Health Matters

Health Matters: Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery

Back in the day, when you had surgery it was a major affair. But in many cases, large incisions and lengthy hospital stays are things of the past. Dr. Sachin Shenoy is an OBGYN at University Medical Center who specializes in minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. “Technology has gotten so good that now what we’re able

Health Matters: Rural Health News

Getting health care in rural areas is a complicated endeavor, but University Medical Center is devoting resources to ensuring rural Alabamians get the care they deserve. “I think we know that folks in rural areas, especially in rural Alabama just have more negative health outcomes than those who live in bigger cities like Tuscaloosa and

Health Matters: ADHD

When you think of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, your first thought is likely that it’s a children’s diagnosis, but ADHD is a problem for adults as well. University Medical Center Clinical Psychologist Dr. John Burkhardt said ADHD is a lifelong issue, but medication, therapy and behavioral adjustments can help those afflicted manage the disorder.

Health Matters: COVID-19 Vaccines

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Kyrsten Eller COVID-19 vaccines are available and have been proven to be safe and effective against the virus. According to University Medical Center Family Medicine Physician Dr. Jane Weida, it’s important for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “You know, initially when it came out and we gave

Health Matters: University Medical Center in Carrollton

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Kyrsten Eller Taking control and improving your health requires relevant and timely health information, and for those in rural areas that’s even more important. University Medical Center has locations all around West Alabama, including Tuscaloosa, Demopolis, Fayette, Northport and Carrollton. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Dean Dr.

Health Matters: It’s time for a flu shot

Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. get sick with the flu. But it’s not just a bad cold, because the flu can be deadly. University Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Weida said anyone older than 6 months should get the flu vaccine every year. “September or October is a good time

Health Matters: University Medical Center Fayette Clinic

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Kyrsten Eller Prenatal care is extremely important for expecting mothers, but it can be difficult to find this kind of support in certain rural communities. University Medical Center recently opened a clinic in Fayette to bring in more prenatal care services to patients. UMC Dr. Jane Wedia said the clinic

Health Matters: COVID-19 Update

By WVUA Digital Reporter Anneliese Taggart Booster shots are the latest headline on the fight against COVID-19. The shots are an additional vaccine dose for people whose protection against the virus may have decreased over time. Dr. Tom Weida, Chief Medical Officer at University Medical Center, provides an update on COVID-19: “Well, obviously, the latest

Health Matters: Dementia

As we get older, our brains don’t function as efficiently as they once did. Some of that is part of the normal aging process, but if you’re experiencing memory or cognitive problems it could be a sign of dementia. University Medical Center Psychiatrist Dr. James Reeves said there are ways you can slow the onset

Health Matters: Anxiety

Anxiety is so common it’s unusual when someone never feels anxious. But too much anxiety can take a toll not only on our minds but on our bodies, leading to back pain, high blood pressure and the worsening of chronic health conditions. University Medical Center Psychiatrist Dr. James Reeves said anxiety comes in all shapes

Health Matters: Mental Health in Jails

Did you know jails and prisons have become the nation’s largest psychiatric facilities? The National Alliance of Mental Health reports that 25% of people in the criminal justice system have serious mental illnesses and people with mental illnesses are nine times more likely to be incarcerated than hospitalized. University Medical Center Psychiatrist Dr. Marisa Giggie’s

Health Matters, Aug. 18, 2021: Picnic food safety

Summer is the time when people head outdoors for picnics, but food left out in the heat too long can cause bacteria to multiply and lead to foodborne illnesses. University Medical Center Registered Dietician Suzanne Henson said there are plenty of things you can do to keep your food safe when dining outdoors. “Pack smart,”

Health Matters, Aug. 11, 2021: Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a huge problem for young people. A recent report indicates that more than 33% of students between the ages of 12 and 17 are victims of cyberbullying. University Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Marissa Giggie explains what cyberbullying is, how it happens and what you can do about it. “Cyberbullying or

Health Matters, Aug. 4, 2021: Digital technology and children

Children and adolescents are constantly using digital technology because cellphones, the internet and video games play an essential informative role in their lives. University Medical Center child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Marissa Giggie said digital technology has a big impact on its young users. “Suicide the the No. 1 cause of death for 10- to

Health Matters, July 28, 2021: Healthy Snacks

When it comes to road trips, healthy eating is often thrown out the window. It’s easier to rely on fast food options and gas station snacks along the way, but those quick food choices come with a price: lots of sugar, processed fats and empty calories. University Medical Center Registered Dietician Suzanne Henson said it’s

Health Matters, June 23, 2021: COVID and children’s mental health

COVID-19 has certainly made a big impact on everyone’s mental health, and children are no exception. Predictability is a stabilizing force for children, but that’s been disrupted during the pandemic. University Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychologist Dr. Marissa Giggie said the isolation and uncertainty caused by COVID has given children a tough time coping

Health Matters, June 26, 2021: COVID and Millennials

One of the groups suffering the most from the COVID-19 pandemic is millennials. Many were just starting their careers when the 2008 recession hit, meaning they entered a tight job market while saddled with a bunch of student debt. Now, COVID is another setback. Studies show some millennials are anxious about their jobs, their bills

Health Matters: Food triggers

Stress. Boredom. Loneliness. These emotions can sometimes cause people to eat even when they’re not hungry. They’re called “food triggers.” University Medical Center Registered Dietician Suzanne Henson said there are some things you can do to overcome these triggers. “You can write things down,” Henson said. “Some patients tell me having a pencil and paper

Health Matters, June 2, 2021: COVID and mental health

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, a third of U.S. adults reported the pandemic was impacting their mental health. By the end of last year, more than 50% did. Contracting COVID, fear of family members getting sick, and homeschooling children topped the list. Increased rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness were also factors. University

Health Matters, May 26, 2021: Exercise and aging

As we age, our fitness routine should change. Younger adults may focus on strength and endurance, but older adults need to consider exercises that improve their ability to do daily activities and prevent falls. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Associate Professor of Community Medicine and Population Health Dr. Raheem Paxton said exercise

Health Matters, May 19, 2021: Exercise

Exercise can improve health and reduce the risk of diseases like high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, and it can also help improve sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Associate Professor of Community Medicine and Population Health Dr. Raheem Paxton said regular exercise can

Health Matters, May 12, 2021: Sex Education

Sexual health education is important for adolescents because it provides knowledge about avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Assistant Professor of Community Medicine and Population Health Dr. Joy Bradley said it’s important sexual health education classes are taught by qualified instructors. “The one thing that I

Health Matters, May 5, 2021: Pregnancy and Food Insecurity

Nutrition is important for pregnant women, but many mothers who are expecting live in places where access to fresh food is not readily available. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Assistant Professor of Community Health Medicine and Population Health Dr. Joy Bradley said food insecurity has a big impact on mothers and their

Health Matters, April 28, 2021: Black Women and Pregnancy

Expectant Black mothers are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and levels of education and income are not necessarily protective factors. University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Assistant Professor of Community Medicine and Population Health Dr. Joy Bradley said chronic stress because of structural inequalities and racism can lead

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