Blog
MyHealthKC is committed to providing you the resources you need to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle. Fueled by a team of AdventHealth experts, our blog empowers you with tips and information to help you live well in Kansas City.
A “right” Mind S.E.T. is foundational to optimal childhood development and adult flourishing.
If one of your 2022 goals is to change from an unhealthy to a healthy diet, here’s some advice: Put your heart into it. In other words, look for ways to eat that improve your heart health, not just your waistline.
ParentCare is a new resource parents can turn to with any questions or concerns about themselves or their children and get free, trusted, personal answers from experts who will listen.
Confessions of an Obese Physician (Part I): I Needed Help, I Got the Help and then I Became the Helper
Confessions of an Obese Physician (Part II): I Needed Help, I Got the Help and then I Became the Helper
Smoking isn’t the only cause of lung cancer. Learn about key differences and risk factors of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
Starting a new workout routine isn’t always easy. We’ve got five tips to make it a little easier to start and keep a new routine going.
Discover how the immune system works and find tips to make your immune system work harder for you.
Your primary care provider is an excellent resource for helping you achieve your health goals. These conversation starters will help you get the most out of your visit.
Are you getting the most out of your primary care relationship? Learn more about what your provider can do for you.
Having a good relationship with a primary care provider sets you up for a lifetime of healthy living. This article will help you figure out if it might be time to find a new primary care partner.
When it’s time to see a specialist, your primary care provider can help you find the perfect fit. Learn more about how your provider can give better referrals.
Learn how having a good relationship with a primary care provider sets you up for success.
From the early teen years through late adulthood, having an OB/GYN is important to your overall health. Learn more about the role that an OB/GYN plays in Women's Health.
Learn about the role of diet and environment in immune health and steps you can take to start repairing your immune function starting today.
Learn how to support your immune system naturally through times of stress using herbs and tonics.
Learn how the SPAN Program in Kansas City is providing specialized care for adults with special needs.
Although no diet can cure arthritis, certain foods are thought to possibly help fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system. Incorporating these foods into your diet may help manage arthritis pain.
Pregnancy loss is a traumatic event that deserves to be grieved properly. An AdventHealth OB/GYN provides insights and advice about navigating miscarriage.
Learn how to find joy and better health over the age of 55 through daily self-care strategies.
Do you often get sick during or after travel? Here’s how to protect yourself in the future.
Fatigue is a common problem among teens, adults and seniors. Learn about lifestyle factors that contribute to fatigue and how you can get your energy back.
With so much to do in Kansas City during the winter, there’s no need to let cabin fever set in. Here are some fun, family-friendly ideas to get you out of the house during colder months.
Navigating a new cancer diagnosis can be challenging. Get answers to commonly asked questions from an AdventHealth oncologist.
Learn how you can use natural supplements to support your overall health in the areas of sleep, pain, immunity and brain function.
Learn the major risk factors for ovarian cancer and steps you can take to lower your risk.
Living with back pain is no easy feat. Learn about the medical options to relieve back pain and how to know if surgery is the right option.
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S., but up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Learn more about what to expect after a stroke and the best way to prevent another stroke in the future.
Registered Dietician Shanna Hutcheson explains the concept of intuitive eating and how to establish a healthy relationship with food.
Discover how you can successfully meal plan in order to reduce stress, make healthier choices and save money.
Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that, when left untreated, can spread to multiple areas of the body and infect others. Learn how to effectively treat and prevent the spread of ringworm.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. However, you can dramatically reduce your risk by making changes to your lifestyle.
Your quality of care depends a lot on your relationship with your primary care doctor. Use these strategies to maximize the value of your next checkup.
Natural remedies are your first line of defense against anxiety. Learn the basics of anxiety disorders along with effective self- and therapist-led treatments.
Learn how to approach exercise during pregnancy safely for you and your baby with tips from Dr. Amanda Healy
Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in the U.S. Learn about the causes, risk factors, and ways to prevent this disease.
Understanding how to talk about and deal with suicidal thoughts is the first step toward preventing suicide.
Learn how art therapy can be an effective treatment for social, emotional and behavioral issues in children.
Understand the link between diabetes and heart disease and learn how you can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
One of the biggest concerns bariatric patients have is how to keep the weight off after surgery. Bariatric program coordinator Chris Bovos lays out the post-surgery diet that sets patients up for success.
Is your child struggling with skin issues? Do you worry that it may be eczema? AdventHealth Pediatrician J. Alex Brainard breaks down the causes, symptoms and treatments for childhood eczema.
Working out alone can be tough, but it doesn’t mean that working out isn’t for you! Workout groups hold you accountable and make it easy to explore new activities. Find out which kind is right for you!
With opioid addiction at a crisis level in our country, it’s more important than ever to dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs. Learn how to safely dispose medications in the Kansas City area with AdventHealth.
Local blogger Meg Cusick of Alexander-Alexandra gives an insider’s look at her favorite exhibits and sessions from the LIV conference.
Learn how to successfully maintain an ongoing exercise plan with these tips for creating realistic goals.
Most bee stings can be relieved with simple, at-home remedies. Others require medical attention. Learn how to assess and treat a bee sting from Sandra Archer, MD, of AdventHealth Centra Care Shawnee Mission.
Because minutes matter in the event of a heart attack or stroke, you may be tempted to drive yourself to the Emergency Department (ED). Don’t! Time is Muscle (heart muscle) in a heart attack, and Time is Brain Tissue in the event of a stroke. Call 911!
Although they should not be the sole focus of your overall wellness plan, cosmetic procedures can be good for your emotional well-being, making them a valued component of a healthy lifestyle.
Learn how to identify the signs of a wheat allergy and find tips and recommendations for eating gluten-free in Kansas City.
When is a baby different from all other babies? When it’s yours! Personality, looks and health challenges combine with other nuances to make your baby uniquely special. But the one thing parents have in common is that these little ones grow up fast and, for the most part, develop according to the same timeline.
Learn more about sleep apnea and different treatment methods from Dr. Ammar Alkhazna, an American Board-Certified Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine.
Each year, approximately 3.5 million Americans suffer the most painful of household accidents – burns. Learn the different types of burns, how to treat them at home and when to seek care.
Andrew Fix, a physical therapist at PT Solutions, provides information and some helpful tips for dealing with muscle cramps.
Summer comes with a lot of expensive ways to fill children's days, so we've gathered a comprehensive list of free activities in Kansas City for kids.
Whether you’re looking for cheap entertainment or just craving some green space, the Kansas City area offers an abundance of parks to meet your needs.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to keep working, thanks to these advancements in cancer care.
Learn more about bariatric surgery options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
People diagnosed with colon cancer have good reason to be optimistic. Advancements in the field provide a wider range of treatment options than ever before, resulting in increased survival rates and a better quality of life for the estimated 140,000 people diagnosed each year.
Twenty-two million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a serious condition that can affect your long-term health. Learn more to see if you're at risk.
Dr. Amanda Healy discusses symptoms and solutions for this bothersome, yet common, fungal infection.
With so many varied trails throughout the Kansas City area, bicycling is a great way to explore the city and burn some calories. Find a comprehensive guide to the best bike trails in the Kansas City area.
Assessing cardiac risk at any age in life is important, but if you are among the thousands who have had a parent or sibling suffer from heart disease, a general assessment of your family’s health history is especially helpful.
The topic of caffeine use, and abuse, is a complex one of mixed messages and varied opinions. Is it good for you? Possibly. Is it bad for you? Potentially. Here’s the buzz about caffeine consumption – the good and the bad!
Along with exercise and a good night’s sleep, your commitment to a well-balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy heart.
Sandra Archer, the Associate Medical Director of AdventHealth Centra Care Shawnee Mission, shares what to expect with viral sore throats and provides tips for relief.
We all know that a fever is a common occurrence among toddlers, but although it’s common, when it happens to your child (and it will), you’ll want your questions answered… and fast.
Although a strong immune system is important year-round, wintertime calls for extra reinforcements. Learn about nutritious foods that will give your immune system a boost during the Winter months.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America for men and women. Does that surprising statistic make your heart skip a beat?
Feeling stressed over a busy schedule day after day can cause anxiety and lead to other health issues like headaches, heart disease, depression, and even gastrointestinal issues. Learning some simple time management techniques can help us feel more in control of our hectic schedules and keep our stress levels in check.
Tempted to drop some calories from your daily intake by skipping a meal or two? Lured by the idea of drinking all of your daily calories? Toying with the idea of crash dieting before that upcoming wedding or class reunion? Don’t do it!
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a stop at the gym on your way home, try making exercise part of your everyday work routine. It will keep you happier, healthier and more productive. We've gathered some simple and effective exercises that can be done while you work, without even leaving your office!
If your toddler is like most others, he/she has opinions about almost everything - including what they will and will not eat. The good news is your child likely isn't starving. However, there are some things you can do to encourage your toddler to try new foods and eat meals that will help sustain their growing bodies. Learn more from Dr. Schultz.
Seventy-five percent of Americans say they eat healthy, but that may not always be true. Dr. McGonigle explains the latest dietary guidelines, what portion sizes really look like and how to stay on track with healthy eating (even if you fall off the wagon).
As we age, our skincare routine should change with us. Find out what to expect throughout every decade and the top tips to to help skin stay smooth, firm and glowing.
No one wants to eat celery sticks on a road trip - your kids included. Let Pediatrician Sherri Martin, MD, give you some creative, yet healthy, snack ideas to keep your kids entertained and satisfied on your next vacation.
Understanding your medical benefits can be overwhelming. Today, many individuals have the option of signing up for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which can be used to pay for a variety of health-related costs. Learn the ins and outs of an FSA.
The fear of public speaking is ranked number one of all phobias. Learn how to overcome your anxiety and build confidence before your next big presentation.
A typical workplace wellness program is designed to support healthy behaviors through education, coaching, medical screenings, weight management programs, fitness programs, and more.
There are a few key things you can control that will greatly impact how quickly you build muscle: your workout program, recovery time, and eating habits.
With agriculture being such an integral part of the region’s economy, many Kansas City restaurants have embraced the farm-to-table philosophy, choosing to source their menu from local, sustainable farms.
Getting started with an exercise plan can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience with workout equipment.
From nationwide 5Ks like the Color Run, to local favorites like the Trolley Run, Kansas City has lots of fun opportunities for 5Ks throughout the year.
The more you know about your health and risk factors for diseases, the more you can work to prevent and minimize health challenges throughout your life.
AdventHealth offers a men’s health program to help men in Kansas City assess their health and make positive changes towards a healthier future.
If you have a toddler or preschooler in the house, baking can be a great activity for helping them work on fine motor development—and lots of other skills, too
The Midwest has some of the most fertile soil in the entire country, which means we get to enjoy a variety of locally grown foods to satisfy our inner foodie. Look for these local crops that thrive in Kansas and Missouri.
Although bloating is normal, the feeling is still unpleasant. Thankfully, there are some easy at-home remedies for reducing bloating.
LISS cardio presents an easy option for getting your recommended dose of heart-healthy exercise.
Since prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and about half of all men experience prostate issues after age 50, it’s a good idea to eat foods that support prostate health.
Even the biggest outdoor enthusiasts might not know about some of the hidden gems throughout the metro. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best trails for hiking and biking all over the Kansas City area.
Help your pre-teen navigate the difficult time period between being a child and a teenager successfully, as it can have a huge impact on their adult lives.
Chronic pain is more than constant physical discomfort—it also increases psychological stress and strain, which in turn may further aggravate your pain. Because of this mind-body connection, by treating the mental aspects of pain, we can also treat the physical pain.
Can you recall a time you were hit with an upset stomach that seemingly came out of nowhere and went away just as fast? Or maybe you’ve experienced a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Many people underestimate the importance of ergonomics in the workstation until they experience pain.
Physical traits like a person’s red hair or toothy grin aren’t the only things that are passed down through the generations. Diseases, such as breast cancer, may also run in the family.
When you choose to eat local, you open yourself up to a world of benefits. Eating local means picking a healthier option—you get a natural, more flavorful product and you help improve the local economy by putting dollars back into the community.
Balancing work and family life is tough, not to mention finding relaxing time just for yourself. However, it’s important to find time in your schedule to slow down and recover from stress, especially if your work-life balance has been off lately.
Imagine going through a day when simple tasks, such as texting, turning a steering wheel, or even writing a note, are difficult. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience one or all of these hardships on a daily basis.
Frozen meals are quick and easy, but how healthy are they? Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between your health and convenience.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest methods for treating injury and disease and can help treat everything from acne to an upset stomach to achy joints. Herbal medicine uses parts of plants for healing purposes.
Complementary therapies allow for whole-person care and give the body the strength it needs to heal properly. Treatment of each facet of your being interrelates for your complete healing.
Most men know routine maintenance helps cars perform better and last longer. But what about your body? Shouldn’t it get the same care and attention?
For many women, not knowing how to begin is the biggest hurdle to strength training. For this reason, many women choose to work with a personal trainer, but even without one, you can be successful.
Migraines are a pain, literally. Having one can keep you from everyday activities such as going to work, driving, watching your children’s soccer games, and even relaxing in front of the television before bed.
At the end of the day, how we relate to others matters a lot. Having strong relationships improves self-confidence and self-awareness.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent a number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. It can also improve brain function.
Before giving up on your weight-loss goals entirely, consider whether you just need to change your approach.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that you have opportunities to prevent heart disease and lessen your risk of a stroke or heart attack later in life.
Skimping on shut-eye affects more than energy and willpower. Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation triggers the body to release more appetite-regulating hormones, including ghrelin. This hormone stimulates appetite and fat production, which leads people to eat more and gain weight.
Whether you’re a fan of bacon, or beer, or both (we won’t judge), at some point we all have to face the consequences of what we put in our bodies.
The baby is here and you're ready to start exercising again. But where do you start? These tips and words of encouragement will guide you safely back into exercise.