Saint Luke's Health System

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have changed how health care providers approach obesity-related care. These medications have proven to help with weight loss, but also improve other health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. Drs. Andrew Sauer and James O’Keefe from Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute led clinical trials that tested the effect of weight loss drugs on heart health. Hear their medical opinions on Health News You Can Use. #HeartMonth

Weight-loss medications may be effective in addressing addictive behaviors like drug use, alcohol consumption, and food cravings. The latest results of an observational study from Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute reveal these drugs are helpful for more than just diabetes and obesity. Dr. James O’Keefe, a co-investigator of this study and director of preventive cardiology at the Mid America Heart Institute, talked with KCTV about the possible new benefits: https://heyor.ca/8s9X8j

Art Still, former defensive end for The Kansas City Chiefs, was diagnosed with ATTR amyloidosis in 2023, a rare genetic condition that causes heart problems, neuropathy, and ligament and tendon troubles. Since then, he has dedicated himself to increasing awareness, especially among former NFL players and other former professional athletes. The Today Show sat down with Dr. Brett Sperry, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, to break down this rare genetic condition and possible reasons for the racial disparity in diagnoses: https://heyor.ca/FH3BGP

Atrial fibrillation (a-fib) is a rapid and irregular heart rhythm that left untreated can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and stroke. There are normally two separate procedures to address a-fib: Pulsed field ablation to correct the heartbeat, and a WATCHMAN device to prevent stroke. But now, there is a way to do both procedures at the same time. Dr. Sanjaya Gupta, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, shares how on Health News You Can Use. #HeartMonth

The entire Saint Luke's East Hospital environmental services department came together to present Penny with the Saint Luke’s Sunshine Award, an award for non-clinical employees who display kindness and character in their work. “I truly look forward to seeing Penny come to our unit,” her nominator wrote. “At the end of my shift, it’s nice to engage with someone as positive and kind as she is. Each morning, I know that when I see her, I will get a ‘good morning’ and a smile. She is amazing at her job and does a great job ensuring our unit is clean and presentable. Other nurses have also mentioned to me the same things about Penny, so I know I’m not alone!" Thank you, Penny, for your kindness and everything you do for the hospital. #TeamSaintLukes 💙

UMKC and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute are working to combat maternal deaths due to heart disease. The Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy Expectations (HOPE) study will be the first study in the country to describe the care and outcomes of pregnant individuals with heart disease. Saint Luke's Health System Cardiologist and UMKC School of Medicine professor Anna Grodzinsky (BLA '08/M.D. '09, M.S. '15.) said that heart disease is responsible for more than a third of all pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. She is one of the leaders of the study, along with fellow UMKC professor John Spertus, MD, MPH, FACC and maternal-fetal specialist Karen Florio, D.O., MPH. Learn more and watch a video on the study: https://lnkd.in/g2Dc_KNB

Saint Luke’s was recently awarded the President’s Partnership Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Saint Luke’s was recognized for the significant impact its generous support and active engagement has had on Club members. For more than eight years, Saint Luke's has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club on their programs to improve the health and wellness of the community. Initiatives like the Healthy Habits Hub help members access fresh produce and other health-related resources, the Gardyn Program teaches the science of growing food indoors through aeroponic gardening, and Project Power promotes good health and prevents childhood obesity and diabetes through nutritional education. #TeamSaintLukes 💙

On a cold February morning, Joel's heart was warmed when his colleagues—and his wife—surprised him with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. It was one of many, many nominations he received throughout his career. Joel, an interventional radiology nurse, is known to make every patient feel like they are his only patient. He is keen on learning their needs and uses that to guide how he cares for them. His sense of humor adds to his charm, too. Everyone has a pleasant and enjoyable visit when it's with Joel. Congratulations, Joel! Thank you for being an extraordinary nurse. #TeamSaintLukes 💙

The human heart is an incredible organ powered by four vital valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves don’t work properly, heart valve disease can occur, affecting more than five million Americans and causing serious health consequences. At Saint Luke’s Valve Center for Excellence, our expert team of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons provide patients with the full range of high-quality surgical and transcatheter valve disease treatments. Their work has led to FDA approval of a full range of high-quality minimally invasive transcatheter and surgical valve disease treatments. Tune in to Health News You Can Use to hear more from Dr. Adnan Chhatriwalla, an interventional cardiologist. #HeartMonth

Representatives from Saint Luke's Hedrick Medical Center and Wright Memorial Hospital recently joined other constituents from the northwest region of Missouri for Great Northwest Day at the Capitol to meet with legislators to discuss topics impacting the northwest region of the state, including health care. Thank you to our state legislators for taking the time to discuss important topics impacting the future of health care, and other important topics pertaining to growth and development within our rural communities.