Each January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month calls attention to important facts about a type of cancer that is diagnosed in about 14,000 women in the United States annually and is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

UAB Medicine Anesthesiology is pleased to announce the launch of its first podcast for medical professionals. Fresh Flow is a collaboration between UAB Medicine and the Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors (AACD) and hosted by UAB’s Matthew Sherrer, M.D. MBA, FASA, FAACD, and Mitchell H. Tsai, M.D., MMM, FASA, FAACD, from the University of Vermont.

The holiday season can be a time filled with friends, family and, of course, holiday food and beverages. While it is perfectly fine to indulge in one’s favorite food and beverages this holiday season, it is best to avoid overindulging in these items, which can potentially lead to a condition known as holiday heart syndrome — also known as atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat that is associated with binge drinking. AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and even heart attacks.

Premature and sick newborns are at high risk of having developmental issues that can affect their language and reading skills. UAB Medicine and Children’s of Alabama launched the NICU Bookworms reading program in 2021 to help reduce these deficits, increase parent-infant bonding and encourage shared reading starting at birth for all babies.

UAB Surgery’s Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy and UAB Medicine have become the first in the United States, and only the second institution in the world, to utilize LumiGuide, a second-generation 3D device guidance solution, that is powered by Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology. This is an advanced internal device visualization solution utilizing light technology for navigation inside blood vessels without the use of fluoroscopy.

Three UAB Medicine leaders are included on the 2023 list, and recently they were recognized and promoted by B-Metro magazine: Mark Stafford, M.D., Rodney Tucker, M.D., and M.R. Chambers, DVM, M.D.

The holiday season often serves up more calories than we normally consume, thanks to family dinners, party spreads, and game-day get-togethers. So, health experts suggest easing back on weight loss plans during the holidays and concentrating on weight maintenance instead. These tips from UAB Weight Loss Medicine may help.

During holiday gift shopping, it’s often a struggle to find the “perfect” present for older friends or loved ones who say they already have everything they want or need. But experts agree there’s one gift that’s sure to please friends and loved ones of advanced age: spending time with them.

UAB Medicine, home to Alabama’s leading transplant program, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Transplant Institute, has been named the presenting medical partner of the Transplant Games of America when the biennial event comes to Birmingham in July 2024. Additionally, UAB’s Sports and Exercise Medicine team will be providing medical coverage for all athletes at the games.

Making connections with friends and family, managing expectations, setting emotional goals, and finding out what means the most to you and your loved ones are good ways to find more holiday joy. Learn more about maximizing your joy this season.

The holidays may not be “the most wonderful time of the year” for people struggling with a loss. Learn about the stages and types of grief, and get some tips on coping and for supporting someone else through the season.

Congratulations to the most recent winners: Adam Wilson, RN, and Taylor Turner, RN! What makes Adam and Taylor DAISY winners? “Adam Wilson, RN, and Taylor Turner, RN, are assistant nurse managers (ANMs) in the UAB Hospital Emergency Department. Traci Watkins, a call center operator, transferred a call to Adam from a distraught individual who was expressing suicidal and homicidal thoughts and said they planned to kill everyone in the home, including children. Adam and Taylor talked through the situation and remained on the phone with the caller for more than two hours, until help could arrive.