The offices feature roughly 6,000 square feet of space and 14 exam rooms split among Norton Community Medical Associates primary care, a Norton Immediate Care Center and, eventually, a Norton Orthopedic Institute office. The new location also will have laboratory testing and X-ray capability to help providers accurately diagnose a variety of illnesses and injuries.

“Norton Healthcare is committed to expanding access to health care throughout the area,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “The comprehensive care that will be provided in this new space will make it easier for so many more people to receive the care they need.”

The new space, located at 10798 Dixie Highway, is Norton Healthcare’s southernmost primary care office and immediate care center in Louisville. The building is just off the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265/KY 841), allowing easy access for those using the city’s highway system, while also supporting population growth in the southwestern part of Louisville. The location also provides access to care for people just outside the city limits, including parts of Meade and Hardin counties.

“It’s very exciting to see the growth in this part of our city,” said Stephanie Harmon, practice manager for the new Norton Community Medical Associates office. “As someone who grew up in the south end of Louisville, I know this is something we’ve needed. To be a part of the team providing that care is extra special.”

The primary care practice will be led by Arilennis Medel Leyva, APRN, family nurse practitioner, who will move from Norton Community Medical Associates – Fairdale. Her diverse, bilingual experience as a clinician enables her to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her philosophy emphasizes empathy, compassion and respect, focusing on individualized patient needs and holistic care.

“Access to primary care is essential for a healthy community,” Leyva said. “I’m excited to bring these services to Valley Station. I believe my experience and expertise can add to the level of care and trust we’ve already built in South Louisville, and I’m excited to care for and form relationships with patients in the area.”

The practice will have self-pay options and quick, easy access to the Norton Healthcare financial services teams for assistance with bill payment.

A Norton Children’s Medical Group pediatrician office will remain open in Fairdale at 189 Outer Loop, with plans to expand. Schedule an appointment by calling (502) 629-1234.

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Prediabetes vs. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

In a healthy body, when sugar enters the bloodstream, the body releases insulin from the pancreas. The insulin unlocks the cells so they can accept the sugar as fuel. Chronically high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) cause damage to your veins and arteries, and over time can lead to kidney failure, loss of limbs or blindness, as well as contribute to metabolic syndrome. 

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This is a sign that your body is having difficulty processing glucose efficiently, requiring more insulin to convert food into energy. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that affects the pancreas, the organ that produces the hormone insulin. People who have Type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use the insulin effectively.

How common is a prediabetes diagnosis?

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 1 in 3 American adults over age 18 years had prediabetes in 2021. Prediabetes is more common in men (41%) than women (32%). Factors that may increase your risk for persistently abnormal high blood sugar levels include:

• Weight: Those at a higher weight may have insulin resistance, which means the cells in the body aren’t able to accept blood glucose for energy as easily.
• Family history: Those with a family history of diabetes, especially Type 2, have higher risk.
• Diet: Red meat, ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages increase your risk.

Misdiagnosed diabetes

Studies in 2023 estimated that up to 40% of adults over 30 with Type 1 diabetes may have been misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes usually is diagnosed in children, it can develop at any age. Since adults are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, doctors may mistakenly assume that any new diabetes diagnosis in older adults is Type 2 — leading to serious consequences if the wrong treatment is given.

One major risk of this misdiagnosis is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) a dangerous condition that happens when the body doesn’t have enough insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise too high, and the body begins to break down fat for energy, creating harmful acids called ketones. If left untreated, the buildup of ketones in the blood can lead to DKA — which requires hospitalization and intensive care. This is why getting the correct diabetes diagnosis is crucial — to prevent life-threatening complications like DKA and ensure the right treatment is given from the start. DKA most commonly happens to people with Type 1 diabetes, but it also can occur in people with Type 2 diabetes in rare cases. If an adult with Type 1 diabetes is mistakenly diagnosed with Type 2, they may not be prescribed insulin right away. This can lead to DKA, since their body can’t make insulin at all.

The American Diabetes Association specifies three diagnostic tests for prediabetes; these can  help you and your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you:

• Fasting plasma glucose between 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter
• Hemoglobin A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
• Two-hour oral glucose tolerance test between 140 to 199 milligrams per deciliter

To prevent diabetes misdiagnosis, doctors confirm your results with a second test, either the same day or on a different day. When following this guideline, misdiagnosis is unlikely.

“There shouldn’t be any debate about how to make a diabetes diagnosis, but it is true that different tests can be different in different people,” said Lisal J. Folsom, M.D., adult and pediatric endocrinologist with Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s.

According to Dr. Folsom, who sees her adult patients at Norton Community Medical Associates – Endocrinology, it’s important to have the appropriate testing and typically confirm an abnormal result so the patient gets the right information about their health.

Treatment of prediabetes

Early detection is crucial, since 25% percent of people with a prediabetes diagnosis develop Type 2 diabetes within three to five years. 

Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes:

• Eating whole foods and vegetables
• Choosing whole grains
• Limiting ultra-processed foods, simple and added sugars, and alcohol
• Regular physical activity (150 minutes weekly)
• Taking walks after eating meals

According to Dr. Folsom, accurate prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis enables timely intervention and better health outcomes.

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In addition to the groin area, a monkey pox rash can break out on the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.

If you are concerned about symptoms or possible exposure to Mpox, use MyNortonChart to set up an eCare video visit with a Norton Heathcare provider.

“We have a lot of worried patients who are coming into our practices,” said Angela Burgan, R.N., Infection Preventionist with Norton Medical Group. “People have rashes and lesions for a variety of reasons, so our providers really have to get into that information with the patient about their level of exposure to infected individuals.”Mpox

Mpox is spread by close contact, often skin-to-skin. That includes sexual contact as well as kissing, hugging or massage. The virus also can spread on surfaces, bedding, towels and other objects used by someone with Mpox. Respiratory droplets also can be a source of infection, though most cases appear to spread by close contact.

Some people with Mpox will get a rash followed by other symptoms, but some will have just a rash.

If you think you may have Mpox, either because of a new and unexplained rash or other symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the following steps:

• Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a health care provider.
• If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you.
• When you see a health care provider, wear a mask.

“Most patients are not acutely ill. Unless you’re having signs and symptoms of distress, the emergency room wouldn’t be appropriate,” Angela said.

Mpox rash symptoms usually start less than three weeks after virus exposure and a few days after developing flu-like symptoms. Mpox lasts up to four weeks until the rash has healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Mpox symptoms also can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory complaints (sore throat, congestion, cough)

The post Is it a Mpox rash or something minor? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

But there are steps you can take.

“It can sound scary,” said  Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates – Preston and one of Norton Healthcare’s community medical directors. “Working to prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes is vital following a diagnosis.”

By losing excess weight and committing to regular exercise and other lifestyle changes, you can normalize your blood sugar and naturally reverse prediabetes.

RELATED ARTICLE: Can diabetes be misdiagnosed? Here’s what patients should know.

Changing your diet to reverse prediabetes

Switching to a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet is the first step to reverse prediabetes.

You should choose foods full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your diet also should include foods that are low in added sugars, trans fat and saturated fat. You can eat moderate amounts of poultry, fish, eggs and dairy.

Related: New to diabetes? Here’s what you need to know

Increasing your amount of fiber intake by eating vegetables such as beans, carrots and asparagus can help control blood sugar levels.

What you should cut back or avoid altogether are high-carbohydrate foods such as pizza, bagels and pasta, as well as sugary foods such as ice cream and milk chocolate. When it comes to liquids, it’s best to stick with water, unsweetened tea or coffee.

As you think about weight loss, it’s important to remember that losing 5% to 7% of your body weight can lower your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. So if you weigh 200 pounds, 7% of your body weight is 14 pounds.

Other lifestyle changes

Other lifestyle changes you can implement that can naturally reverse prediabetes include:

• Eat healthy to control your weight, lower your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol.
• Get active by planning for 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking fast or biking. Your doctor can help you choose the best activities for you.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Reduce stress.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Work with a dietitian or nutritionist.

The post How changing your diet can help reverse prediabetes appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“I never expected to hear anything serious from my exam,” Barry said.

His primary care provider, Alice H. Johnson, M.D., an internal medicine specialist at Norton Community Medical Associates – Audubon East LL2, listened through her stethoscope and didn’t like what she heard — atrial fibrillation or A-fib. The upper chambers of Barry’s heart, the atria, were out of sync with the lower chambers, the ventricles.

Dr. Johnson referred Barry to Wayne M. Shugoll, M.D., cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute.

“I was shocked. I had no idea there was something major going on,” Barry said. “I had been feeling tired, but I thought that was because I was getting old. Had I not gone to the physical, this probably would not have been detected and I wouldn’t be here today.”

Dr. Shugoll ordered tests and imaging that showed Barry had a bicuspid aortic valve that was causing his A-fib. A valve in Barry’s heart that regulates blood flowing out to his body had two flaps instead of three. It’s a condition he inherited and that often goes undetected until adulthood.

With a bicuspid aortic valve, blood doesn’t move through the heart as easily and actually can flow backward. Sometimes surgery is needed to repair the aortic valve.

READ MORE: Study of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and alcohol shows chance of an episode increase dramatically within hours of drinking

Dr. Shugoll brought in cardiothoracic surgeon Steven W. Etoch, M.D., a colleague at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute.

Barry also had a large aortic aneurysm. The bulge in his aorta could cause internal bleeding and burst, leading to death.

From an annual checkup to open heart surgery

In November 2019, Barry underwent open heart surgery to contain the bulge in his aorta with a sleeve. Surgeons also etched a maze of scar tissue onto the outside of his heart to interrupt the irregular heart rhythm (the A-fib). That would be enough to address his condition without having to go inside his heart to address the bicuspid aortic valve.

Barry is feeling like his old self again. His wife, Robin, is glad she encouraged Barry to get his annual exam.

“Scheduling an annual visit with your primary care provider allows us to catch issues as quickly as possible,” Dr. Johnson said. “Patients often underestimate the importance of these exams. We want to get ahead of issues. Preventive care is always the goal.”

The post Annual physical reveals serious heart condition appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Among the study’s findings:

• African Americans from ages 18 to 49 are twice as likely to die from heart disease than their white counterparts.
• African Americans ages 35 to 64 are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure.
• Blacks have the highest death rate for all cancers combined compared with whites.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease are closely linked, so it is important to understand good and bad cholesterol and how it affects your body. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to have a simple blood test done.

The cholesterol test checks your levels of:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.

No race or ethnicity is immune from health issues including high cholesterol, but research suggests some groups have higher risk factors for some conditions or appear to be more likely to develop some conditions than others.

“Social and economic conditions, such as poverty, contribute to the gap in health differences between African Americans and whites,” the CDC concluded in the 2017 study that used data from 1999 to 2015.

Risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can contribute to heart failure, may go unnoticed and untreated among younger African Americans, according to the CDC. Factors such as high poverty can limit access to health care, early diagnosis and treatments that can contribute to longer, healthier lives.

When should I get my cholesterol checked?

The CDC reports that about 1 in 5 adolescents have unhealthy cholesterol levels, and nearly 93 million U.S. adults ages 20 or older have high cholesterol. But since high cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, many people don’t know their levels are high.

Steven Patton, D.O. and Community Medical Director recommends getting cholesterol checked early, “Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked, especially if there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or if the child or teen has diabetes or is overweight.”

The 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend that cholesterol management be based on a person’s lifetime cardiovascular risk. For adults, testing is recommended:

• Every five years for people ages 20 or older who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease.
• More frequently than every five years for people with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The post African Americans and cholesterol: Should I get my cholesterol checked? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Asociados Médicos de la Comunidad Norton – La Clínica Preston, el primer consultorio 100% bilingüe de Atención Médica de Norton, abrirá en Okolona con personal y proveedores que entienden las preocupaciones únicas de la comunidad de latinos de Louisville y sus familias.

Aunque los servicios de traducción siempre han estado disponibles en las instalaciones de Atención Médica de Norton, una oficina equipada con empleados de confianza que salven las distancias lingüísticas y culturales es una forma de mejorar la atención a la creciente comunidad latina.

“Como miembros de la comunidad latina, nuestro personal entiende los retos y las presiones a las que se enfrentan estos pacientes debido a la barrera del idioma”, dijo el Dr. Juan G. Polo, especialista en medicina interna, que atenderá a los pacientes en la nueva oficina. “La ansiedad y la depresión son comunes en esta población, pero sentimos que al establecer la confianza a través de conexiones significativas y culturalmente sensibles, podemos asistir mejor a estos pacientes.”

Liduvina Portillo, APRN, será una enfermera profesional y proveedora de medicina familiar en La Clínica Preston. Ella espera conectarse mejor con los pacientes a nivel cultural como alguien que entiende las tensiones en torno al estatus legal y la superación de las barreras para obtener atención primaria y especializada.

“Al abrir un consultorio basado en la comunidad hispana, los pacientes se sentirán más cómodos al buscar y establecer atención con un proveedor de confianza que entiende su cultura y su idioma”, dijo Liduvina. “Ahora pueden centrarse realmente en su salud y bienestar general. El objetivo final es mejorar los resultados de salud”.

The post La Atención Médica de Norton abrirá su primera consulta 100% bilingüe en Okolona appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The 5,000-square-foot facility, located at Shoppes of Bardstown, 106 W. John Rowan Blvd., offers in-person and virtual visits, as well as same-day appointments for specific conditions. Norton Healthcare invested $950,000 in the building and medical equipment.

“As the demand for advanced medical care in Bardstown continues to grow, Norton Healthcare wants to meet the needs of this community,” said Joseph M. Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative officer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute. “We look forward to offering greater access for local patients and their families.”

The neuroscience practice opened in April, replacing a facility at 201 S. Fifth St. in Bardstown. Jill M. Blandford, D.O., neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute, and a nurse practitioner offer treatment for general neurological and neuromuscular conditions, as well as diagnostic testing and lab draws. Duane W. Densler, M.D., neurosurgeon with Norton Neuroscience Institute, provides general neurosurgery and spine surgery consultations in the office.

“We’ve seen a significant need for more access to neurologic treatment in Bardstown,” Dr. Blandford said. “By opening this new facility and expanding services, we’ll be able to treat far more patients and help them access new levels of care close to home.”

The primary care portion of the office opened in June. Lacey Jurich, APRN, is available to see patients ages 12 and older for preventive and sick care. The office also provides laboratory and radiology services.

The neuroscience practice opened in April, replacing a facility at 201 S. Fifth St. in Bardstown. Duane W. Densler, M.D., neurosurgeon with Norton Neuroscience Institute, provides general neurosurgery and spine surgery consultations in the office.

“We’ve seen a significant need for more access to neurologic treatment in Bardstown,” Dr. Blandford said. “By opening this new facility and expanding services, we’ll be able to treat far more patients and help them access new levels of care close to home.”

The primary care portion of the office opened in June. Lacey Jurich, APRN, is available to see patients ages 12 and older for preventive and sick care. The office also provides laboratory and radiology services.

“Our mission is to provide quality health care for all we serve,” Lacey said. “I’m eager to grow with this community — the best small town in America — and help patients with their health needs.”

The post Norton Healthcare expands neuroscience, primary care with office in Bardstown appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Lifting or bending. Sitting or standing. Even resting can aggravate the pain.

Your back pain may be serious and worth seeking treatment if it hasn’t improved after a few weeks or if the pain is connected to a fall or other injury. Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs are also signs that taking care of it yourself at home may not be enough.

Other symptoms in addition to the back pain such as trouble urinating, leg weakness or pain, fever or unintended weight loss are all signs that it’s time to see a health care provider.

“For many back conditions, your primary care provider can be the first stop,” said Lacey A. Jurich, APRN, a nurse practitioner and family medicine provider at Norton Community Medical Associates – Bardstown. “A primary care provider can assess whether you need to see a specialist. Back pain often can be addressed with medication, physical therapy and other conservative steps, but sometimes a minimally invasive surgical procedure is required.”

Medication can help relieve pain or relax tense muscles. Other treatments can include:

• Cold packs can relieve pain, and hot packs can increase blood flow and improve healing.
• Limited physical activity, slowly increasing as you improve: Lying down all day doesn’t help — you need to move as much as you can without making your pain worse.
• Physical therapy can strengthen muscles that support your spinal column and the rest of your back.
• Be intentional about how you lift, push or pull so you don’t put strain on your back.
• Quit smoking, get exercise, get regular sleep and eat healthier.

Surgery typically is considered only after other attempts have failed to bring relief. An operation isn’t right for everyone, and you can talk to your health care provider about your options.[templatera id=”144533″]

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Simplifying self-care

Limit screen time

If stepping away from the internet or social media is difficult, try turning off your notifications so you are less likely to turn to your phone when you receive an update. Be conscious of how much you use your phone or computer prior to bedtime, as it can affect your quality of sleep. Try setting an alarm for a tech cutoff time, as bright lights from devices and televisions can disrupt the hormones that help regulate sleep.

Regulate your self-talk

It is surprising how much we talk to ourselves throughout the day and how harsh our words can be, particularly with guilt. Take time to monitor how you are speaking to yourself. If you find yourself making mistakes, be kind to yourself. Mistakes allow room for growth and do not mean having to start again at rock bottom.

Make sleep a priority

It’s surprising how many people focus on creating a healthier lifestyle by losing weight, but few focus on the important connection between diet and sleep. While a glass of wine can help someone fall asleep more quickly at first, it can disturb the later, more restorative stages of sleep as your body processes the alcohol. Good sleep also can help us with immunity. Without restorative sleep, people tend to overeat or choose unhealthy foods.

Schedule a wellness exam

If you find yourself exploring new health goals or having family health history or mental health concerns, consult a health provider. Schedule a wellness exam with a primary care provider to discuss your interests or anxieties. Along with discussing your current stresses and diet, you’ll be able to receive necessary screenings and vaccines, take a closer look at bloodwork and work to prevent any long-term health concerns.

Talk to your doctor

Monalisa M. Tailor, M.D., internal medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates – Barrett, stresses the importance of talking to your primary care provider about mental health.

“Our mental health and physical health are connected. If we are having trouble focusing, concentrating, sleeping or eating, that will have an impact on our physical health,” she said. “A primary care provider can help you talk through what you are experiencing, connect you with community resources to find a therapist and, if needed, help you find a medication that could be beneficial for you.”

In a wellness exam with your primary care provider, you may hear echoes of Dr. Tailor’s best advice for mental health:

“I recommend to my patients to eat healthy fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake. This will help energize you. Getting some physical activity that you enjoy in your day can help with stress. I also encourage patients to find mindful activities, like meditation and yoga, to be more present in the moment, which helps with stress,” Dr. Tailor said.

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