News

Losing weight is a challenge, but choosing a diet that fits your lifestyle and gets results can be difficult, too. Many popular diets may help with fast weight loss in the short term, but each has risks, and some are more effective than others in the long term.

Men offer many excuses for avoiding the doctor. But medical experts say the risks of waiting too long outweigh any benefits of avoiding temporary inconvenience or discomfort.

Studies show that only about 60% of American males age 22-65 see a doctor for an annual physical. Other studies show that many men only see a doctor when they think they may have a serious medical condition.

We are pleased to announce this month’s UAB Medicine DAISY Award, recognizing the extraordinary care and compassion that nurses provide for patients and families every day. Submissions and stories are reviewed each month, and then the winner is surprised at a special ceremony.

Each year, the Amputee Coalition recognizes the month of April as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLAM) to honor its community and educate others about limb loss and limb difference.

Anyone working in clinical health care settings understands the importance of “crash carts”, the rolling cabinets of trays and drawers containing emergency medications and lifesaving equipment. Health care teams also know the importance of training to make the most efficient use of crash carts.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it nurtures and protects the body in several ways. Taking care of that skin is an important part of staying healthy, so it’s a good idea to know when and why to see a dermatologist.

Mark McColl, chairman of Lakeshore Foundation and a longtime patient of UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center (SRC), is the 2020 recipient of SRC’s Ambassador of Hope Award. The annual award goes to a disabled individual whose courage and determination inspire hope in others who face the challenges of disability.

I practiced ophthalmology for 40 years in Cullman, Alabama, before retiring two years ago. When I look back at my career, I often reflect on my residency at the Eye Foundation Hospital (EFH), now known as Callahan Eye Hospital where I experienced several highlights of my career.

Talking about sexuality isn’t easy for many people. Embarrassment, shame, or anxiety can prevent partners from having meaningful conversations about sex or talking to their doctor about problems in the bedroom.

The UAB Medicine Division of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy received the highest possible rating in the Vascular Quality Initiative® (VQI) awards program. The rating is reserved for medical centers that successfully participate in the VQI, which is a nationwide effort to improve cardiovascular care.

In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the UAB School of Nursing honored 70 alumni who are leaders in the field of nursing, nurse anesthesia, and health care with its Visionary Leader awards. Two of the 70 award-winners are UAB Medicine leaders: Chief Nursing Officer Terri Poe, DNP, RN, NE-BC, and Family Nurse Practitioner Lindsey Harris, DNP, CRNP, who in 2020 was inducted as the first African-American president of the Alabama State Nurses Association.

COVID-19 has been especially difficult for hospital patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions, such as COPD and heart disease. Along with older adults and people suffering from obesity, these patients often face greater challenges and worse outcomes with COVID-19, including a higher death rate.