Blog

Meet Jessica Brunkhorst, MD

Jessica Brunkhorst, MD, will serve as the medical director for Olathe Medical Center’s NICU. Dr. Brunkhorst is a neonatologist at Children’s Mercy and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine.

Letter to the Community from Stan Holm

Olathe Health is prepared and managing the coronavirus crisis at the current rate, while also planning for the possible influx of patients. We must all work together to keep people healthy and safe, as we move forward to better days

Cindy Moore is the Jan./Feb. Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Cindy Moore for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2020!

Olathe Health Homegrown - Marisa Cunning, RN, BSN

The Homegrown series features associates who have shown immense dedication to their own growth, as well as to Olathe Health. Meet Marisa Cunning, RN, BSN, who started at Miami County Medical Center as a nursing technician.

Brandon Fry Chosen as First Frank H. Devocelle Legacy Award Winner

Congratulations to Brandon Fry, RN, BSN, robotics coordinator at OMC, for receiving the 2019 Frank H. Devocelle Legacy Award.

5 Healthy Habits to Fight Cold and Flu Season

It's that time of year where germs are just getting passed around at schools and public places. Here are some tips to keep the germs away.

Branden Chung is the Nov./Dec. Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Branden Chung for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2019!

Know Your Risk: Can You Prevent Diabetes?

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal and is an early warning sign that Type 2 diabetes may be in your future. People with prediabetes don't always have symptoms. How to know if you're at risk.

Melonie Godbold is the Sept./Oct. Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Melonie Godbold for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2019!

Breathing Easier after Pediatric ENT Surgery at OMC

When Whitley Zahn was 18 months old, she started attending daycare. In the months that followed, she began to develop recurrent ear infections. Her pediatrician treated her with antibiotics, but the infections would inevitably return.

His and Hers Hernia Surgery

It wasn't the ideal start to 2019. Barb Peine had hernia surgery, and two months later her husband, Joe, underwent his own hernia surgery.

Olathe Health Oncologist Uses New Therapy to Treat Rare Cancer

When Janet Leeker was diagnosed with a rare cancer in December, she was overwhelmed. Just months later, Dr. Corum was one of the first oncologists in the country treating Janet with a newly approved therapy.

Christopher Lewis, DO, and Matthew Sherman, PA-C

New Provider Joins Miami County Surgical Associates

Matthew Sherman, PA-C, is now providing general surgery care in Paola.

Rotator Cuff Repair Alleviates Chronic Shoulder Pain

As a former roofer, Dennis Ward is used to feeling some aches and pains in his body. But when a recurring pain in his left shoulder wouldn't go away, he decided it was time to do something about it.

Moving Forward After a Total Hip Replacement

Hip pain and joint replacement surgery were pretty familiar to Steve Coons, even before his own hip started bothering him. He’d watched his father and his brother have hip replacement surgeries, so when Steve’s pain grew so unbearable that it began to disrupt his daily activities and sleep, he knew it was time to talk to the doctor.

The Facts About Flu

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot. Have questions? Pediatrician Elizabeth Musil, MD, answers the most common questions about the flu and flu vaccine.

Kim Thorup celebrates her last treatment

Radiation Therapy Reduces Treatment Time, Gets Principal Back to School

Olathe elementary school principal, Kim Thorup, was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 2. Because of a radiation treatment new to Olathe Health Cancer Center, she's healed and back in her office in time for the first day of school just three months later.

Stress Relief for Students

For kids heading back to school, it can be an exciting time, and also a little scary. With so many unknowns, children can experience added stress. We’re here to help!

Amy Gomerdinger is the July/August Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Amy Gomerdinger for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2019!

Brooke Browning is the May/June Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Brooke Browning, RN, for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2019!

Enhanced Stroke Response at OMC Helps Save Brain Cells

The Stroke Clinical Team at OMC has enhanced its emergency response procedure for stroke patients, providing care 20 minutes faster than the national recommendation. How the new change is helping patients save brain cells.

Meet Our New Orthopedic Specialist

Christopher Bagby, MD, an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist, has joined Johnson County Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – Paola and is accepting new patients! Dr. Bagby treats everything from sports injuries to chronic joint pain.

Quick Action at Louisburg Clinic Saves Choking Baby

It’s every parent’s nightmare: you look over, and suddenly your baby isn’t breathing. It happened to Erin Syfrid. Thankfully, she was right next to an Olathe Health clinic.

Olathe Health Homegrown - The Herradas

The Homegrown series features associates who have shown immense dedication to their own growth, as well as to Olathe Health. Meet the Herradas, a mother and her three children who all work at Olathe Medical Center.

What You Need to Know About the Measles Outbreak

The U.S. is experiencing the greatest number of reported cases of measles since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pediatrician Elizabeth Musil, MD, explains how you can protect your child from measles.

Switching from Breast Milk or Formula to Whole Milk

We had a great question last week on how to transition from breast milk to whole milk. Whether you’re using breast or formula, we recommend introducing whole milk around 12 months of age.

Busting Diabetes Myths

Do you want to get control of your diabetes? Start by knowing the facts. Kathy Coker, RD, CDE, a diabetes educator at Olathe Medical Center, breaks down the myths about diabetes and how you can get healthy.

Terri Koehler is the March/April Outstanding Associate

Congratulations to Terri Koehler, RN, Nurse Educator at Olathe Medical Center, for being chosen as an Outstanding Associate of 2019!

How 27 Blood Donors Saved a New Mom's Life

After delivering her son, Ethan, via an emergency Caesarian section (C-section) at The Birth Place at Olathe Medical Center (OMC), Patricia suffered a massive blood loss. Moments after Patricia got to kiss her son for the first time, she remembers feeling sleepy and hearing Dr. Peck ordering someone to get more blood.

Allison Lee Recovers Quickly After Gallbladder Surgery

As both a nurse and a mom, Allison Lee of Gardner spends most of her time caring for her patients and her two young daughters, Harper and Nora. But when Allison started experiencing nausea and stomach pain after eating, she didn’t seek care for herself right away.

Olathe Health Cardiology Patient Steve Renko

New Heart Device is Change-up for Retired Pitcher with A-fib

When retired Major League Pitcher Steve Renko's blood thinner medication started causing painful side effects, he knew it was time for a change-up. That's when cardiologist Dr. Ravi Yarlagadda told him about a new procedure.

Artist Sees New Beauty After Innovative Procedure

Sharon DeFreece, a professional painter, has always been inspired by colors. But she didn't realize how much color was missing from her own life until she received a new heart procedure at Olathe Medical Center.

Dancing Their Way Toward a Heart-Healthy Life

At 82, Jim is much more active and fit than others his age; something that’s even more remarkable considering he has been living with heart failure since 2010. Instead of letting his condition slow him down, Jim and his wife Hazel used the health scare as incentive to make some major lifestyle changes.

Olathe Health Homegrown - Erica Duffle, MSN

The Homegrown series features associates who have shown immense dedication to their own growth, as well as to Olathe Health. Meet Erica Duffle, MSN, who started at Olathe Medical Center as a nurse in the Critical Care Unit.

Amy Kircher Stresses the Importance of Colonoscopies

At the age of 63, Amy Kircher of Paola was living her healthiest life. But that April, without any symptoms, Amy's colonoscopy revealed devastating news: colon cancer. She turned to Dr. Christopher Lewis at Miami County Medical Center.

New Heart Procedure Reduces Ron's Risk of Stroke

A new, non-invasive procedure at Olathe Health called left atrial appendage (LAA) closure helped get Ron Mersman off his blood thinners and reduce his risk of stroke.

Caroline Trammel and her orthopedic surgeon Dr. Todd Smith

Caroline's Complicated Ankle Repair

A slip on black ice led to ankle surgery for Caroline Trammel. The surgery was further complicated by an ankle reconstruction from 40 years prior. How Dr. Smith was able to rebuild her ankle.

Darlene Miller and her daughter Katharyne

Handling Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Darlene's Story

Darlene Miller, 79, began experiencing pain and numbness in her hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome, sometimes so bad that she couldn't even hold half a cup of coffee. Orthopedic surgeon Christopher Eckland, DO, was able to help her regain full use of her hands.

Olathe Health Homegrown - Dawn Bishop, APRN

The Homegrown series features associates who have shown immense dedication to their own growth, as well as to Olathe Health. Meet Dawn Bishop, APRN, who started at Olathe Medical Center as a phlebotomist.

Faye Wilson and her husband, Carl, with medical oncologist Larry R. Corum, MD.

Two Years, Two Diagnoses: How Faye Wilson Beat Cancer Twice

After two life-changing cancer diagnoses, Faye is now in complete remission thanks to medical oncologist Larry R. Corum, MD, and her other Olathe Health doctors.

Make Your New Year's Resolution to Quit Smoking

This year, tackle one of the biggest hurdles to your health. Quit smoking. Nurse Navigator Jeni Wakefield offers tips to help you keep your resolution and achieve your goal of quitting.

"Miracle" Patient: How OMC Doctors Put Holly's Heart Back Together

Holly Menning, 40, is grateful to be alive. She suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and had a two percent chance of survival. Thanks to the quick-thinking ER and Cardiology teams at Olathe Medical Center, she is back home with her family.

Kristin, Barbara and Holly celebrate with Dr. Meurer and Dr. Yarlagadda

Olathe Health Cardiologists Save Three Generations of Women

Many people who have experienced heart complications will tell you the symptoms hit you at an unexpected time. For Kristin Corey, it was at her sister's house in 2014. For her mother, Barbara Sweazy, it was when she had returned home from watching an opera. For Kristin's daughter, Holly Menning, it was while she was preparing dinner for her family. One thing they all knew they could expect: life-saving care at Olathe Medical Center.

Back-to-School: Easy as 1-2-3

Transitioning into a school-year routine can be stressful for families. Dr. Amanda Sommerville, an Olathe Health pediatrician and internal medicine specialist, has some tips to help ease everyone back into fall.

Six Stress-Busting Tips for Teachers

Back to school is exciting, but let's face it, it can also be stressful. Isaac Johnston, MD, a family medicine physician at Olathe Health Family Medicine - Blackfoot, has six stress-busting tips to get you through the school year.

What You Should Know About the New Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations

The American Cancer Society recently recommended individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer get screened earlier. Ashok Attaluri, MD, a gastroenterologist with Olathe Health GI Specialists, explains the reason for the new recommendation and answers other commonly asked questions.

Olathe Medical Center Pharmacist Receives Legacy Award

Amber Lucas, a pharmacist at Olathe Medical Center, received one of the top awards in the state for healthcare pharmacists. She was awarded the 2018 Kansas Council of Health-System (KCHP) Pharmacy Legacy Award.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Gets Jack on the Road to Recovery

The new Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Miami County Medical Center (MCMC) is a medically-supervised program designed to provide patients with healthy lifestyle education, a closely monitored exercise program, diet and nutrition counseling, and encouragement and support to recover from heart disease or surgery. Seventy-four-year-old Jack Coffman was one of the first cardiac rehab patients at MCMC earlier this year.

Cara's Knee Replacement Gives Her a New Spring in Her Step

Cara Coffelt has a lot to celebrate. She recently retired after a 28-year career at Tri-Ko, Inc., a day and residential care facility for individuals  with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And, thanks to a recent knee replacement surgery, she is looking forward to living an active retirement with less pain.

#OHbaby: Addie Gallagher Arrives on April Fool's Day in Less Than 30 Minutes

Adeline Ora Tilly Gallagher wasn't joking around when she made her entrance into the world, arriving at 3:42 p.m. on April Fool's Day. This was the fourth child Kristi Gallagher delivered at The Birth Place at Olathe Medical Center and she's sad she won't be back.

Summer Safety Tips

Summer is almost here, which means lots of new fun. It’s a great time to refresh your memory on summer safety tips for kids as you spend the days outside, in the water and on vacation!

Fevers: How high is too high? How to treat your child's fever and when to see their pediatrician.

A fever is any body temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Fevers are very common in children, are generally a sign of a healthy immune system trying to fight an infection and are very rarely dangerous for a child. In fact, only temperatures greater than 109 degrees F can cause damage to a person’s body.

Are Ear Tubes in Your Child's Future?

David K. Hill, MD, is one of Olathe Medical Center’s Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology) doctors. See his answers to common questions parents have about ear tubes for their children.

Signs of Heart Attack in Women

Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men. According to the American Heart Association, women may have one or more of the following symptoms.

The Facts About Childhood Immunizations

Erica Red Corn, MD, Pediatrician at Olathe Health Pediatrics - Olathe Medical Park discusses the importance of childhood immunizations.

Catch the Signs of Heart Attack Early

Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs.

A Young Father's Close Call with Heart Disease

This 45-year-old father didn't have heart disease on his radar. But thanks to advanced diagnostics and the gut instinct of his cardiologist, Mike Laney was able to avoid a heart attack.

Madelyn Madden with Dr. Jay Murphy, a cardiologist at Olathe Medical Center.

Heart Attack Survivor Trusts Cardiology Team at OMC

Madelyn, an 82-year-old mother of seven from Ottawa, was headed to bed late one night when she began to feel “funny".

Jenna and her two-month-old Skyler with Speech Language Pathologist Genna Miller

Speech Therapy Helps Two-Month Old Skyler Feed

When two-month-old Skyler had trouble latching and was choking on her milk, mom Jenna Miller reached out to Olathe Medical Center. With help from a Speech Therapist and Lactation Consultat, Skyler now has no trouble eating and is a happy, healthy little girl.

Rehab Patients Enjoy Their "Active 80's"

Gaylin and Barbara Anderson, both 80, don't let their age slow them down. But injuries were holding them back. That's why they sought the help of Olathe Health Rehabilitation Services in Paola.

Race Against Cancer

Last summer, Doug Yost of Overland Park was the picture of health. A 56-year-old triathlete, Doug worked out six days a week, ate a healthy diet and never smoked or used tobacco. The last thing on his mind was cancer.

Maggie and Brian Schmidt with their twins in the OMC NICU

Level II NICU Cares for Tiniest Patients

Born five weeks early, Maggie and Brian Schmidt's twins were generally healthy, but Grant faced a few hurdles. He was admitted to OMC's Level II NICU, where Grant and the rest of his family received some special attention.

An Incredible Journey - From Beating Breast Cancer to Climbing Mount Everest

Three weeks before getting married, most brides are stressing over final dress fittings, making final arrangements with the caterer and excitedly counting down the days before they say ‘I do.' For Olathe resident Kelly Long, the weeks before her wedding were spent in doctors' offices and the hospital, dealing with the news of a breast cancer diagnosis at age 31.

Featured

View By Category: