It was a sunny day in September 2022. The weather in Macon, Mo. had consistently been in the 80s and Roger Cathey was outside soaking up the sun. Not one to sit around, Roger loves being outdoors, whether he’s mowing, fishing, gardening or planting his wife Pat’s flowers. As Roger was mowing, he got his…

What is A1C and should you get tested? What has your blood sugar been up to lately? If you’re at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, or if you’re managing diabetes, an A1C test can answer that question. The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that…

A team effort in recovery from COVID. It was December 2022 when Donna Becker tested positive for COVID-19. At a time when many look forward to Christmas lights and gingerbread cookies, Donna was dealing with symptoms from COVID. Around 4 days after she recovered from her COVID symptoms, Donna developed polymyositis – an uncommon inflammatory…

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants under age 1. A pediatrician explains what RSV is, its symptoms, treatments, and prevention. The fall season brings crisp mornings and colorful leaves, but it also marks the beginning of what we call “sick season: for children.” Respiratory Syncytial Virus,…

Rheumatology, Boone Health Rheumatology I grew up in Farrell, Pennsylvania – a steel town 70 miles north of Pittsburgh. My undergraduate degree in biology is from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. and I attended medical school at Hahnemann University (now Drexel) in Philadelphia. I am married to John McMurtry, MD, a retired urologist, and…

Operating Room I was born in San Diego, Calif., as the youngest of five children — and only girl. My parents are immigrants from Cambodia. We moved to Columbia, Mo. on my 6th birthday, and I’ve been here ever since. I received my ADN from Moberly Area Community College in 2009, my BSN from Central…

Grains are an abundant food group in the ever-expanding worldwide food system. As a globalized population, we have access to a large variety of grains. Grains are a rich source of carbohydrates, with varying degrees of fiber and a small amount of protein and fat. Grains contain B vitamins, like thiamine and folate, and trace…

As a nurse practitioner in the aesthetics field, fall not only means pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, bonfires, and falling leaves – it makes me think of corrective treatments for the skin! Cooler temperatures, less direct sun exposure, and fewer outdoor activities make autumn a great time to undergo a medical-grade chemical peel. But what is…