BJC ST. CHARLES
COUNTY BLOG

Explore topics related to medical, health and wellness from Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital experts.

The Use of Robotic Surgery for the Spine

The Use of Robotic Surgery for the Spine

May 2023 - Robotic surgery is an innovative approach used across specialties to perform complex procedures. When it comes to neurosurgery, robotic surgery has proven to be a helpful tool in addressing issues related to the spine. Learn more about how this technology is helping neurosurgeons better treat spine patients. 

Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery

Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery

April 2023 - We often think of cardiothoracic surgery as just heart surgery, but it encompasses so much more than that. Learn more about this broad specialty and the important work cardiothoracic surgeons do to keep us well.

Finding the Right OB/GYN Care for YOU

Finding the Right OB/GYN Care for YOU

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB/GYN, plays a vital role in the care of a woman’s overall health and wellbeing throughout her life. Therefore, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in the provider you choose. Read a few tips to help you find the right ob/gyn care for you.

Infusion Center Patients Receive Afghan Donations

Infusion Center Patients Receive Afghan Donations

March 2023Barb Grillion’s daughter was gifted an afghan while receiving life-saving chemotherapy treatment at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Despite having a few afghans at home, her daughter, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was touched by the thoughtful gift she had received from a stranger.

Five Reasons Women Should See a Urologist

Five Reasons Women Should See a Urologist

March 2023Women should never feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to ask questions or raise concerns about their health, even when it comes to issues related to urologic conditions.

Understanding Neck Pain

Understanding Neck Pain

February 2023 - Neck pain affects countless people every day. But how do we know when it is a cause for concern and what can we do to find relief? Ian Dorward, MD, a Washington University neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, helps us better understand neck pain, from its causes to the recommended course of treatment.

Tuition-Funded Path to Become a Patient Care Technician

Tuition-Funded Path to Become a Patient Care Technician

PCTs work alongside nurses, physicians and other health care professionals to provide direct patient care in the hospital. The training program equips students with clinical skills by combining classroom and lab instruction with clinical training. It is a great opportunity for those who are interested in pursuing a health care career but don’t know where to start or don't have the means to pay for a training program.

Mental Health for Children and Teens

Mental Health for Children and Teens

January 2023 - In recent years, a mental health crisis has been on the rise in America. Many children and teenagers are being affected by mental health disorders — in particular, major depression and anxiety including anxiety with and without panic, separation anxiety, social anxiety and school phobias. Learn what factors are contributing to this increase in pediatric mental health disorders and how you can best support your child.

Spine Patient From Illinois Now Looks Forward

Spine Patient From Illinois Now Looks Forward

January 2023 - Melisa Pulliam, 44, of Argenta, Illinois, began experiencing pain and numbness in her right arm. Caused by a spinal disk herniation, Melisa underwent a surgery at a non-BJC facility to help with her pain; however, the outcome was not as desired. “I was still having a tremendous amount of pain and couldn’t hold my head up,” shares Melisa. “It was miserable.”

AVM: An Abnormal Connection Between Arteries and Veins

AVM: An Abnormal Connection Between Arteries and Veins

December 2022 - Arteries bring blood to the brain and spinal cord. They divide into small blood vessels called capillaries to supply the tissue with blood. Veins then return the blood back to the heart. It’s a continuous cycle that keeps the brain and spinal cord supplied with blood and functioning properly. However, an abnormal connection between arteries and veins can occur, in which blood is shunted from the artery to the vein instead of going into the tissues. This is called an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, and it can be a life-threatening occurrence in the brain or spinal cord.