Banner Health

08/04/2025

Examining daily routines can be one of the best ways to understand risk factors for diabetes. Habits around food, movement, sleep and stress can affect long-term health, but small changes can help maintain wellness.

Think your habits are healthy? Learn how your daily routine, including sleep, movement and food choices, could increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.

08/03/2025

If you lower your calories too much or too fast, you could also lose muscle. If you want to preserve and build muscle during a calorie deficit, you'll need to make sure to eat enough protein and include resistance training in your routine. (via Health)

Building muscle while lowering your calorie intake still requires getting enough protein and incorporating exercises like resistance training.

08/03/2025

When it comes to organ donation, there are a lot of myths, misgivings and misinformation out there. Consider organ donation by learning the facts to make an informed decision for oneself and loved ones.

Many people aren’t sure if they can or should donate their organs. If you’re considering organ donation, learn the facts so you can make the right decision.

08/02/2025

From time to time, you might get a rash on your breast. Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. It could be a reaction to heat or detergent or a skin condition like eczema. But in rare cases, changes in the skin on your breast could be a warning sign of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a fast-growing and aggressive form of breast cancer.

When you know the difference between a common skin issue and something more serious, you can take the right steps. Learn more: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/is-it-a-rash-or-inflammatory-breast-cancer

08/02/2025

Imaging tests like CT scans and PET scans can help track the success of therapy when someone is being treated for cancer. With these tools, a health care providers can get a clear picture of what’s happening inside the body. They can use this information to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

CT scans and PET scans are valuable tools for tracking your progress during cancer treatment. Learn more about what these important imaging tests can show.

08/02/2025

People with lupus may notice both weight gain and weight loss. These changes can be linked to disease activity and medications a person is taking to treat it. While lupus can make it challenging to manage weight, eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity and tracking habits and symptoms can help.

Struggling with weight changes from lupus? Learn how to manage weight with lupus-friendly nutrition, activity and support from Banner Health experts.

08/02/2025

You can benefit from the nutrients and antioxidants in fruit at any time of day. However, you might notice subtle differences in your energy or appetite depending on when you eat it. (via Verywell Health)

You can reap the benefits of fruit by eating it at any time of day, but some times may be more strategic than others depending on your goals.

08/02/2025

August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month and doctors are urging families to stay alert around water.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and even when a child survives, the long-term health impacts can be devastating. Each year, thousands of children across the U.S. are rushed to emergency rooms after surviving near-drownings. (via KOLD News 13)

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

08/01/2025

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is an important nutrient with many benefits beyond bone health. By understanding its importance and ways to maintain optimal levels, we can take proactive steps to ensure we’re getting enough to support our overall health.

Discover why vitamin D is so important for your health. Learn its benefits, how much you need to take, where to find it and signs you may need to get more.

08/01/2025

The Whipple procedure, also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is considered the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer but it’s not an option for everyone. It is a complex operation because it involves many different organs that are located deep in the central part of the abdomen (or belly).

The Whipple procedure is a surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer and other conditions. Here’s what to know if you’re considering this surgery.

08/01/2025

Secondhand smoke is also known as passive smoking or environmental to***co smoke and it’s not safe for anyone. It contains harmful chemicals from burning to***co products, like ci******es, ci**rs and pipes. Eliminating smoke exposure involves simple steps that help protect family members and friends. Whether someone smokes or not, reducing exposure benefits everyone.

Secondhand smoke harms adults and kids, increasing the risk for cancer, heart disease and SIDS. Learn how to protect your family and when to get screened.

07/31/2025

No matter how long someone has been eating unhealthy foods, it’s never too late to change. Start small, be consistent and enjoy the benefits of a healthier life.

Is it too late to start eating healthy? Find out how better nutrition can improve your health, reduce disease risk and even reverse some past damage.

07/31/2025

Join us for a blood drive on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. More details below:

07/31/2025

Some natural methods may help a person's body get ready for labor, but very few can actually start it. And some can be unsafe. The safest path is to check with a health care provider, stay active and try to enjoy the final days of pregnancy.

Trying to induce labor naturally? Learn safe ways to start labor at 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy, what to avoid and when to talk to your doctor or provider.

07/30/2025

📣 Attention Parents & Student Athletes! 📣
2025-2026 sports physical dates announced!

Get your student ready for the upcoming sports season! We're offering sports physicals on multiple dates throughout summer 2025. See available dates below.

Important Details:
$25 per physical (Cash, check, or credit accepted)
Insurance will not be billed
Appointments are encouraged
Walk-ins accepted based on availability
Parents must accompany students OR have a signed consent on file
Students do NOT need to be established patients

Call 308-284-3645 to schedule your appointment today!

Don't wait until the last minute - secure your spot now!

07/29/2025

Functional mushrooms are sometimes called adaptogenic mushrooms because they can help the body adapt to stress. Different functional mushrooms offer different benefits. There are more than a dozen types but about six to eight are the most well-known and well-studied. They’re full of antioxidants, beta-glucans and other nutrients that support immunity and overall health.

Learn how functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga and reishi can support your immunity, focus, energy and stress relief and how to safely take them.

07/26/2025

Even the healthiest eaters can struggle with craving junk food. And the truth is, it’s not a matter of willpower. It’s just part of being human. All foods can have a place in a balanced diet. Eating habits should support overall well-being, not cause stress.

Even the healthiest eaters can struggle with cravings for junk food. Learn why this happens and how you can manage emotional eating without feeling guilty.

07/23/2025

Ultraviolet light is naturally produced by the sun. By harnessing a very controlled, narrow-band of this light, experts can safely treat common skin conditions such as psoriasis, severe itching, vitiligo, eczema and even early stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Learn about the benefits of narrow-band ultraviolet B therapy (NB UVB). It is frequently used to treat some of the most common skin conditions like psoriasis and more.

07/20/2025

Food allergies and food intolerances are not the same. With a food allergy, the immune system responds to something a person eats. Food intolerance, also called a food sensitivity, occurs when the digestive system has an adverse reaction to something eaten.

People often confuse food allergies and food intolerances, but they are not the same. Here’s how you can tell them apart and what to do about them.

07/18/2025

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm spasms or tightens suddenly. They come on unexpectedly, make that “hic” sound for a few minutes and then disappear. But sometimes, hiccups can last much longer. Persistent or intractable hiccups can be a sign of a nervous system problem, inflammation below the diaphragm or possible cancer in the abdomen or other parts of the body.

Most hiccups are harmless, but if they last more than 48 hours, it could point to a deeper issue. Learn what causes long-term hiccups and how to get relief.

07/15/2025

Meet Jordyn, an RN new grad here at Ogallala Community Hospital!

07/14/2025

Self-awareness can help people to improve in several key areas that are important to well-being including mental health, personal growth and relationships. Techniques such as mindfulness practices, seeking feedback and professional help can boost self-awareness.

When you’re self-aware, you understand your emotions, behaviors and thoughts and you see how they impact you and other people. It’s a skill you can build.