September 2023

Portrait Of Happy Young Indian Couple Holding Positive Pregnancy Test At Home

What to do if you have a positive pregnancy test?

What to do if you have a positive pregnancy test? First of all, congratulations! Whether this is your first pregnancy or your tenth, it’s an exciting time. Prenatal care is very important, even if you’ve done this a few times. You will need to contact your current obstetrical provider or family doctor to schedule an appointment and share your great news.

We want to be sure your pregnancy is progressing normally and will order necessary labs and other tests, including an ultrasound. If you don’t have an established provider for obstetrical needs, we have several physicians at Woodlawn who will be happy to take care of you during your pregnancy.

What to do if you have a positive pregnancy test? Read More »

Two female gardeners kneeling in a vegetable bed in a garden, inspecting Swiss chard plants.

Tips for gardening without the pain

April is National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month! Occupational therapists are medical professionals that focus on helping individuals participate in daily activities and tasks. We promote health and well-being through occupation or purposeful activity, activity modification, education, and exercise.

Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and get exercise, but it can be hard on your body if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for practicing good body mechanics and preventing pain and injury while gardening:

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Working. breastfeeding woman with infant near laptop.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work

Megan Cook, BSN, RN, IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant)

Most breastfeeding moms who return to work need to use a pump to supply milk while away. When it comes down to picking a pump; find one you’re comfortable using. Make sure you use it and check it out before returning to work.

When it comes to flange, the right fit matters, and most pumps come with different sizes. Just because it comes with it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right size. One of the reasons to see a lactation consultant is that we can fit the size of the flange, which can help with pumping comfort and milk output.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work Read More »

Closeup Of Woman Smoking Electronic Cigarette Outdoor

Nicotine Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes): A good alternative to smoking or a new addictive alternative?

My work as a respiratory therapist has allowed me to encounter many current and former smokers. As we have all heard for years’ tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The Center for Disease Control, CDC states smoking causes about one in five deaths each year. In Indiana alone the cost from smoking related illness amounts to around $6.1 billion dollars, that’s $903 dollars per household whether you smoke or not. So, if you smoke you should consider stopping, if you do not smoke, please never start.

Nicotine Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes): A good alternative to smoking or a new addictive alternative? Read More »

Doctor suggesting hospital program to patient

The Overlooked Benefit of Wellness Programs

What are the benefits of employer lead wellness programs for the employee and employer? It is a wise investment for both parties.

Employee Benefit

The 2021 U.S. Census tells us that 66% of the nation has private insurance coverage. Most of this coverage comes from employer-based group plans and is the backbone of the American healthcare system. Many of us use our employer-based insurance to cover normal visits to our family physicians, labs, and unforeseen illnesses and injuries. However, a lot of us miss out on the advantage of wellness screenings and health education covered by our insurance. Sometimes it isn’t openly offered, or it is presented as an obligation instead of the huge benefit that it really is. Not partaking in your company’s wellness screening is like leaving money on the table.

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Professional orthopedic surgeon is examining a patient knee at the clinic.

Orthopedic Update

In my practice, I occasionally get asked to explain the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as osteoporosis. It is a good question and it is important to understand the difference, as these diseases are diagnosed and treated differently.

Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of arthritis and often referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis. The smooth, protective cushion of cartilage on the bones gradually wears away and this leads to stiffness and pain and eventually, difficulty with activities. It is commonly found in the middle to older age groups. Other causes include obesity, prior injury and family history.

Orthopedic Update Read More »

Woman sleeping with an anti-snoring mask

Can Sleep Apnea affect school performance in children?

Did you know that sleep apnea is not just something adults struggle with? Children can have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a sleep related breathing disorder. This disorder can cause a partial reduction in airflow in mild cases, or a complete cessation of airflow in more severe cases. Most parents or children can recognize this as snoring, or even witnessed apneas. Following this reduction of airflow is an oxygen desaturation, this will cause the brain to signal to the body to wake up from sleep to restore breathing back to normal. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the sleep cycle, causing excessive daytime sleepiness.

Can Sleep Apnea affect school performance in children? Read More »

Examining blood sample in laboratory

What goes on back there, anyway?

Editors Note: Emily Schouten is the Laboratory Director at Woodlawn Hospital.

Did you ever wonder what happens to your blood sample after you leave the lab? I recently asked my teenagers what they thought happened to samples in a lab and my daughter asked , “Do you have vampires in the lab?” Fortunately, we do not have any vampires in the lab. We do have staff who want to give the best possible care to our patients.

What goes on back there, anyway? Read More »

Doctor holding red heart in nursing hospital for good health.

Here’s to Good Health

The Fall and Winter months (September through March) bring cooler weather and the dreaded Flu (Influenza) Season. We have spent so much time living in the pandemic world and attention given to COVID-19 that we forget about the Flu.

Influenza, called the Flu, is an infectious disease caused by the Influenza Virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and many deaths each year.

Unlike a common cold, the flu comes on suddenly. Symptoms typically include very high fever (greater than 101F), severe muscle and body aches, headache, weakness and fatigue, runny nose, sore throat and coughing.

Here’s to Good Health Read More »

diabetes test

Diabetes-Things to Know

Diabetes, a metabolic disease in which the pancreas does not function properly in insulin production, causes increased glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), it is the 7th leading cause of death in America and over 29 million people or 9.3% of the US population has the disease. There are various types of Diabetes such as Type I, Type II, and Gestational diabetes. Diabetes is monitored by testing blood sugar levels.

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