Relief from Pain

Laura Hutton woke up before work one early February morning and knew something was wrong. Terrible pain was coming from her neck and shooting pain was going down her arm. “I knew something was very wrong, but I decided to try to go to work anyway. The pain had started the evening before when I…

Read More

Advancements in Robotic Surgery

The advancement of robotic assisted surgery has changed the game for many surgeons and patients. Robotic surgery has been around since 2001. The surgeries performed are minimally invasive which means minimal trauma for the patient. Incisions are smaller, blood loss is less, and pain and recovery times are shorter. Boone Hospital Center added its first…

Read More

Valuing Experience

Julie A. Brown BSN, RN, CAPA, CPAN is known for being a fabulous nurse by her patients and her coworkers. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I take the ‘mom approach’ I think,” says Julie, “If a patient or a coworker needs a hug, I give them a hug. If they need a…

Read More

A Pinched Nerve

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…

Read More

All About Your A1C

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…

Read More

One Step At A Time

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…

Read More

What is RSV?

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,…

Read More

Paula J McMurtry, MD

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…

Read More

Quenna Kovar, BSN, RN, CNOR

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…

Read More

Grains Galore!

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…

Read More