Diet and exercise many times are not enough to lower the risk of hyperlipidemia (HLD). As we’ve learned over the years, genetics can play the biggest role. Fortunately, we now have treatments we didn’t have only a few years ago, giving options for patients who previously had none. At Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Lipid…
A $15 million gift from the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation will expand and elevate the diabetes care we offer and help ease the burden of living with diabetes for children and adults across the region. With the transformative gift, Norton Healthcare is expanding diabetes education, outreach, programming and research with the creation of…
Pelvic health physical therapy can alleviate pain and improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles — enhancing quality of life, hygiene, safety and independence. Sometimes therapy is all that’s needed to address pelvic-health-related conditions such as bladder or bowel control, stool or urine leakage, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Physical therapy can…
Distinguishing normal aging from early dementia can be difficult, but there are clues that can help. Neurologist Gregory E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D., chief of adult neurology and director of the Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center, answers the most commonly asked questions. What are the differences between normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia?According to…
Using an anesthesia block such as erector spinae plane block in some pediatric cardiac surgeries has allowed us to quicken patient recovery, shorten stays in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) and extubate sooner. By blocking the afferent neuronal impulses in surgeries involving a midline sternotomy, erector spinae plane blocks reduce the body’s sensation of…
Babies born with complex congenital heart disease often can have associated issues such as extreme prematurity, low birth weight, abnormal genes and significant congenital disorders other than the heart. These associated issues can significantly increase the risk of their heart surgery. An example is a baby who recently received care at Norton Children’s Hospital. He…
When symptoms of heart failure begin progressing or patients start decompensating, there is a brief opportunity for referral to an advanced heart failure center. The American Heart Association calls this the “golden window.” Primary care providers and others should consider referring a patient to the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery…
Adam M. Skaff, M.D., has joined Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, as a pediatric cardiologist. Dr. Skaff completed his initial medical training at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. His residency in pediatrics was completed at the University of Virginia. Dr. Skaff completed fellowship training in pediatric cardiology…
A passion for subspecialty gynecology care and improving patients’ quality of life has inspired a father and son to work together at Norton Healthcare. Urogynecologist Andrew D. Doering, M.D., joined Norton Urogynecology Center in August, treating patients with pelvic floor disorders, including prolapse or vaginal bulging, and urinary or fecal incontinence. His father, David L….
Newly diagnosed heart failure patients have a three-month window of care crucial to their likelihood of recovery. The difference can be returning to a normal life versus awaiting a heart transplant or mechanical circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In that three-month window, the heart can respond well to a neurohormonal blockade,…
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility, affecting from 8% to 20% of U.S. women of reproductive age, according to research. It is treatable but often difficult to diagnose, especially outside of the gynecologist or OB/GYN setting. Diagnosing and treating PCOS early can help control symptoms and prevent long-term issues from developing,…
Norton Healthcare* has announced changes to its financial assistance program. The changes are intended to increase access to health care by alleviating financial stress that often serves as a barrier and prevents individuals from seeking care. Previously, families were eligible for Norton Healthcare’s financial assistance program if their household income was equal to or less…