Posts By Author: Kyle L. Sommers

The question I get asked most often as a Physician Assistant (PA) is how am I different from a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? While both PAs and NPs are vital to patient care and often perform similar functions, there are distinct differences between these two professions. Education and Training PAs typically complete a master's degree from an accredited PA program, which requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite, often in a health-related field. PA programs generally last 2 to 3 years...

The question I get asked most often as a Physician Assistant (PA) is how am I different from a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? While both PAs and NPs are vital to patient care and often perform similar functions, there are distinct differences between these two professions. Education and Training PAs typically complete a master's degree from an accredited PA program, which requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite, often in a health-related field. PA programs generally last 2 to 3 years...

As the New Year rolls in, many people are setting resolutions to get healthier, with starting a new exercise routine at the top of the list. Whether it’s shedding a few pounds, building strength, or improving overall health, committing to a fitness goal is a great way to kick off 2025. However, like any big change, starting an exercise routine requires planning, patience, and consistency to ensure long-term success....

Indiana winters seem to drag on forever during the early months of the year, and those few warm days send everyone outside to get some much-needed Vitamin D and fresh air. These brief periods of high activity during an otherwise sedentary time of the year can put you at increased risk of injury. Staying active during the colder months will allow you to safely jump right back into those spring activities, like golfing, hiking, pickleball, or gardening....

Two to three percent of the general population and 10% of diabetics experience locking, clicking, snapping, or catching of a finger or thumb, known as Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb, also known as stenosis tenosynovitis. It is more common in diabetics and females older than 50. The ring and long fingers are most involved. The mechanism includes the tendon of the finger getting “caught up” on the pulley of the finger. Occasionally, there may be a nodule on the tendon...

Woodlawn Health is a designated Chest Pain Center and has received certification in 2021, through the American College of Cardiology. The certification is a quality improvement program designed for hospital emergency departments to focus on efficient and effective care of acute cardiac conditions such as heart attacks. Having this certification drives the hospital to establish consistent, high-quality processes across the continuum of care. While Woodlawn Health may not be able to treat all the identified cardiac conditions, our emergency department...

Today, nearly 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant to live healthier, more productive lives. A single donor can offer life-saving organs for up to eight people and take that into account even more so thousands of lives are improved by tissue and cornea donation and transplants that can help people move better, see better, and live better. Signing up to be an organ donor means that one day, you will be able to help others in need. It...

Depression is a common emotion that, at one time or another, we have all felt. Sometimes the stigma of admitting one's concerns or feelings keeps us from speaking up. Rest assured that depression is the most common mood disorder causing disability in the United States and throughout the world. When depression is left untreated, an individual is at risk of developing other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of despair...

As the sunny days of early summer begin, many fitness enthusiasts are eager to take their workouts outdoors. However, with the increasing temperatures, it is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize safety to avoid heat-related illnesses. Whether you're running, cycling, or engaging in any physical activity, here are some essential tips to exercise safely in the heat. 1. Time It Right: Plan your workout during the cooler hours of the day. Early mornings or evenings are ideal for exercising in...

Often, new parents do not know when to reach out for lactation help. As a Lactation Consultant, I am here for education before birth, support after the baby is born, and whenever your breastfeeding journey is ending, no matter the age. There are various issues we are available to assist with. Some baby issues would be Jaundice, Refusing/difficulty latching, poor weight gain, gaining weight too rapidly, frequent crying or fussing, feeding “all of the time”, babies born early, and frequent...