Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) has taken minimally-invasive surgery to the next level. The Arlington Heights hospital is the first in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to remove a gallbladder through a tiny incision at the belly button using robotic technology and leaving patients virtually free of scars. This new surgical approach is a significant advancement in how surgeries will be performed in the future and the role of robotic technology in the operating room.

Among a small group of specially trained surgeons in the country is Robert Aki, MD, who performed the area’s first da Vinci® Single-Site™ cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) at NCH on May 15. The minimally invasive procedure is traditionally called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, Dr. Aki is using robotic assistance to remove the gallbladder through an incision of approximately one inch.

Read more from The Cardinal …

The warmer spring weather often motivates people to re-establish an exercise schedule, to connect with friends for recreational weekend activities, or to start training for the summer’s competitive sports leagues. However, shortly after lacing up those jogging shoes, taking some practice shots, or tossing a few balls, a sharp muscle pain, “click” of the shoulder, or “pop” in the knee suddenly returns. It’s a disappointing reminder of the nagging injury that just won’t go away.

The good news is you don’t have to be sidelined trying to figure out how to fix that bothersome injury on your own. Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) is hosting a free Sports Injury Clinic for anyone seeking expert advice about a sports related injury or sports performance concern. The Clinic will be held Monday, May 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the NCH Wellness Center at 900 West Central Road in Arlington Heights.

Read more from The Cardinal …

At Northwest Community Hospital (NCH), you’re likely to spot a few volunteers that you wouldn’t expect to see at the Arlington Heights hospital. Yes, these volunteers are friendly, just like the others. Cheerful and chipper, too. But, they stand apart from the pack with their irresistible personality that’s outright contagious … not to mention their four legs, wagging tail and soft fur coat. At NCH, lovable canines and their volunteer owners bring comfort and smiles to patients and visitors alike, and the hospital is recruiting additional dog and owner teams to expand its Animal-Assisted Therapy program.

A team consists of a dog and its handler, who must be the owner of the pet and at least 18 years old. Therapy dogs can be any breed, but must be in good health, obedient, enjoy people and get along with other dogs.

Read more from The Cardinal …

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) outlines the progress of his recovery after suffering from an ischemic stroke in January and expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Illinois for allowing him the time he needs to recover.

Mark Kirk suffered a stroke about 15 weeks ago, had three brain surgeries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and was transferred Februrary 10, 2012 to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) for post-stroke therapy. He was released from the RIC on Friday, May 4, 2012.

“I suffered a stroke on the 21st of January and thanks to the doctors, nurses and professionals of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the RIC, I’m walking again.”

– Mark Kirk

Senator Mark Kirk posted a YouTube video on his official website on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 that chronicled his rehabilitation since his stroke on January 21, 2012. He demonstrated his ability to speak and walk after suffering a stroke. He is also part of a walking study that studies the biomechanics of his gait. In the “Gait Analysis” Senator Mark Kirk’s body is translated into a stick figure that emphasizes the angular velocity of joints, the relationship of motion of all joints and body movements, and activity of muscles.

Read more from The Cardinal …

‘Gymnasium’ from ‘Gymnasion’ from ‘Gymnazein’ from ‘Gymnos’ which literally means something you would never expect. But Greek gyms weren’t anything like today’s Xsport Fitness, LIFETIME FITNESS, LA Fitness, or the YMCA — or except maybe the song by Village People.

“Gymnasium” comes from the Greek words “gymnasion,” which meant a “public place for athletic exercises, or school for gymnastics.” This comes from the word “gymnazein,” which literally meant “to train naked,” but was used in the figurative sense to describe any kind of exercise or athletic training. This brings us to the root word, “gymnos,” which simply meant “naked.”

Go ahead, ask your PE teacher. Or your Personal Trainer. The Cardinal doubts most fitness professionals will know this. It took an exercise philologist rather than an exercise physiologist to get it out there. Were you waiting for Hot for Words’ Marina Orlova to deliver a punch line … and say she was just kidding?

Read more from The Cardinal …

Northwest Community Healthcare’s popular Finding Dr. Right(SM) program is next scheduled in Arlington Heights, making it faster and easier for area residents to locate a new pediatrician for their children, or an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN) for themselves. It’s free, and even a little fun.

Finding Dr. Right takes place on Wednesday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NCH Wellness Center, 900 West Central Road on the Arlington Heights campus of Northwest Community Hospital. The May event will allow busy people to conveniently meet one-on-one with pediatricians and OB-GYNs to determine who is right for them.

Read more from The Cardinal …