Learn how patient-centered care plays a vital role. x “Addressing the “whole person’s” health is essential for positive health outcomes and cost-effective care.” Integrated Care combines physical, mental and behavioral care in one setting. There are many ways to integrate care, and it may go by different names such as ... Read More »

I Just Knew Dialysis Was the End Actually, it was a good beginning. Editor’s note: John Joyce thought that dialysis treatment for failing kidneys was a sure death sentence. He just hated it. Two years later, he’s a spunky, fun-loving man who doesn’t let anything keep him from what he ... Read More »

Living with diabetes is challenging, but possible.   By Andrea Stafos, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, BC-ADM Manager and Diabetes Clinical Specialist Nutrition and Diabetes Education Center Shawnee Mission Health   If you are living with diabetes, you know the realities of life happen when you are not in your doctor’s office. ... Read More »

Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly. In fact, you can have type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. Look for: Increased thirst and frequent urination.Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. ... Read More »

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases A diabetes diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. It also means having a healthy-eating plan that’s naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key necessities are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. ... Read More »

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is urging everyone to prepare for summer heat by staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed. The heat and humidity of Missouri can affect everyone, but can be especially dangerous to small children, the elderly and the chronically ill. Each year many ... Read More »

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affect the way your body regulates blood sugar, or glucose. Glucose is the fuel that feeds your body’s cells, but to enter your cells it needs a key. Insulin is that key. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and ... Read More »

I frequently encounter people who have undergone replacement arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery), an orthopedic surgery procedure in which an arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with an orthopedic prosthesis. Each person says they tried to hold out as long as possible because of the tremendous pain and costs associated ... Read More »

For more than three decades, avid cyclist Tawny McClellan’s knees powered her through countless miles on trails and the open road. The outdoorsy 68-year-old Olathe resident was a runner before hopping on the bike and knew that eventually her knees would surrender to strenuous physical activity. “I started experiencing knee ... Read More »

“I Have Lived With Serious Pain…” By Myra Christopher It’s hard for people who know me to imagine that more than 50 years ago I belonged to one of those high-kick dance teams. We wore short skirts and white leather boots which we kicked over our heads when performing during ... Read More »