High cholesterol is most common in people who are overweight, smoke, get little exercise, or have a family history; however, Dr. Ghayth Hammad from The Medical Center says every male over 35 and female over 45 should be screened because a person can have high cholesterol and not even know it. Sign up for one of The Medical Center’s Membership Programs for women, men or seniors and get a free annual cholesterol screening, call 270-745-0942.

Video Library

90 Seconds to Better Health is a medical news program featuring physicians on staff at The Medical Center as they discuss new technology, hospital services, health conditions and more.

90 Seconds to Better Health airs on WBKO-TV. View the Upcoming Schedule.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Neurosurgeon Naren Nathoo discusses how new technology at The Medical Center for stereotactic radiosurgery is changing the way brain and spine tumors are treated in Southcentral Kentucky.

Bariatric Surgery
Doctor John Oldham discusses the benefits of weight loss surgery now available at The Medical Center.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Doctor Michael Byrne, Vascular Surgeon from The Medical Center, talks about treating abdominal aortic aneurysms and why screening for this is essential.

Emergency Services
Doctor Bart Spurlin talks about the warning signs of heart attack and stroke and the importance of calling 911 in these situations. The Medical Center is an accredited Chest Pain and Primary Stroke Center and Bowling Green’s full service hospital.

Open Heart Surgery
Doctor Paul Moore, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at The Medical Center, talks about heart care and open-heart surgery at The Medical Center. The Medical Center's open-heart surgery results are as good as any hospital in the nation, only you do not have to travel far to get the top-notch care you deserve. For more information visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org or call (270) 796-2511 for information to get a Healthy Heart Profile (heart health screening).

Primary Stroke Center
Doctor Jianhua Zhu, a Neurologist at The Medical Center, talks about why it is vital to recognize the warning signs of stroke. The Medical Center is a certified Primary Stroke Center. This means we have protocols in place to administer the latest stroke treatments quickly—which will save lives and help limit the damage caused by a stroke. If you are interested in checking your risk for stroke, call (270) 745-0942 to get a Vascular Screening.

Technology to Diagnose Lung Cancer
Doctor J.R. Hansbrough, Pulmonary Specialist, talks about Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB),The Medical Center's new technology to biopsy lung cancers. One of the biggest challenges of lung cancer is diagnosing it early and that's exactly what the new ENB technology will help achieve. If you smoke, you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by stopping smoking now. Register for an upcoming Smoking Cessation Class by calling The Medical Center Health and Wellness Center at 877-800-3824. Center Health and Wellness Center at 877-800-3824.

Special Care for Sick and Premature Babies
Doctor Aspasia Fissikoudi, a Neonatologist at The Medical Center, talks about the benefits of having a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at The Medical Center. Babies who are born sick or premature at The Medical Center receive a high-level of care the moment they arrive. The Medical Center's NICU provides the environment, support and special equipment needed to keep these tiny patients close to family until they are strong enough to go home.

Accredited Chest Pain Center
Doctor Humair Mirza talks about the importance of The Medical Center’s Accredited Chest Pain Center. When a heart attack patient comes to the hospital by ambulance, EMS communicates with The Medical Center’s Accredited Chest Pain Center—activating the cardiac catheterization team and transmitting patient vital signs to the Emergency Room and to the smart phones of Interventional Cardiologists. When the patient arrives, the team is ready to act and heart attack patients can have their arteries opened in less than an hour, well under the national goal of 90 minutes.

Diagnosing Cancers Quickly and Accurately
Doctor Jeffrey Brannick talks about The Medical Center’s new PET-CT technology and explains how PET images are taken and how they differ from other medical images. Dr. Brannick explains that with these images, doctors are able to diagnose cancers and the effectiveness of cancer treatment with more confidence and more precision. Additionally, the machine is more comfortable and takes the scans in half as much time as before.

Accredited Sleep Center Treats Sleep Problems
Doctor Nisar Kazimuddin from The Medical Center Sleep Center talks about how sleep disorders can affect adults or children, but the symptoms can sometimes be subtle. If you suffer from day time sleepiness, lack of energy, or snoring, or if your spouse suffers from one of these, then call to schedule a sleep study in The Medical Center’s accredited Sleep Center.

Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Doctor Matthew Rutter talks about robotic surgery for prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is found, The Medical Center offers state-of-the-art treatments, including removal of the prostate with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Doctor Rutter uses the tiny instruments and precision of the da Vinci to preform prostatectomies better than the traditional way. The benefit of having da Vinci surgery instead of traditional surgery is that patients have a shorter recovery time and less pain.

Protect Yourself from Colon Cancer
Doctor Donald Rauh explains that the best way to keep from getting colon cancer is to get a colonoscopy, a type of colon cancer screening. Colon cancer can affect almost anyone, so a colonoscopy beginning at age 50 is your best defense. Anyone at high risk, like African-Americans or those with a family history, may need one before age 50.

3 Things to Detect Breast Cancer Early
Doctor Sharon Smith with The Medical Center explains that an annual mammogram, and annual breast examination, along with monthly self-breast examination at the age of 40 is the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is more treatable. The gold standard for mammography is digital mammography, offered at The Medical Center.

Keys to a Healthy Pregnancy
Doctor Jeffery Nemec at The Medical Center talks about keys to a healthy pregnancy. First, are the vital roles of prenatal care and a woman’s relationship with her obstetrician. In pregnancy, you may be more nervous than you would be with other health conditions. So, being comfortable with your physician is vital to discussing with your doctor any health issues or questions you may have. Lastly, educational classes before the baby is born and access to neonatal intensive care if the baby needs special care are keys to a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Robotic Hysterectomy
Dr. Steven Beverly talks about the da Vinci Surgical System for hysterectomies. With this robotic technology, physicians have a 3-D, high definition view inside the body, and are able to manipulate tiny instruments with pinpoint precision. This means that women can have a better experience, with faster recovery and less pain. In fact, many women leave the hospital the morning after surgery and go back to normal work and life activities in as early as one week after surgery. Visit >www.TheMedicalCenter.org for more information.

Hand Surgery
Doctor Keith Morrison talks about hand surgery. Dr. Morrison explains that The Medical Center has doctors and technology to relieve pain and restore function after a hand injury. Many hand surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis—meaning the patient comes in for the surgery and then goes home the same day. To learn more about Hand Surgery at The Medical Center, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Peripheral Arterial Disease
Dr. Don Brown explains that Peripheral Arterial Disease, also known as PAD, is a common condition in which the blood vessels in the legs become blocked. A symptom of PAD is that after walking a distance, a person may have pain in their legs that subsides after they rest. As the disease progresses, there may have pain even just sitting. PAD can cause foot ulcers or lead to amputation, and it’s also a sign of heart attack and stroke risk. So, treatment is important. If you’d like a Vascular Screening to check for PAD, call The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center at 270-745-0942.

New Year's Resolutions to improve your health
Doctor Brian Kyle Macy discusses how as the New Year begins, many of us are making resolutions to improve our health. Dr. Macy explains how the key to success is to focus on attainable goals. If you’re making nutrition, exercise, or other health-related resolutions this year, like quitting smoking, The Medical Center has many resources to help you succeed. Watch this video and then visit TheMedicalCenter.org for more information.

Middle Ear Infections and Treatment Options
Doctor Brad Morris from The Medical Center discusses middle ear infections and treatments. The middle ear contains three tiny bones that transform sound waves into vibrations, allowing us to hear, but this area can be susceptible to disease. The physicians with ENT of Bowling Green can perform complex surgeries to clean out infections, patch holes in the eardrum, or place implants to help restore hearing. Call ENT of Bowling Green or visit TheMedicalCenter.org for more details.

Behavioral Health Issues in Kids and Teens
It’s common for children and teenagers to suffer from behavioral health issues like ADHD, depression, anxiety, or even addiction. In this video, Dr. Charu Raghuvanshi from The Medical Center explains some of the signs parents should watch for, because early interventions can prevent the child from suffering and struggling. For more info on Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Issues, call Psychiatric Associates of Bowling Green at 796-2540 or visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

The Benefits of Pain Blocks After Surgery
Dr. Paul Maglinger from The Medical Center explains the benefits of Pain Blocks to help relieve pain for patients in the first few days after surgery. Pain Blocks help some patients recover faster, do physical therapy quicker, and leave the hospital sooner. Most importantly, Pain Blocks may decrease the requirement for other pain medications, which can have negative effects on the patient. To learn more about Surgical Care and Pain Control at The Medical Center, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Commission on Cancer Accreditation
The Cancer Program at The Medical Center has received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Dr. Tage Haase discusses how this accreditation is an acknowledgement of the comprehensive and multidisciplinary patient care The Medical Center provides. Every doctor, technologist, and support staff member works as a team with the patient’s best treatment as their goal. To find out more about the Cancer Program, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Removing Lung Cancer with Thoroscopic Surgery
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer because it’s often diagnosed at an advanced stage. But if the cancer is found early, The Medical Center can offer effective surgical treatment options. Dr. Paul Moore explains that thoroscopic surgery can be used to remove lung cancer when it is small and in the early stages. Thoroscopic surgery uses video assistance, and does not require a large incision. With this option, the patient recovers quicker and there is less pain. To learn more about Surgery or Cancer Care at The Medical Center, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

WKDI for Convenient Medical Imaging
For patients who need medical imaging performed, The Medical Center offers a convenient option at Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging. WKDI provides imaging services such as plain film radiography, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, Stereotactic Biopsy, and Bone Density. In addition, WKDI offers parking close to the door, short wait times, and even has an Open MRI for patients who are too large or too claustrophobic for traditional MRI scans. Results are returned very quickly; in general, results are ready about 15 to 30 minutes after the study is performed. Call (270) 746-9500 for Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging scheduling information.

MedEquip for Medical Equipment and More
When a doctor prescribes medical equipment, like home oxygen or a wheelchair, many patients don’t know where to turn. That’s why The Medical Center provides MedEquip. Director of MedEquip, Mike Lovan explains how MedEquip can help a patient find the right equipment and educate the patient on how to use and clean the equipment. MedEquip is even available 24 hours a day to help with any equipment issues. For home medical equipment with customer service and support, contact MedEquip at 270-780-2655.

Benefits of Home Care Program
Since 1972, The Medical Canter has offered a Home Care Program for patients released from the hospital who require more care at home. Doctor Pravin Avula explains how The Medical Center Home Care Program helps to keep patients out of the hospital and in the comfort of their own home, even as they receive ongoing medical care from a team of professionals. Home Care Services include skilled nursing and nursing aides; physical, speech, or occupational therapists; social workers; and dietitians. Call The Medical Center Home Care Program for more information at (270) 745-1006.

Finding and Treating Acid Reflux Disease
Doctors estimate that nearly one-third of the US population has regular heartburn, also called Acid Reflux Disease. Over the counter medicines are available, but for many people, they’re not enough, and over time, the tissue of the esophagus can scar and even become cancerous. Doctor Curtis from The Medical Center explains how doctors find and diagnose acid reflux and also, how finding the right treatment can help people eat, sleep, and live much more comfortably. To learn more about Acid Reflux, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

What is a Hospitalist?
Hospitalists are doctors who are specially trained to manage a patient’s hospital stay, from their admission to discharge. Dr. Sam Hardcastle explains the role a Hospitalist at The Medical Center, and the many advantages a Hospitalist offers a patient and their families.

Weight Loss Surgery to Improve Health
Obesity can be the main cause of many serious medical conditions. Dr. Nwanguma with The Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program explains how weight loss surgery can improve a person’s health. Some benefits include helping patients lose weight, better control diabetes, reduce high blood pressure and improve sleep apnea. Weight loss surgery, along with a program before and after surgery, can offer extraordinary benefits to overweight patients. To register for the Medical Center’s next free surgical weight loss seminar, call 796-6333. Also, check out www.Facebook.com/TheMedicalCenterHealthierYou.

Treating Cancer with Radiation
Radiation Therapy is an important tool in the fight against cancer. Doctor Richard McGahan explains that when it comes to treating cancer with radiation, The Medical Center gives patients the most effective treatment that can be offered. One of the newest Radiation Therapy tools, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, looks intimidating. But the patient experience is actually very comfortable, according to McGahan. With this technology, the radiation is kept very tight to the tumor. This means less healthy tissue around the tumor is treated, and the side effects can be much lower than with other treatments. For more information about cancer treatment at The Medical Center, click on the Cancer tab at TheMedicalCenter.org.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Doctor Marc Moore explains that when we age, the lens inside our eye can become cloudy. This condition is called a cataract. To get rid of the cloudy lenses, The Medical Center offers a safe, outpatient cataract surgery. The surgery actually removes the cataract inside the eye by breaking it up into small pieces with ultrasound energy. Those pieces are then vacuumed out and a replacement lens can be put back in the eye. Most patients return to work within the first couple days after surgery. To learn more about cataract surgery, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Surgery for Back, Arm, Buttock Pain Relief
Doctor Clark Bernard, a neurosurgeon at The Medical Center explains that severe aching arm pain, in one or both arms, buttock, or leg can sometimes be related to abnormalities of the discs and irritation of the nerves in the spine. When conservative measures don’t help reduce or remove the pain, a Neurosurgeon can sometimes offer more options and surgical relief. The Medical Center offers advanced surgical options for conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis and degenerative disc disease. Some surgical options don’t even require an overnight stay in the hospital. To learn more about Neurosurgery and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

How Sugar Affects Childhood Obesity
Doctor Rick Voakes explains how sugar, not fat, is the main culprit in causing the metabolic system to fail. There’s a chemical in sugar called fructose, which damages the liver. This liver damage can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Parents can start protecting their kids with some simple changes—serving only white milk, water, and calorie free drinks to their children and keeping snacks and packaged foods under 5 grams of sugar. To learn more about obesity, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Franklin Surgical Services
Dr. William Daniel talks about the state-of-the-art-surgical facility available at The Medical Center at Franklin. Spacious, high-tech Operating Rooms give doctors all the tools they need to perform a variety of procedures. Many surgeries can be performed laparoscopically, which means there is less scaring and pain. For more information, visit TheMedicalCenter.org.

Stop Smoking to Lower Your Cancer Risk
Up to 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking. And according to Dr. Muhammad Ahmed from The Medical Center, lung cancer is affecting people in the prime of their lives—some patients are in their 30’s. When you quit smoking, you lower your risk of cancer, decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke, and increase lung function. If you want to stop smoking, The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center offers a Cooper Clayton Smoking Cessation Class. The next introductory session is on September 16, 2013 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Get more information and register online at TheMedicalCenter.org.

Services at The Medical Center at Scottsville
In this video, Dr. Grover Dils describes the services The Medical Center at Scottsville offers area residents. Services include convenient access to experienced Primary Care doctors as well as specialty clinics for those who need advanced care in cardiology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, nephrology, and general surgery. For more information, visit TheMedicalCenterScottsville.org.

Treating Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, meaning organs don’t get the blood flow they need. Dr. Brian Humble from The Medical Center says patients with CHF can stay out of the hospital by taking their medicines every day, keeping an eye on their blood pressure, watching sugars, and following up with their doctor. Watch this video to learn more. Also, The Medical Center offers a CHF class. Go to TheMedicalCenter.org to register.

Irregular Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation)
Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause palpitations, fatigue, and even strokes. Traditionally, patients with A-Fib had few options other than medications, but now The Medical Center can offer a Cardiac Ablation. Dr. Sandeep Gautam explains how the mapping software available at The Medical Canter is used to create more precise anatomy of the heart. Doctors can then guide a tiny catheter, through the blood vessels, to the heart muscle causing the rhythm problem. With this procedure, some patients may be able to stop their medicines, like blood thinners, designed to prevent a stroke. To learn more about treating Atrial Fibrillation visit TheMedicalCenter.org.