Last week I had to have surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. This is a rare type of hernia for women and I initially had difficulty finding information about it on line. It usually afflicts men. I first had to look at what could have caused this. I have had several surgeries to my lower abdomen, I have lifted weights for many years, and I ...

I spent most of yesterday at the VA Hospital having various tests performed and handing over copies of my fingerprints at the police station. I first met with a nice woman from HR who needed me to sign yet another form. She also informed me that I have more paperwork to complete on line. These forms seem to have no end. She then escorted me ...

This week I went for my annual eye exam. The optometrist I saw was absolutely wonderful. Her bedside manner was extraordinary and she provided me with extra information like how my hypertension affects my eye health. She also gave me a detailed description of how fish oil and flax seed oil can help treat my dry eyes. She spent well over 75 ...

New advancements in technology are taking mammography to the next level. The Harris Breast Center at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri is leading the way with a newly FDA approved tomosynthesis 3-D mammography ''which takes images of thin cross sections of the breast for use as an adjunct to traditional 2-D mammography.'' This new view allows ...

February is American Heart Month and we all need to sit up and take notice, especially women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Smokers, diabetics, and the obese are at higher risk. If you are having heart related symptoms and visit your doctor, any ...

Our current health care and unemployment crises have left so many Americans without health insurance. This is inexcusable in such a wealthy, industrialized nation. Other countries like Canada and Norway offer their citizens a national insurance system at little or no cost. One person keenly aware of this terrible problem is Dr. Mehmet Oz. ...

I had another great week on my new schedule. I am sure getting used to not being so tired all of the time. Ten-hour shifts seem to work out nicely for me, and I'm grateful to have three full days off each week. One of my favorite co-workers went out on maternity leave last week. I will miss her greatly. She taught me a lot and we truly ...

Much to my happiness my hospital recently became a smoke-free campus. I hate walking into work enjoying the fresh air only to be bombarded by a cloud from folks smoking. We had a beautiful rose garden that allowed smoking so non-smokers could never truly stop to smell the roses. The area is now being turned into a place where everyone can feel ...