Endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the endocrine system. They also see patients with thyroid conditions as well as children who are experiencing issues with their growth.

Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award for efforts to improve care for expecting mothers through their Maternal Hypertension Collaborative. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes.

At Progress West Hospital, part of BJC HealthCare, babies who arrive much earlier than their due date or who reach their due date but have health concerns receive special care in the NICU, ensuring they get the best start in life. Dr. Emily Fishman, a WashU Medicine neonatologist who sees infants in the newborn ICU, shares more about the extraordinary care babies receive.

As the holiday season approaches and you prepare to scarf down your favorite festive dishes, remember to chew thoroughly. Doing so may help protect you from food bolus, a blockage of food in the esophagus, or food pipe.