Across the country, many parents have put routine childhood vaccinations on hold because of statewide stay-at-home orders due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Childhood vaccination rates in the US dropped this spring when compared to the same time frame in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The decline in […]
Category Archives: Health & Wellness
Facing Cancer Together
Stephanie Lester, a 42-year-old Spanish teacher at Lafayette High School in Lexington, never expected a cancer diagnosis so early in life. Along with teaching, Lester led group fitness classes that kept her active and healthy. It wasn’t until she discovered a lump in her right breast during a self-exam that she decided it was time […]
The Road Home
Crystal Martin, MD, took a winding Path to become a family medicine physician. now that she’s caring for patients in her hometown of Lexington, she’s right where she wants to be. Crystal Martin, MD, says her family claims her interest in science and medicine stems from childhood, but she’s not so sure. She jokes that […]
Colon Cancer Doesn’t Always Show Noticeable Symptoms; Screening Colonoscopies Help Catch Polyps Early
When the governor issued an executive order in March to delay elective medical procedures, many people had to put their screening colonoscopies on hold. Now, as health care has reopened, it’s important to put your regular screenings back on the calendar. Fears of exposure to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 may be making some people […]
Back In Harmony
A 47-year-old singer and guitarist based in Danville, Mike Archer keeps a busy schedule. He travels the country playing covers of hit songs at weddings, parties, festivals and other events. In January 2019, he started to notice something strange while performing. “I’d hit a certain high note and feel pain in my lower abdomen,” Archer […]
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Harrodsburg resident Abigail Elvers does not let Multiple Sclerosis (MS) define her. Abigail Elvers recalls the first time MS made its mysterious presence known. It was February 2003, and although Elvers felt like she needed to urinate, she was unable to go. Seeking answers, she went to a nearby hospital in Danville, Kentucky, where a […]
Visit to the ER was a Lifesaver for Mount Sterling Man
Mount Sterling native Omar Prewitt was hiking with his son at Pilot Knob when he was struck by chest pain that wouldn’t go away. “Coming down, I started to get a little bit of discomfort in my chest,” he said. “I stopped off at a gas station to get a Tum because I thought that […]
Healing from a Safe Distance
Despite the obstacles the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presented, Thomas Coburn, MD, family medicine physician and medical director of information technology for the ambulatory medical group, found a way to continue serving patients in Wilmore, Kentucky. “I considered it a calling to go into medicine,” said Thomas Coburn, MD. “As an undergraduate at Duke University, […]
Avoid Injuries During Fourth of July Celebrations
For many, summer celebrations aren’t complete without fireworks. Whether you’ll be watching a show from afar or setting off fireworks yourself, it’s important to take steps to avoid injuries and make your festivities as safe as possible. In 2017, eight people were killed and more than 12,000 were seriously injured in fireworks-related accidents, according to […]
Know the Signs of Skin Cancer and Take Steps to Prevent It
Summer is here and many people will be getting outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. But it is important not only to take precautions against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, but also to recommit to taking care of already sun-damaged skin. Make sure you know the signs of skin cancer and take […]