Have you ever stopped to wonder where the word “happy” originated from? As I sat down to write this month’s column, I realized I have not nor have I ever defined the word here. Feels a little bit like I missed an important step. So I’ll jump right to it. The etymology of the focus
For many patients, healing does not end when they leave the hospital. A successful recovery often depends on what is waiting for them at home: A safe space, nourishing meals, clean linens, help with daily tasks and the confidence that someone will be there when they need support. That is where Lutheran Hospital’s partnership with
When someone hears the word hospice, it can feel frightening. Many people think it means giving up. But in my experience as a hospice nurse, hospice is not about giving up on a person. It is about focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when a serious illness can no longer be cured or
Most people think of a missing tooth as a cosmetic issue—a gap in their smile that can be hidden or ignored. In reality, losing a tooth can have a significant impact on your overall oral health, chewing ability, and even the structure of your jaw over time. When a tooth is removed, the root is
This time of year always brings a wave of nostalgia for me. Every 4th of July we’d gather up our things, load the car, and head on the road for 6 hours from my childhood home in northern Illinois to my dad’s best friend’s house in Traverse City, Michigan. He lived right on the bay
For patients experiencing homelessness, leaving the hospital can be one of the most vulnerable moments in the healing journey. A safe bed, a clean place to rest, and support with medications or follow-up care can make the difference between recovery and a return to the emergency room. Through its partnership with RecoveryWorks, Intermountain Health Lutheran
Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital now offers a new treatment for patients with an enlarged prostate, a common condition that impacts millions of men in the U.S. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a prostate that has grown to be larger than normal. BPH is not prostate cancer. As the prostate grows, it may constrict the urethra, making it difficult to
Most people associate tooth infections with severe pain—but the truth is, dental infections can present in many different ways. In some cases, symptoms may seem minor or unrelated, causing people to delay treatment until the infection becomes more serious. A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, occurs when bacteria enter the inner portion
This weekend we decided to tackle our shed, which had descended into chaos as we started getting our garden ready. As I moved the shelving unit near the door, I noticed mouse droppings. I rolled my eyes and started to grab the broom. Then I stopped and thought about it. Sweeping would be the fastest way
In business there are certain metrics that help you forecast your future, these are called leading indicators. These are things like subscribers, followers, engaged customers, customer satisfaction, leads nurtured, open projects, conversion rate, etc. I view these metrics like I do blossoms on strawberry plants, even if not all of them turn into strawberries, they
For many dads-to-be, the weeks before a baby arrives can feel exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. Boot Camp for New Dads was created to meet that moment with something simple and powerful: Real men, real babies, and real-world advice. In a single workshop, expectant fathers learn from veteran dads who return with their infants
There was a time when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a lunchbox staple for many a parent. As we learned more about food allergies and the risks they pose to children, lunchbox menus and lunchroom patterns have changed. This was all for a good reason. Peanuts are the most common childhood food allergy associated
At many dental visits today, patients are hearing questions they may not expect: Do you snore? Do you wake up tired? Do you breathe through your mouth at night? Has your child ever been told they grind their teeth or sleep restlessly? So why are dentists suddenly talking about sleeping and breathing behaviors/airway health? The
It feels great to get out on two wheels in the summer, but June is an especially good time to try riding a bike to run errands or get to work! Colorado celebrates Bike to Work Day this year on Wednesday, June 24, and many communities across the Front Range offer breakfast stations where you
With spring well on its way and daylight stretching into the evening, more people head outside to enjoy everything Colorado has to offer. But with that increase in activity comes a higher risk of injury. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping the season safe and enjoyable. One of the most common
Do you believe the universe, God, or some larger benevolent energy is working behind the scenes on your behalf? If I’m being honest, this is something I always trust is happening for others, but not for little ol’ me. Personally and professionally I’ve had a series of disappointments that have brought me to my knees.
For many patients, managing a chronic condition goes beyond medications and medical visits. It also shows up at the dinner table. When budgets are tight, nutritious food can be one of the first things to fall away—at the same time conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes require steady, healthy meals. That’s where Intermountain Health
My 13-year-old self – in middle school, with a broken arm, bullied by girls in my class. Could it get worse? Yes, it could. I got the measles. Many people today think of measles as a disease from the past, something that disappeared decades ago. But people with measles carry one of the most contagious
Last year, I had the privilege of becoming the first in the world to use a newly developed guiding catheter to treat hemorrhagic stroke, which is a life-threatening condition caused by bleeding from an aneurysm or vascular malformation (often referred to as an AVM) in the brain. This minimally invasive technique, known as endovascular embolization,
When people think about their health, breathing—especially during sleep—is rarely top of mind. Yet the airway plays a foundational role in how the body functions. When it’s compromised, the effects often show up in subtle, everyday ways that are easy to overlook or misattribute. Airway dysfunction occurs when airflow through the nose or throat is
If you read last month’s column, you’ll remember the bison were my inspiration, as they are often these days. They’ve managed to make themselves front and center for April too. I recently led a facilitation for business owners who are so incredibly talented, care deeply about each other and their teams, but they tend to
In Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, the path to healthcare often starts long before a doctor’s visit. It starts with a question: Do I have insurance coverage, and if I do, how do I use it? At Doctors Care, that question is treated as a vital part of care. Through a growing partnership with Intermountain
As a urologist, I see how common and disruptive urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor concerns can be. About one in four women over age 20 experiences a pelvic floor disorder, yet many hesitate to bring it up. My goal is to address the topic directly and respectfully—so patients feel informed, heard, and comfortable exploring
In integrative dentistry, your mouth isn’t seen as an isolated system. Instead, it’s recognized as a dynamic part of the body—closely connected to the nervous system, immune system, and energetic pathways that influence overall health. One framework highlighting these connections comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): the concept of meridians. Meridians are energetic pathways through
