Newsworthy

Here are today’s updates:

• Woman Encourages Others to be Informed about Pregnancy Care
• “To Your Health” on WIBW-TV and Walk with a Doc – Dr. Dana Balderrama
• Stormont Vail Has Big Showing in 2024 Best of Topeka

Woman Encourages Others to be Informed about Pregnancy Care

Ta’laija Fulton is many things. She’s a 22-year-old Topeka native, the oldest of two sisters and one brother, a professional in-home caregiver, and an exceptionally perceptive young woman. And, she’s currently a pregnant mom confidently and gracefully moving through her journey to motherhood for the first time.

Ta’laija’s story is being shared through Stormont Vail Health’s initiative to increase education, advocacy, and support for Black Maternal Health. The initiative encourages expectant mothers to:

• Learn the urgent maternal warning signs.
• Connect with health and social support systems before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Talk to a healthcare provider and seek immediate care if something feels off or causes concern.

Disparities in black maternal health persist in Kansas and nationally due to numerous factors like variations in healthcare, implicit bias, or social determinants of health that hinder just opportunities for overall wellbeing.

In Ta’laija’s online story and video, she tells how her family and friends have surrounded her with support through her pregnancy, especially her mom, and how she has taken parenting classes to increase her knowledge. As a Black woman she is familiar with disparities in maternal health, but she wants to use her story to advocate for others and teach them to advocate for themselves by asking their doctor and other healthcare professionals when they have questions.  Thank you, Ta’laija, for sharing your story.

“To Your Health” on WIBW-TV and Walk with a Doc – Dr. Dana Balderrama

Tune into an interview tonight with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dana Balderrama, M.D., on WIBW’s “To Your Health” segment, then join him Saturday for Stormont Vail Health’s Walk with a Doc at Washburn University.

• Dr. Balderrama will be on WIBW-TV “To Your Health” at 10 p.m. on WIBW-TV, Channel 13. The segment typically repeats at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Fridays on 13 News This Morning and be posted on wibw.com.

• To participate in the community Walk with a Doc with Dr. Balderrama, join the walking group at 9 a.m. Saturday on the east side of Lee Arena at Washburn University. The event is free and all are welcome to walk to better health.

Stormont Vail Has Big Showing in 2024 Best of Topeka

Winners and finalists in Topeka Capital-Journal’s 2024 Best of Topeka/Community’s Choice Awards were announced earlier in August. Stormont Vail Health winners include:

• Stormont Vail Health (Hospital/Medical Center Category)
• Cotton O’Neil Primary Care (Family Practice Category)
• Stormont Vail Health Pain Management Center (Pain Management Clinic)
• Stormont Vail Health and Cotton O’Neil Clinic (Men’s Health Services)
• Cotton O’Neil Orthopedic and Sports Medicine (Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Center)
• Cotton O’Neil Express Care (Urgent Care/Walk-in Clinic)

Stormont Vail services that were finalists in various categories included: Cotton O’Neil Dermatology Clinic; Cotton O’Neil Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Cotton O’Neil Pediatrics; Cotton O’Neil Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy; Cotton O’Neil Weight Management Center; Stormont Vail Lincoln Center OB/GYN, Stormont Vail Women’s Center; Stormont Vail Pharmacy; Stormont Vail Health (Best Employer of 500-plus employees category). Congratulations to all!

We together,

Dr. Kenagy