Turn for the Better blog - HCA Midwest Health

Maternal Fetal Medicine FAQs

December 27, 2017

Get answers to common questions about the Maternal Fetal Medicine program at HCA Midwest Health.

2 min Read Time

Pre-Pregnancy Medical Care: What Should I Expect?

December 26, 2017

The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

Pregnancy Pitfalls After 40

December 22, 2017

For a variety of reasons, many women are delaying childbearing until later in life. We’ve examined the facts regarding pregnancy over age 40 ...

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

Prep for pediatric endo visit

December 20, 2017

Your child shouldn't wait months to see a pediatric endocrinologist. Learn how we're lessening the wait and how you can use that time to prepare...

tags: pediatric care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Things to Consider When Choosing an OB

December 18, 2017

What should you consider when choosing an OB? Pregnancy First Steps: Find You (& Your Baby’s) Doctor.

tags: maternity , t4b

3 min Read Time

Shortness of breath emergency

December 18, 2017

Should I go to the ER with shortness of breath? Shortness of breath can be alarming. We take breathing for granted so it’s scary when something...

tags: emergency care , t4b

3 min Read Time

Choosing the right cancer hospital

December 18, 2017

A cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling like you’re in a race and falling behind. But it’s important to take the time to research your options...

tags: cancer care , t4b

4 min Read Time

Is there anything else I can do to lose weight?

December 18, 2017

I've tried everything. Is there anything else I can do to lose weight? Learn about your options for weight loss surgery.

tags: t4b , weight loss surgery

2 min Read Time

Finding a doctor familiar with BRCA mutations

December 12, 2017

BRCA gene mutations can raise your risk for several cancers. Find out about genetic testing and other breast cancer prevention services provided...

1 min Read Time

Short ER wait times in KC

December 12, 2017

Long ER wait times are a thing of the past at our Kansas City hospitals and standalone emergency rooms. See average ER wait times now.

tags: emergency care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Trauma centers in KC

December 11, 2017

Does a hospital having a trauma designation really make a difference?

tags: emergency care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Pediatric heart conditions

December 11, 2017

Detection and treatment of heart defects and disorders in children can be complex. Our experts are with you are your child every step of the ...

tags: heart care , pediatric care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Options for healthcare

December 8, 2017

Emergency room, urgent care, walk-in clinic, doctor’s office – how do you know where to go and for what? Making smart choices can save you money...

tags: emergency care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Peripheral Vascular Disease

December 7, 2017

Peripheral vascular disease can cause severe leg pain and increase heart attack and stroke risk. Learn the signs and how specialized treatment...

tags: heart care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Blood work

December 6, 2017

Why not have routine blood work done ahead of an appointment so results could be discussed at the appointment rather than reported by a nurse...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

2 min Read Time

Heart Failure Management

December 6, 2017

What can a hospital do for someone who is diagnosed with heart failure?

tags: heart care , t4b

1 min Read Time

ER cost before visit

December 6, 2017

The ER staff should be able to give me an idea of what it’s going to cost so I can decide if I’d rather wait until my doctor’s office opens tomorrow...

tags: emergency care , t4b

2 min Read Time

What is a Maternity Navigator?

December 5, 2017

I'm pregnant for the first time and everyone has an opinion on what I should be doing. I wish I had someone who could help guide me so I'm not...

tags: maternity , t4b

1 min Read Time

Medical costs

December 4, 2017

At HCA Midwest Health, we do our best to give you an idea of what you can expect by publishing inpatient and outpatient cost ranges for each ...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

Is mumps making a comeback?

December 4, 2017

The University of Missouri, the State University of New York at New Paltz, Harvard University and Syracuse University all have one thing in common...

3 min Read Time

Complex GI cancer

December 4, 2017

What makes a gastrointestinal cancer complex? No cancer is routine and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are complex diseases that vary greatly from...

tags: cancer care , t4b

3 min Read Time

Dementia care & advice

December 3, 2017 by Laura Reilly, MD

My grandpa asks the same questions over and over again and it can be very frustrating, especially for my grandma. I know he has dementia, but...

tags: neuro care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Stroke risk in young adults

December 2, 2017

Younger people are having strokes more often. Learn what increases your risk and how to spot symptoms.

tags: stroke care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Personalize Your Delivery

November 30, 2017

Between work, getting the house baby-ready and planning for childcare, when am I supposed to have time to tour multiple hospitals to figure out...

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

What if my OBGYN isn't available?

November 30, 2017

What if my OB isn’t available when I go into labor or if I have an emergency and can’t reach my doctor? HCA Midwest Health hospitals, like Research...

tags: maternity , t4b

1 min Read Time

What to Do Before Getting Pregnant?

November 30, 2017

[Infographic] Are you ready to be a mom? Schedule an appointment with you OB to assess your family history for these four things.

tags: maternity , t4b

Common mistakes young athletes make while conditioning

November 29, 2017 by Jon Schultz, MD, sports medicine physician

Ways to correct the mistakes that young athletes make.

2 min Read Time

High risk for breast cancer

November 29, 2017

What increases my risk of breast cancer? The breast cancer prevention program at Sarah Cannon HCA Midwest Health can help you understand your...

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

Breast cancer risk

November 28, 2017

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? Try these lifestyle tips.

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

3 min Read Time

Blood cancer treatment

November 27, 2017

I always thought leukemia was a childhood cancer, until I was diagnosed at 55. Why isn’t there more awareness of leukemia in adults?

tags: cancer care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Duplicate Heart Tests

November 21, 2017

If you just had an EKG and a heart echo, why would your doctor want to retest you?

tags: heart care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Kidney disease

November 20, 2017

Kidney disease often has no symptoms, which makes monitoring your condition to prevent kidney failure even more important. Get the facts.

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

2 min Read Time

What is genetic testing?

November 19, 2017

What is genetic testing? Patients are provided with personalized information regarding genetic influences, specific cancer risks, and targeted...

tags: cancer care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Healthcare just for kids

November 17, 2017

Hospitals can be a scary place for kids. Children deserve quality and compassionate healthcare in a calming environment.

tags: emergency care , pediatric care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Heart Attack Signs

November 17, 2017

Anyone can mistake heart problems for acid reflux, gas or a pulled muscle. Many people don't realize before it's too late.

tags: heart care , t4b

2 min Read Time

What is CTO PCI?

November 16, 2017

My dad has had bypass surgery and multiple PCIs and now one of his arteries is completely blocked. He has chest pain that limits his ability ...

tags: heart care , t4b

3 min Read Time

Heart Attack vs. Stroke

November 15, 2017

What is the difference between a heart attack and a stroke? Heart attack and stroke have very different symptoms. But they share a lot of risk...

tags: heart care , stoke care , t4b

3 min Read Time

Baby Safety

November 13, 2017

While you plan your announcements, registries and showers-don't forget to plan for you and your baby's safety.

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

TAVR

November 13, 2017

My dad needs aortic valve replacement but his doctor says open-heart surgery is risky because of his COPD. Isn’t there anything else out these...

tags: heart care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Baby Basics Classes in KC

November 10, 2017

Where can I take classes on childbirth and newborn care and safety? New (or expecting) moms and dads can learn the basics of baby care with Healthy...

tags: maternity , t4b

1 min Read Time

Are CT scans safe?

November 10, 2017

Are CT scans safe? It’s smart to question, research and be concerned about your health and care. Many life-saving innovations with great benefits...

tags: emergency care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Menopause signs & symptoms

November 10, 2017 by Dr. Martha Thomas

What are the signs that I might be going through menopause? The average age of menopause is between 52 and 55. However, menopause may occur anywhere...

tags: t4b , womens health

1 min Read Time

How to Get Ready for Baby Number Two?

November 8, 2017

[Infographic] Are you considering trying for another baby? Consider these three steps before getting pregnant again.

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

Don’t let Dr. Google lead you astray

November 2, 2017

I always research how I'm feeling before going to the doctor or ER. But most of the time what they tell me is different then what my research...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

1 min Read Time

Decoding medical terminology

November 2, 2017

Why do doctors always use medical terms me and my family can’t understand? It’s easy to quickly feel confused when you’re dealing with a medical...

tags: patient experience , t4b

2 min Read Time

Answers to embarrassing bathroom questions

November 1, 2017

The experts at HCA Midwest Health tackle some of the top bathroom topics.

tags: digestive system , t4b

1 min Read Time

Why does sex hurt? Causes of painful sex

November 1, 2017

Causes of Painful Sex — And What May Help.

tags: t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

How do I manage urinary incontinence?

November 1, 2017

Here are some tips for managing urinary incontinence or overactive bladder, which can be caused by various factors.

tags: digestive system , t4b

1 min Read Time

What does poop say about my health?

November 1, 2017

How your poop looks and smells can give clues to what's going on inside your body.

tags: digestive system , t4b

2 min Read Time

What are the symptoms of pelvic prolapse?

October 31, 2017

Does it feel like your bladder is going to fall out? Pelvic organ prolapse is kind of a herniation of the organs that are supported by the vagina...

tags: digestive system , t4b

1 min Read Time

What causes teenage stress?

October 25, 2017

Stress and emotional swings are staples of the teenage and pre-teen years. But families should know when and where to seek help before a teen...

tags: pediatric care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Halloween safety

October 20, 2017

I read that there is a spike in emergency room visits on Halloween. If hospitals really care about the community, shouldn’t they use that knowledge...

tags: emergency care , pediatric care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Considering a knee replacement?

October 18, 2017

Advancements in partial knee replacement, such as Navio, are making a difference for KC patients.

tags: orthopedics , t4b

Breastfeeding - More than Just a Meal

October 10, 2017

Breastfeeding is not just a bonding experience between mother and child. It also has lifelong benefits for both of you, from increased IQ for...

Amazing Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms

October 10, 2017

You’ve no doubt heard plenty about the big benefits of breast milk for your little one. But did you know there are major perks for mothers, too?

What to do When Breastfeeding is Painful

October 10, 2017

Breastfeeding has many benefits, but there is also some pain associated with lactation. We have expert advice on how to manage breastfeeding ...

Breastfeeding and the Workplace

October 10, 2017

Though federal law says employers must supply moms with time and space to pump breastmilk, most women don’t continue breastfeeding after returning...

2 min Read Time

Price of Care Shared Beforehand

October 9, 2017

Worrying how much healthcare may cost can be stressful. HCA Midwest Health offers resources to help. Learn more about the resources available...

tags: patient experience , t4b

2 min Read Time

Chronic pelvic pain

October 3, 2017

Pelvic pain has many causes, some of which can be hard to diagnose. You might need to see multiple doctors to get relief. Learn where to start...

tags: t4b , womens health

1 min Read Time

Cancer navigators know patients

October 2, 2017

Cancer nurse navigators help to provide patients and their loved ones with truly personalized care. Learn how an HCA Midwest Health navigator...

tags: cancer care , t4b

2 min Read Time

Kid friendly ERs

September 28, 2017

We know children are not just smaller sized adults. Find out what makes our 11 Kansas City ERs pediatric ready.

tags: emergency care , pediatric care , t4b

3 min Read Time

Is it a cold? Or is it the flu? And what do you...

September 22, 2017

You can reduce your chances of getting a cold or the flu with the information in this guide that tells you the difference between them and how...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

1 min Read Time

Adjusting to a new normal

September 15, 2017 by Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

Cancer is a life-changing journey that affects patients and their loved ones emotionally and physically. Some patients may experience side effects...

tags: cancer care , t4b

3 min Read Time

7 reasons to get a mammogram

September 15, 2017 by HCA Midwest Health

Here are some reasons you shouldn’t delay your annual mammogram.

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

10 wellness tips to beat breast cancer

September 14, 2017 by Sami Mansfield, Director of Oncology Wellness

Try one of these wellness strategies every day, which may improve your chances of beating breast cancer.

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

Conduct a breast self-exam

September 12, 2017 by Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

Our expert physicians recommend women age 20 and over conduct monthly breast self-exams to catch any signs of breast cancer at its earliest stages...

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

3 min Read Time

Mammograms: what to expect

September 11, 2017 by Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

Learn what to expect during a mammogram, including how to prepare, what is considered high risk and the difference between common breast screen...

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

1 min Read Time

6 questions to ask your breast cancer specialist

September 10, 2017 by Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming and emotional. Here are some questions to help you prepare for your first appointment.

tags: breast cancer , t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

Sunken chest surgery for adults

September 8, 2017

A new world of treatment is opening up to adults with Sunken Chest thanks to the Nuss Procedure - now available right here in the Kansas City...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

2 min Read Time

Out of Network Medical Bills

September 6, 2017

Have you ever received an out-of-network medical bill when you made an effort to go to an in-network hospital? Learn why and how to avoid it ...

tags: patient experience , t4b

2 min Read Time

Many Bills, Same Hospital Stay

August 29, 2017

Have you ever wondered why you get so many bills for one hospital stay? Here’s the answer.

tags: patient experience , t4b

1 min Read Time

Patient safety at local hospital

August 28, 2017

Personalized medicine, like molecular profiling, is changing cancer treatment. Learn how HCA Midwest Health is bringing this and more to the ...

tags: cancer care , t4b

3 min Read Time

High risk GI cancer

August 14, 2017

What does it mean to be at a high risk for GI cancer? There are two basic reasons you might be at risk: family medical history and personal medical...

tags: cancer care , colon cancer , t4b

3 min Read Time

Specialized Care During High Risk Pregnancies

August 9, 2017

What do you do when your pregnancy ultrasound shows an abnormality? We understand the overwhelmed feelings you must be experiencing. The first...

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

ACL repair surgery

August 8, 2017

Whether you’re an avid runner who took an unfortunate misstep or clumsily stumbled while doing chores, finding the right doctor is important ...

tags: sports medicine , t4b

2 min Read Time

Healthcare vs. Sick Care

July 31, 2017

If hospitals only treat you when you’re sick don’t they really provide sick care? Find out what else your local health system can provide.

tags: patient experience , t4b

1 min Read Time

ER close to home

July 20, 2017

Emergency rooms should be close to home. You don’t want to travel far during an emergency.

tags: emergency care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Getting test results

July 19, 2017

Making your test results easy to get for both you and your doctor is one of the ways we're helping healthcare in Kansas City take a Turn4TheBetter—from...

tags: patient experience , t4b

1 min Read Time

Feeling Like a Number, Not a Person

June 30, 2017

If your healthcare providers and hospital make you feel like a number, not a person, maybe it's time to make a change. Learn how HCA Midwest ...

tags: patient experience , t4b

3 min Read Time

Sunburn & sunstroke

June 19, 2017

Sunburns are painful and increase cancer risk, but can they also be life threatening? Find out at Turn4TheBetter.com – from HCA Midwest Health...

tags: health and wellness , health tips , t4b

2 min Read Time

Fatty liver disease

June 14, 2017

A diagnosis of liver disease can be frightening, but early detection is the best defense. One of three Americans is now living with fatty liver...

tags: digestive system , t4b

3 min Read Time

Multiples

June 13, 2017

How can I prepare for a healthy pregnancy and delivery of twins? Oh baby! Having one child is a blessing and a challenge, but doubling (or tripling!)...

tags: maternity , t4b

Spice up your running regimen

June 7, 2017 by Courtesy of EBSCO Publishing

I dreaded the workout as I stepped onto the 400-meter black composite track with the yellow and white lines sectioning it off into seemingly ...

3 min Read Time

What is a Midwife?

June 6, 2017

A hospital-based midwife program offers a home-like birth experience with all the help you’ll need should something go wrong only a few steps...

tags: maternity , t4b

2 min Read Time

Keeping Baby Healthy in Kansas City

May 25, 2017 by Health Tip

As a baby begins to explore the world, the risk of getting sick increases. Learn about what you can do to minimize the chance of illness.

4 min Read Time

Comprehensive stroke center

May 23, 2017

What is a comprehensive stroke center? How a national designation can improve local care.

tags: stroke care , t4b

3 min Read Time

What is genitourinary cancers?

May 23, 2017

Genitourinary cancers only develop in the male reproductive system and adrenal glands that are a part of the GU tract – the equivalent cancers...

tags: cancer care , t4b

4 min Read Time

Which Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever is Right ...

May 12, 2017 by Health Tip

Get pointers to help you choose the pain reliever or fever reducer that’s right for your little one.

1 min Read Time

Why are Hospitals So Noisy?

May 11, 2017

Can’t sleep in the hospital because of noise and interruptions? Find out how we minimize disruptions at TurnForTheBetter – the blog of HCA Midwest...

tags: patient experience , t4b

3 min Read Time

Colonoscopy & Prep

May 4, 2017

Does a colonoscopy hurt and what is the prep like? We asked two local colorectal surgeons to weigh in on why getting your colonoscopy screening...

tags: cancer care , colon cancer , t4b

1 min Read Time

Same questions over and over

May 2, 2017

Do you have to answer the same questions over and over when you go to the hospital? Find out why at Turn4TheBetter.com – the blog of HCA Midwest...

tags: patient experience , t4b

1 min Read Time

Access to Medical Records

April 28, 2017

Access your hospital medical records online for free by signing up for MyHealthOne – a service of HCA Midwest Health.

tags: patient experience , t4b

2 min Read Time

Separation Anxiety and Your Newborn

April 27, 2017 by Health Tip

Leaving baby alone can be hard, especially when he/she is eight to 12 months old and may experience separation anxiety. Make it easier with these...

3 min Read Time

Infant Sleep Safety Tips

April 27, 2017 by Health Tip

Make sure you know what steps to take to ensure your new baby has a safe sleep and avoid risk of SIDS.

3 min Read Time

When to Take Baby to the Pediatrician, Urgent ...

April 27, 2017 by Health Tip

Follow this guide on when to take baby to your pediatrician, an urgent care clinic or the ER.

2 min Read Time

First Steps – Walking Safety for Your Toddler

April 27, 2017 by Health Tip

At some point, your baby is going to become a toddler – and they will “toddle”! Here are some tips and tricks to help your little explorer stay...

3 min Read Time

Baby is Choking - Response Tips

April 27, 2017 by Health Tip

With everything from toes to toys going in baby’s mouth, choking isn’t always preventable. Learn how to recognize and what to do if baby is choking...

Mental toughness: Brain power for sports

April 26, 2017 by Health Tip

It is easy to play mind games when you play sports. No matter how much you practice, you always have to contend with your greatest enemy: the...

1 min Read Time

Patient Centered Medical Home Care Model

April 6, 2017

It’s about focusing on patients and coordinating across practices.

tags: patient experience , t4b

3 min Read Time

When to See the Doctor About Infertility

April 5, 2017

Infertility is a couple’s matter. So is treatment.

tags: maternity , t4b

4 min Read Time

What if my kids don’t like sports?

March 31, 2017 by Betsy Kellerman, ATC/LAT, Manager of the Overland Park Regional Medical Center Sports Medicine and Concussion programs

Not everyone likes organized sports or team sports. If this sounds like one of your kids, don't sweat it. With a better understanding or a few...

3 min Read Time

20 Essentials for your first-aid kit

March 31, 2017 by Health Tip

When kids are out of school, there is more time for those occasional bumps and bruises. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit at home is the perfect...

2 min Read Time

Online Doctor's Appointment

March 27, 2017

Use our online tool to find a physicians or make an appointment. Choose from more than 500 providers across 84 specialties in the Kansas City...

tags: patient experience , t4b

2 min Read Time

Why Does Chemo Have to Mean Hair Loss?

March 16, 2017

While hair loss has long been a common side effect of chemotherapy, it does not have to be for much longer. A cooling cap patients wear during...

tags: cancer care , t4b

1 min Read Time

Infection Control

March 13, 2017

You know doctors are supposed to wash their hands before your exam, but what if you don’t see them doing it?

tags: patient experience , t4b

4 min Read Time

Who Is at risk for injuries in sports?

February 27, 2017 by Betsy Kellerman, ATC/LAT, Manager of the Overland Park Regional Medical Center Sports Medicine and Concussion programs

Participation in any sport, whether it's Pee-Wee soccer or the high school football playoffs, can teach kids to stretch their limits and learn...

4 min Read Time

Sports physicals vs. annual physicals

February 26, 2017 by Health Tip

Sports physicals and annual physicals are different, but equally important ways to keep your young athletes safe and healthy. Playing sports ...

3 min Read Time

Female Reproductive Cancers

February 15, 2017

How your ObGyn can relieve "female" cancer fears.

tags: cancer care , t4b , womens health

2 min Read Time

Medical Records Online

February 6, 2017

You can access your hospital and primary care medical records online with our patient portals – from HCA Midwest Health.

tags: patient experience , t4b