BJC ST. CHARLES
COUNTY BLOG

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

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.

Signs It’s Time to See a Cardiologist and What to Expect at First Visit

Signs It’s Time to See a Cardiologist and What to Expect at First Visit

There is not a certain age to consider seeing a cardiologist, but you need to be aware of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease and know what questions to ask during your first visit.

Understanding Arrhythmias

Understanding Arrhythmias

November 2022 - The heart pumps blood throughout the body at a rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute. That rhythm is dictated by an elegant electrical system that responds to your body’s needs. If you’re resting, your heart rate will slow down. If you’re exercising, your heart rate will speed up. When this rhythm is beating inappropriately to your body’s needs, this is called an arrhythmia. Learn more about this common heart condition affecting 3 million new patients each year.

Wound Care in St. Charles County

Wound Care in St. Charles County

October 2022 - Wounds can be hard to heal without the proper care. Fortunately, patients in St. Charles County have access to comprehensive wound care right in their community at the Advanced Wound Center in O’Fallon. The Center’s experienced, multidisciplinary team works together with patients to get them fully healed as quickly as possible.

Quality Care at BJC Convenient Care Locations in St. Charles County

Quality Care at BJC Convenient Care Locations in St. Charles County

Getting access to the right care in the right setting is an important part of keeping you and your family healthy.