these tips:
Maintain good core strength. “If you regularly exercise your abdominal muscles, that can give you enough strength to counteract any potential back issues,” says Patrick... Read more
When you’re in rehab, it helps to have a buddy. Patients at Saint Francis Medical Center’s Inpatient Rehabilitation program get just what they need from rehab’s four-legged friend, a 5-year old golden retriever, fittingly named Buddy.
Buddy, a Cape Girardeau Pet Pal and American Kennel Club Canine... Read more
High cholesterol can be a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, which is why you should have your cholesterol checked regularly. If it is too high, you need to take steps to lower it.
High cholesterol is defined as a total cholesterol level of 200 milligrams... Read more
If you are experiencing unusually long-lasting or uncomfortable gas and bloating, tell your doctor right away. It could be a symptom of a bigger problem. “Bloating is one of the main symptoms of celiac disease, an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine,” says Rafid... Read more
Head lice? Head to the doctor. “If a child has head lice, the parents might notice an itchy scalp, small red bumps or sores from scratching,” says Beverly L. Brown, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Saint Francis Medical Center. “They might see the tiny lice (no bigger... Read more
