The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness announced on May 1 that at least 304 people in Louisville have been diagnosed with hepatitis A since November 2017. The health department has reported at least one death related to the hepatitis outbreak. Should I get vaccinated for hepatitis A? If you are concerned, talk…
We all know someone who has been impacted by the flu. But sometimes what we call the flu really is a stomach bug, and vice versa. How can you tell the difference? “Many people use the term ‘flu’ to refer to a wide range of illnesses,” said Rachel Alexander, APRN, nurse practitioner with Norton eCare….
Let’s face it, grocery shopping can be a challenging chore, especially if you’re trying to eat better. With temptation at every turn of the grocery cart, how can you make healthy choices for yourself or your family? Shop like a dietitian. It’s easier than you think! Follow these steps to navigate the grocery store like…
It has been a bad year for the flu. Just ask Wanda Blanford, who has been at Norton Hospital for three days. Influenza triggered her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and caused atrial fibrillation. Blanford’s illness came on quickly and started as chills and fever. Within a day she began having trouble breathing. “I’ve…
NBC’s “Today” broadcast from the emergency department at Norton Brownsboro Hospital Monday morning, Feb. 5, encouraging viewers to take the flu seriously, get the vaccine and keep their hands clean. The flu can be diagnosed quickly with a test administered by a health care provider. “I do think there are people that unfortunately don’t take…
Norton eCare visits have more than doubled since October when flu season began. Norton eCare offers two types of “virtual care” — eVisit and video visit. “We’re seeing a lot of patients right now who have flu-like symptoms,” said Rachel Alexander, APRN, Norton eCare. “But we’re also seeing many other patients with health concerns who…
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month — a good time for a friendly reminder to schedule a women’s wellness exam. A wellness exam includes a pelvic exam, breast check, Pap smear and a mammogram, depending on your age. Getting your yearly screenings can help you stay healthy and possibly find cancer early — when treatment…
You’ve seen the banners at pharmacies for months. You may even know a friend or family member who recently had the flu. Flu season is well underway and is about to hit its peak. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, now’s the time to get it — to protect yourself and your loved ones….
Primary Care Norton Healthcare primary care physicians and advanced practice providers offer flu care throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Norton Now Signs and symptoms Influenza Cold Symptom onset Abrupt Gradual Fever Usually; lasts 3-4 days Rare Aches Usually; often severe Slight Chills Fairly common Uncommon Fatigue, weakness Usual Sometimes Sneezing Sometimes Common Stuffy nose Sometimes…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 36 states already have widespread flu activity, much earlier than the usual February peak. Twenty-one of those states show a high number of cases, including Indiana and Kentucky. People age 65 and older are more vulnerable to serious — and sometimes deadly — consequences of flu….
At least 34.2 million Americans will provide care to an elderly loved one this year, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. The task of providing at-home care can be especially difficult during the winter months when cold, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) diagnoses are on the rise. How do you protect the one…
In December 2014 Maricela Lauriano-Navarrete stepped onto the Norton Healthcare Mobile Prevention Center that was parked in her neighborhood for an annual wellness check. Within just a few short weeks, she learned she had breast cancer. Lauriano-Navarrete had been getting health screenings on the mobile unit for three years. This time, it was a lifesaver….