Robert Nelson and Chuck Oates discuss the newest therapy offering from Infirmary Therapy Services, Therapy At Home. Patients can schedule appointments for physical therapy and receive care in person at a location and time that is convenient for them. With Infirmary Health's Therapy at Home, patients will receive treatment from the same therapist throughout their entire care journey, which can help to increase continuity of care.

Christopher Southwood, M.D. aims to clear up a common misconception that stroke only affects individuals over the age of 55. In reality, a stroke can happen to anyone, regardless of age. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Awareness of the risks, signs, and symptoms can help save lives.

A good night’s sleep is critical to your health and wellbeing. If you have challenges with feeling rested after sleeping, have issues with snoring or even stop breathing during the night, you might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can be indicators of larger health problems and it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your physician.

Infirmary Health has sleep medicine specialists who are specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage issues relating to sleep disturbances, disorders and address different aspects of sleep health. Dr. Cynthia Crowder-Hicks joins us on this episode of LIFE Cast to discuss sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, and the treatment options available including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Sustaining an injury can be frustrating, especially when unsure which doctor to see. However, whether you're a college athlete hurt during a football game or an active individual injured while biking with your kids, it's good to know that sports medicine physicians can treat both types of injuries. So, the answer is yes, you can see the same doctor for both types of injuries.

Sports specialization, or training in only one sport year-round, is becoming more common among young athletes. The popularity of travel leagues fuels this trend. More research shows that women athletes tend to experience more overuse injuries and severe injuries requiring surgery than their male counterparts. A recent study found a greater risk of concussions, stress fractures, and injuries among specialized athletes.

Rehabilitation is that branch of medicine dedicated to restoring patients’ bodily functions and improve their quality of life as much as possible after suffering from a serious illness or injury. Rehabilitation is used to help those who have lost a bodily function due to disease.

Migraines are not just bad headaches. Migraines can cause disabling neurological conditions including pulsating pain, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting as well as visual disturbances. Around 39 million Americans, about 1 in 7 people, suffer from migraines. However, that number could be higher because many people struggle to know how to discuss their symptoms with their physician.

Dr. Valerie Staples, a family medicine physician with Central Baldwin Physicians, is headache-certified by the National Headache Foundation. She joins us on this episode to discuss headaches, migraine symptoms, their causes and how to start the conversation with your physician to achieve appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

The national breastfeeding initiation rate is 84.1% and the state of Alabama breastfeeding initiation rate is 69.6% and the exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months is even lower at 21%. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for about six months with continued breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods for two years or beyond. Breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention strategy, protecting both infants and mothers from a host of chronic and acute diseases and conditions and building a foundation for life-long wellness. Breastfeeding provides a safe, reliable, and renewable food source, especially during natural disaster and emergency situations. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby and helps reduce illness and the risk of SIDS.

At Infirmary Health, we use a multi-disciplinary approach to making your breastfeeding experience a success. Dr. Martha Ruzic, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Mobile Bay OB-GYN, works with Infirmary Health’s lactation consultants, nurses, and neonatologists to help support your initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. She joins us to discuss the importance of breastfeeding and how Infirmary Health supports breastfeeding moms.

Does your heart beat feel irregular? You could be experiencing a problem with your heart’s electrical system, which sends signals through your cells in order to regulate heart rate and rhythm. If not treated, these irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias, could lead to stroke and heart attack.

Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize on the diagnosis and treatment of irregular heart rhythms. They use a highly specialized tests, devices and procedures to help your heart reach a healthy rhythm. Dr. Thomas Turnage, electrophysiologist with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, joins us to discuss common conditions that can cause irregular heart rhythms and how new advances are helping patients get back on their feet.

It takes about $2 million a day for Infirmary Health to see patients and operate facilities. How does the system stay ahead in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art care? In part, it's the work and efforts made possible by three Infirmary Health Foundations, one for each acute care hospital on the Gulf Coast.