Vaping – the use of electronic cigarettes to inhale vapors that could contain substances such as nicotine, marijuana or flavoring – is a disconcerting habit gaining popularity across the country, especially among teenagers. From 2017 to 2018, over 3.6 million kids reported using e-cigarettes, which represents a 78 percent increase in adolescent vaping in only one year. Even more frightening is that e-cigarette use among middle school students jumped by 48 percent in the same period.

Many pregnant women are not getting the flu vaccine and it’s putting themselves and their babies at risk, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because pregnant women are at high risk of complications from the flu, the CDC recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women.

(The following was submitted by James Dixon Gardner, M.D., FACP, a physician who works with Ascension Via Christi Weight Management in Manhattan.)

(This article was submitted as an editorial co-signed by Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan; and Mark Duff, MD, Pediatrician and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan Board Chair.)

I have been the president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan for 3 ½ years. During this time, I can honestly say that I have never been in any official conversations with Manhattan Surgical Hospital regarding possible partnerships or acquisitions. In addition, to my knowledge no other Ascension Via Christi leaders have been approached to discuss it either.

What is breast density?
Breasts are made up of a mixture of fibrous and glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Your breasts are considered dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue but not much fat. Density may decrease with age, but there is little, if any, change in most women.

The start of a new school year is exciting, but it can also be a little scary for some children. Children resisting to go to school is a common problem for many parents. Sometimes your child’s refusal to go to school can be a sign of a deeper problem.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital, along with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing at 4 p.m. July 19 in the new Cardiac Rehabilitation gym (first floor – inside Visitor Entrance). A reception with light refreshments will follow in the Community Room.

According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates. And, behind motor vehicle crashes, fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children between the ages of 1 and 14. 

When summer arrives -  we’re all eager to get outside and get active. From summer sports to yardwork and charity run/walks – there’s plenty to keep us active during a Kansas summer.

Before you dive head first into the pool of summer activities, Dr. Terry Schwab from Ascension Via Christi Hospital's Orthopedic Clinic wants to help you understand the most common summer injuries and how to avoid them.