Month: November 2024


Internal medicine physician joins UMC

Dr. Debra Davis joined University Medical Center in Northport as an internal medicine physician. She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine with CCHS, which operates UMC-Northport. Davis earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed her residency at the UA School…


Purple Purse event raises awareness about intimate partner violence

Dr. Shawnna Ogden, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center, and Suzanne Henson, a registered dietitian at UMC, were guest speakers at the 6th Annual Purple Purse Luncheon and Conference Oct. 29 at the University Club in Tuscaloosa. The three-hour event was hosted by the Coley Agency, a Tuscaloosa insurance company, to raise awareness…


Don’t let shorter days get you down

The time change on Nov. 3 will reduce daylight by one hour, potentially disrupting people’s sleep patterns and daily routines. According to Dr. John Burkhardt, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine with CCHS, this time shift may also contribute to changes in mood. “The effects of losing an hour in the day are…


Untreated sleep apnea can cause health risks

Sleep apnea causes irregular breathing while a person sleeps and if untreated could increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke, according to Dr. James Geyer, a neurologist and director of the Sleep Program at Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Tuscaloosa. Geyer, who is also a professor with UA’s College of…


Do you hear what I hear?

As many as 15% of U.S. adults have tinnitus, which can sound like a ringing, buzzing, whistling or humming in the ear, according to Dr. Jane Weida, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center. Tinnitus, common among older adults, is the perception of sound in the ears when there is no external source. What’s…


Maximizing meal planning and the importance of protein

Including protein in meals helps with muscle growth, boosts metabolism and can help people maintain a healthy weight, Suzanne Henson, University Medical Center’s registered dietitian, said in an October Mini Medical School presentation. Proteins are nutrients that give the body strength and energy. Without enough protein, the body can lose muscle mass and experience slower…


Digital health devices can improve health

Digital patient monitoring helps patients keep track of their health conditions and transmit real-time medical data to their health-care providers, said Dr. Richard Friend, a family medicine physician and professor and dean of the UA College of Community Health Sciences. Digital patient monitoring, or remote patient monitoring, uses technology to monitor patients when they are…


All about anesthesia

People who smoke, are obese and have multiple medical conditions face a risk of complications during anesthesia, Gary Hankins, a retired certified registered nurse anesthetist, said during a Mini Medical School lecture in October. Hankins worked for many years at DCH Regional Medical Center and NorthRiver Surgical Center, both in Tuscaloosa. Mini Medical School lectures…


Community Outreach

University Medical Center sponsored the 6th Annual Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation’s Strike Out Suicide Bowling fundraising event at Bowlero in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 24. KAYF works to raise awareness about youth suicide. Games, food and music were provided, and facts and statistics were also shared. Visit here to learn more about KAYF’s mission for youth…