Your curly hair, short legs, brown eyes and the hay fever you get every spring are not just by chance. All of these characteristics are passed down from your parents. The genes you inherit are the blueprint of the body. Sometimes, a change in a gene (or genetic mutation) can lead to unique features and […]
The occasional restless night is normal; however, when sleep troubles impact a person’s mental or physical health in a negative way, something more may be happening. Brendan Lucey, MD, director of Washington University Sleep Medicine Center, offers insight into sleep disorder symptoms, sleep studies and sleep disorder treatments. What are some symptoms of a sleep […]
You notice your mom’s memory has worsened with age. You ask yourself, “Is this normal or is there something deeper going on?” Identifying symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease compared to regular aging can be tricky, but knowing the difference is important for early intervention. Normal aging and Alzheimer’s are very different; however, both involve changes in […]
If you are a parent, you might feel a stab of fear when thinking about the dangers posed when your child is around water. No one wants to be afraid to take their child swimming, which is why it is better to be prepared than to be scared. Jamie L. Kondis, MD, Washington University pediatric […]
Weather conditions this summer are resulting in a very active tick season, especially in the Midwest. And where there are ticks, the diseases they carry are not far behind – ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus. Washington University physician and infectious disease clinic medical director Thomas Bailey, MD, explains, “While […]
Vision correction can be life-changing for many. LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a modern method of vision correction. Did you know that Washington University has a designated LASIK Surgery Center? Take the quiz below to test your knowledge about LASIK. For more information or to make an appointment with Washington University […]
MyChart is a convenient, secure way to manage your health information online. Wherever you are, you can take comfort knowing that you have access to your records, appointments and more. Below are some of the great features that MyChart has to offer: 1. Provider Communication You can avoid having to make repeated phone calls to […]
The arthritis pain in your right knee won’t go away. You’ve tried everything – pain relievers, cortisone shots, physical therapy and even stem cell therapy. Your doctor says that your best option to regain function is a replacement arthroplasty, commonly referred to as a joint replacement. If you or someone you know is considering a […]
In honor of American Heart Month this February, we challenge you to give some love to your heart. Here is a seven day self-care plan that is sure to get you on the road to improving your heart health: 1. Healthy Eating for Your Heart Everyone has heard that they need to eat healthier, but […]
You expected some discomfort in your last trimester, but the itching of your hands and feet was more than you could stand. You felt silly calling the doctor, but after she listened to your symptoms, she wanted to see you right away. You had cholestasis of pregnancy.
The bulge in your stomach started small, so you ignored it and hoped it would go away. Unfortunately, over time it became larger and more painful. You have all the classic signs of a hernia — it is time to see a doctor. What is a hernia? A hernia is caused by a weakening or […]
Congratulations, you are having a baby! So many things to do to get ready for the newest addition to your family. Outfitting the nursery, stocking up on diapers, selecting that perfect stroller and car seat … and everything in between. But THE most important choice is your pediatrician. Marie Batty, MD, a Washington University pediatrician […]
You never knew when your abdominal pain and cramping was going to hit. You also had diarrhea, fatigue and blood in your stool. Your weight is decreasing day by day – and you weren’t even trying. This was not the stomach flu, but what was it? You had all the classic signs of inflammatory bowel […]
Alzheimer’s disease has always been diagnosed based on symptoms. You get lost driving home from the store. You can’t remember your next door neighbor’s name. You have trouble with a simple math problem. These unmistakable signs only appear late in the course of the disease, long after the brain is significantly damaged. An MRI brain […]
Every month, about one week before your period starts, your mood changes drastically. You are angry for no reason, anxious, depressed and feel out of control. This is not your typical premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but what is it? Most women know what PMS is, but there is another disorder associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle […]
The following locations are now open or opening soon to better serve our patients. NOW OPEN Occupational Therapy NOW OPEN in Washington, Missouri Washington University Occupational Therapy has opened their sixth clinic location in Washington, Missouri. Occupational therapists (OT) help adults and children with a wide range of services, including helping people stay independent as […]
Your leg and back pain disappears when you are sitting, but quickly returns when you are standing and walking. The pain radiates down your leg, causing weakness, stiffness and numbness in your legs and buttocks. This pattern of pain is a classic sign that you may have lumbar spinal stenosis — it is time to […]
Put your health care knowledge to the test. For regular healthcare tips, sign up for Your Health Update, the newsletter of Washington University Physicians.
The first whiff of a morning cup of coffee. The irresistible fragrance of a beautiful flower. A cake burning in the oven. Most people don’t recognize the importance of smell in their lives – until they lose it. Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is the loss of smell. Not being able […]
When you don’t know where to turn, turn to the medical genetics clinical services team of Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Offering compassionate, high-quality consultation, they see patients with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy, inborn errors of metabolism, hereditary cancer and family history of genetic disease. Patricia Dickson, MD, genetics and […]
You and your female partner have been trying to have a baby, but with no luck. You have both been tested by fertility specialists and results indicate that you need to see a urologist who specializes in male infertility. Dane Johnson, MD, is a board-certified urologist at the Washington University Fertility and Reproductive Center. Dr. […]
It should be on everyone’s to-list of health care planning, and MyChart has now made advance care planning documents (advance directive documents) easily accessible for you and your family – should the time ever come when those documents are needed. Users of the BJC/Washington University MyChart patient portal now have the option to add advance […]
When you told your doctor about your chronic dry eyes and dry mouth, you had never heard the words Sjögren’s syndrome before. Fortunately, your doctor did not ignore your complaint and paid attention to all your symptoms. She recommended a follow-up visit with a rheumatologist who diagnosed you with this relatively rare autoimmune disease. Washington […]
There are many important numbers to know, but no number is more important to your health than your blood pressure. According to American Heart Association guidelines, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a reading of 130 over 80. Washington University cardiologist Andrew Kates, MD, says, “High blood pressure puts people at risk for […]
Congratulations to our many physicians recognized on the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® List. Of the 936 physicians on the list, one out of every three Top Doctors in St. Louis is a Washington University physician. The Top Doctors selection process is entirely merit-based. Doctors cannot pay to be listed. More information can be found […]
It was just another college track practice for this 18-year-old Washington University female student athlete. She finished a light warm-up run, but all of a sudden her heart started racing and she got very lightheaded. A track and field athlete who is in great shape – what was going on? Washington University physician Mustafa Husaini, […]
There are many reasons one might need the Washington University Living Well Center®. Do you need to improve your health before surgery? Maybe you are looking for a way to avoid surgery altogether. Do you want to lose weight, quit smoking? Have you just been diagnosed with cancer and want to optimize your quality of […]
You have sleep apnea, and have not had success with your CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure). You might be a candidate for Inspire, an implantable system you control with a handheld remote, which keeps the airway open during sleep — allowing you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully without a mask, hose or machine. […]
The redness in your eyes was not going away. You also noticed increased sensitivity to light and some blurry vision. What was causing these symptoms? Fortunately, you did not ignore them, hoping they would go away on their own. You made an appointment with your eye doctor, who diagnosed you with uveitis — inflammation of […]
You knew the day would eventually arrive. The day your doctor told you it was finally time to start dialysis. Yes, it is a lifestyle change, but it will also save your life. The Washington University Transitional Dialysis Program is here to help you. Transitional Dialysis is a customized program offered at Washington University designed […]
Coming October 2021 to South County: The newest St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center will soon offer outpatient care in a convenient South County location. Located at 5114 Midamerica Plaza, near 1-55 and Butler Hill Road, Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s pediatric nurses and staff will provide nationally-ranked quality care for children and […]
You could spend hours reading everything there is to read about the COVID-19 vaccine. But when it comes down to it, you can count the most important things to know about the vaccine on one hand. #1 The vaccine is safe The three vaccines currently available (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) have been approved […]
You rush home from work, race around to find your child’s sports uniform, your other child is late for piano lessons, when you notice your teen standing in front of the refrigerator, groaning, “There’s nothing to eat around here.” Or how about the ever-famous, “What’s for dinner?” Sound familiar? Preparing snacks and ingredients for meals […]
While COVID-19 had everyone locked down last year, that doesn’t mean your health maintenance needed to stay behind closed doors. Scheduling regular exams and time-sensitive tests are vital when it comes to maintaining your health – especially during quarantine. CANCER SCREENINGS Washington University physicians understand the concern COVID-19 has caused for our patients and communities. […]
You didn’t realize it at the time, but your daughter had her first migraine at school when she was nine years old. The school nurse sent her home because she was feeling bad. She slept the rest of the day and when she woke up she was fine. You thought it was just a tension […]
Washington University Physicians are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital.