A long-time reader wrote in asking about “the forgotten organ: the spleen.” Maybe he was motivated by the common references found on social media about this elusive organ or the lack of telethons in its support. Forgotten by some, the spleen is in the forefront of a trauma surgeon’s mind when a patient arrives at
As summer approaches, the promise of longer days and warmer weather stirs the desire to dive back into favorite activities. However, for millions of Americans, persistent pain is a harsh reality that dampens this seasonal excitement. Over 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, forced to adapt their lifestyles around limitations and discomfort, often thinking
When you’re upset, hurt, or processing big emotions, how do you communicate, if you communicate at all? As a highly-sensitive person, I can feel what’s left unsaid. It’s almost as if I can see the energy ripple between people. Ironic, most of my life my people-pleaser persona won. I often chose to remain silent rather
By Falon Mansfield, Division Director at The Jason Foundation In the 1940s, thanks largely to the advocacy efforts of Mental Health America, the United States. began to turn its attention to mental health and the impacts that these types of conditions had on the population. Two years after the formation of the National Institute of
OK gentlemen…. By now you have switched out those winter tires on the cars and changed the oil in the lawn mower. But let’s not forget your personal tune up. June is National Men’s Health Month. It is a time to focus on your health, and to make that long overdue appointment to see the
A zoning change to help the current Lutheran Medical Center site be redeveloped will be pursued this year, while a city charter amendment regarding building height on the property may be put before Wheat Ridge voters in the Nov. 5 general election. On May 13, the city council unanimously approved a rezoning process. They also
Did you know that our diet affects our skull shape, oral health, and even our sleep and breathing patterns? From our ancestors’ strong jaws to the diverse dental conditions we see today, the evolution of our faces and skulls reflects the influence of our diets and cultural habits. For centuries, the foods we eat have
My email subscribers received this same question a few weeks ago: How self aware are you? When I tuned in and intuitively asked what would best serve any of you amazing readers, I heard loud and clear to deliver a similar message here. This topic is so important because it is often our inner blindspots
Skin cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. However, through community-focused efforts, we can raise awareness, promote early detection, and implement preventive measures to combat skin cancer effectively. In many instances, if detected early, cure rates for skin cancer are often high. Understanding Skin Cancer Skin cancer occurs
Andrea Burch, MS, RN, NEA-BC, has been named president of Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge. She has been serving as Lutheran’s interim president since February when Scott Peek transitioned to the president at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. He is also Intermountain Health’s Front Range Market president. Burch will continue to support Lutheran’s integration
In the 1970s, those who fought in the Vietnam War were largely either ignored or vilified for serving their country, unlike veterans of other, perhaps more popular, wars. In recent years, organizations and politicians have sought to correct that error and let those veterans know that their valor and service are appreciated. Since 2021, March
In the fast-paced world we live in today, it can be difficult to prioritize a good night’s rest. Quality sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. From improved mood and cognitive function to a stronger immune system, the benefits of good sleep cannot be overstated. One often overlooked factor that can impact sleep
Knee pain is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior or someone who spends most of their time behind a desk, knee pain can strike unexpectedly and disrupt daily activities. Understanding the common causes behind this discomfort can empower individuals to seek appropriate treatment
Today you’ll find me curious about pretty much anything: my inner dialog, my procrastination, my dog’s behavior, my habits, my intuitive nudges and physical feelings, my judgments, any human I encounter and much more. I wasn’t always this way. I tended to be a bit of a know-it-all. It was a persona I needed to
Stressful situations in life are often unavoidable. It is common to feel stressed at times. Three out of four adults experience stress-related health effects. Stress is a physical response to challenging circumstances in your world, and can result in physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms. Stress is different from anxiety, which is a psychological reaction characterized
Public health is an integral part of the larger picture of the health sector, but is distinct from the healthcare system in that our work focuses on the health and wellness of the community and population, rather than centering on individuals. This is done by addressing the foundations of health in the community. By reinforcing
I recently read an email in which the head of a company that I really admire talked about her struggles with addiction. It caught my eye because I was surprised to hear this from someone so successful and from such a healthy habits focused family. That is my judgment and the judgment of the world
An apple a day, well, you know the rest. March is National Nutrition Month and National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Month. It seems like an opportune time to focus on the foods we eat that may protect us from CRC or may contribute to it. Cases of CRC have been steadily declining since the mid-1980s in
Dr. Betsy Brew and her husband, Bob Van Wetter, moved to Wheat Ridge in 1996, settling into a home close to Lutheran Medical Center, where Betsy would devote most of her career. After completing her surgical residency at the University of Colorado, Dr. Brew joined Foothills Surgical Associates, which would later become Surgical Specialists of
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the critical role pediatric dentistry plays in the overall well-being of our youngest population. While we often associate dental care with cavity prevention and orthodontic correction, it’s crucial to recognize the significant impact pediatric dentistry has on airway development in children.
February is American Heart Month and leads with the first Friday as National Wear Red Day. Perhaps surprisingly, the shortest month in the calendar is devoted to heart disease, the leading cause of death in Americans. Regardless, it is a time to raise awareness and remind us that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is largely preventable. CVD
Intermountain Health has announced that Kathy Crabtree, MD, has been named Assistant Chief Medical Officer at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge effective Jan. 21. In this new role, she will support the medical staff at Lutheran to advance the quality and safety of care at the hospital. She also will support Toni Green-Cheatwood, DO,
As the excitement of the New Year begins to fade, it can be challenging to remember why we dreamed up such lofty goals or even how we can remain committed to personal change. Statistically, one-third of Americans embark on resolutions, but only 8% successfully achieve them. If you find yourself within these statistics, the odds
Before I dive into this month’s column, I have a confession: It’s inspired by a commercial aired during a recent football game. I generally hate commercials and usually ignore them, but a reminder of one of the laws of thermodynamics caught my ears and kept me thinking. This law states that energy cannot be created
