Health Services

Knowing how to comfort mom during labor can help her, and you will feel like an active participant in the birth. Below are a few tips to help you perform the role of labor coach: Be calm and confident. Know what to expect physically and emotionally during...

What is the sacroiliac joint (SI Joint)? The sacroiliac, or SI, joints are joints between the pelvic bones and the base of the spine, or sacrum. They are located in the lower back on each side where most people have a dimple in the skin. Unlike...

Does it Matter How a Baby Sleeps? Yes! Infants need the safest sleep environment possible to decrease the baby’s risk of sleep-related death. Babies and parents sleeping together in the same bed – often called co-sleeping – is discouraged for the baby’s safety. As recent as...

What is a Concussion? A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works and is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions are serious business for young athletes, particularly those who play football. Each year, an...

Comprehensive Sleep Studies in Cape Girardeau The Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau is a six-bed facility with state-of-the-art equipment and private restrooms, providing comprehensive sleep studies to the southeast Missouri region. Staffed by technicians who are credentialed by the Board...

Support for Individuals and Families Social Services at Saint Francis Medical Center works closely with patients and their family members to improve their overall well-being. Highly trained personnel from Social Services are a resource to patients for various needs, including: Counseling from therapists Education Advocacy Discharge planning Support groups Financial services referrals...

What is Spasticity? Spasticity is a condition that affects the muscles. It causes stiffness, restriction of movement, involuntary movements, pain and other abnormalities that reduce functionality. Patients with spasticity often have discomfort, limited movement, and muscle contractures. What Causes Spasticity? Muscle movements are normally controlled by a complex...

We know that specialty drugs can be complicated. That is why we provide you with the highest level of custom care. To make sure you have the guidance, clarity, and peace of mind to manage your condition well and live a healthier, happier life. Our...

What are Spine Disorders? Spinal disorders are the disturbance of normal functioning of the spinal column and/or spinal cord. Common spine disorders include bulging or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. Diagnosis We use several technologies to diagnose spine disorders, including: Electromyogram. Electromyogram is a noninvasive procedure used to detect...

Whether for competition or recreation, Saint Francis Medical Center's Sports Medicine program has been keeping athletes at their best since 1995. In addition to fostering athletic excellence, Saint Francis' Sports Medicine team – physicians, certified athletic trainers and licensed physical therapists – has been helping...

Every newborn is a blessing, and every birth is unique. Part of our goal at the Family BirthPlace is to encourage your family members to participate throughout your entire pregnancy. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are part of a major life change, and the process can...

The Stroke Center at Saint Francis Medical Center is prepared to handle any stroke-related emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our stroke team: Is notified by EMS crews if a potential stroke patient is en route Evaluates patients within 10 minutes of arrival Performs critical...

From minor outpatient to advanced procedures, the surgical specialists at Saint Francis Healthcare System are here for you. Our highly trained staff uses the latest technology and meticulous patient safety measures to ensure the best possible results so you can get back to living your best...

What is TAVR? Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure which repairs the valve without removing the old, damaged valve. Instead, a replacement valve is wedged into the aortic valve's place. How does TAVR work? Somewhat similar to a stent placed in an artery,...

What is Mitral Regurgitation? Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the leakage of blood backward through the mitral valve each time the heart contracts. When this happens, patients can experience significant shortness of breath and their activity tolerance may be greatly reduced. MitraClip MitraClip device Saint Francis Healthcare System offers the...

The Level III NICU at Saint Francis Medical Center provides transport services for premature infants and newborns throughout the region. Under most circumstances, babies are flown to Saint Francis Medical Center by ARCH, a regional transportation system of emergency medical helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts serving much...

What is an Ultrasound?What is a doppler ultrasound?Why has my doctor recommended an ultrasound?What will the exam be like?How long will the exam take?When will I know my results? What is an Ultrasound? Ultrasound utilizes sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of various organs...

Urgent care physicians treat a host of non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that need immediate attention. Physicians routinely care for patients with the conditions listed below, as well as numerous other medical needs commonly treated by primary care physicians: Ear infections Sore or strep throat Bronchitis Colds or flu Upset stomach Vomiting...

How Does AFib Increase Stroke Risk? More than 90% of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the LAA. The average person with atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is five times more likely to have a stroke than someone with a regular...

Women's Issues, Solutions & Education Do you deal with light bladder leaks or "female" pain or discomfort? You are not alone. WISE Health at Saint Francis Medical Center is a safe place for you to seek treatment. WISE Health (Women’s Issues, Solutions & Education) features a highly specialized,...