Count to five … all you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine

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 […]

Healthy eating and meal planning for busy families

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 […]

The door is never closed on your health care needs – even during a pandemic

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. […]

Yes, kids have migraines too

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 […]

Artificial intelligence + fertility treatments = better pregnancy chances

It’s not science fiction, it is real medicine. Washington University physicians are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is an effective method for producing pregnancies. Today 1-2% of all births in the United States are a result of IVF. IVF is a […]

Nonsurgical weight loss — taking the first steps to a healthier you

people walking

Washington University Endoscopic Nonsurgical Weight Loss Program offers a variety of nonsurgical options and support services to help you achieve your weight-loss goals and live a healthy, active life. Take the first step to a healthier you … the choice is yours.

Focus on age-related macular degeneration

what vision looks like with macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disorder and is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans age 60 years and older. It causes blurred or reduced central vison due to the thinning of the macula.

Don’t hesitate … think FAST when it comes to stroke symptoms

Sudden facial droop? Slurred speech? It is important to know the signs you or someone you know might be having a stroke — because there is no statement more accurate than “time is brain”. The sooner you get medical attention, the better the chances are for recovery.

When ear infections are a repeat performance

sick baby holding ear

Chronic ear infections in children may lead to long-term problems. If your child has frequent middle ear infections (more than four infections a year), doctors usually recommend ear tubes, also known as myringotomy tubes.

Your primary care physician should be a familiar face

Doctor and patient

Your primary care physician should be like a long-time friend you see once a year (or more often if necessary). You might think that because you aren’t sick and don’t have any chronic health conditions, you don’t need a primary care physician. However, when you are healthy is the perfect time to establish a relationship with a physician.

Virtual visits: The doctor will see you now

Man having doctor visit through computer

During these unusual times we want to make sure your health care needs are being met. Washington University Physicians is now offering virtual visits (also known as telemedicine or telehealth) for many of our specialties.

Mini-Med School — In a class by itself

Stack of books with stethoscope

The 2020 spring session of Washington University School of Medicine’s Mini-Med School (MMS) is now open for registration. MMS is in its 21st year and is still considered one of St. Louis’ best kept secrets.

The extraordinary gift of donating your body to science

Doctors advocating body donations

Have you ever considered donating your body to science? This selfless gift has far-reaching effects in helping medical students gain an in-depth understanding of the human anatomy — which is the absolute core of a medical education.

Diagnosing toxic exposures

Life can get toxic in the most unexpected ways. You can’t remember exactly when you started feeling sick, but a few years ago you had a metal-on-metal hip placement and you wonder if metal poisoning (metallosis) might be the cause of your recent symptoms.

A shot against cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States — causing many types of cancers in both women and men. The HPV vaccination has been shown to prevent these cancers and is now recommended for all preteens, girls and boys, starting around age 11 or 12.

Burns, not as easy as 1-2-3

You’ve just gotten a second degree burn. How do you know if you need to see a doctor?

I’m too young to have a heart attack, aren’t I?

Today’s heart disease patient is surprisingly different – younger, obese, and quite possibly a woman. Many don’t even know they may be at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Why?

Helping your baby’s head take shape

The condition deformational plagiocephaly, which means asymmetrical head shape, is a result of repeated pressure to the same area of the head – it may be flat across the back or one side. What caused this and what do you do now?

Seeing the light for bladder cancer detection

While the first and most common symptom of bladder cancer is often blood in your urine, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. However, it does warrant evaluation by a urologist.

Best Doctors in America 2019

Congratulations to the Washington University Physicians that have been recognized on the 2019-2020 Best Doctors List.

Listen to the experts to choose the hearing device right for you

For those living with hearing loss, the ever-changing world of hearing aids and personal amplifiers can be confusing and overwhelming. Washington University adult audiologists are specialists in helping you choose the hearing device that is right for you.

The three R’s … Renew, refresh and reverse sun damage

Emily Spataro, MD, is a Washington University facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty, skin cancer surgery, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion and cosmetic Botox® and fillers.

After Hours pediatric care– for parent’s peace of mind

Parents now have another option for obtaining care for their children and adolescents when their pediatricians’ offices are closed. St. Louis Children’s Hospital After Hours, located in South County, is a convenient walk-in service and offers care for non-emergencies. Please note that appointments are not accepted.

The 411 on RSV

RSV is a viral illness that can affect babies and children, it occurs most often in the winter and early spring months. In most cases of RSV, the infection causes nothing more than a cold. But for some children, it can lead to a severe respiratory disease.

Living kidney donor — giving the gift of life

Choosing to be a living kidney donor is a completely selfless act – and life-changing for you and the person who gets your healthy kidney. Some donors say it was a powerful experience that changed them in ways they did not expect.

Your periods should not be painful … period.

You dread your monthly periods. The pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and extremely painful cramps just don’t seem normal. Your ob/gyn suspects you have endometriosis and has referred you to a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon in order to confirm the diagnosis and help determine the best treatment options.

A good night’s sleep is more than a remote possibility

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.