" The hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us and it’s the time of year when we all are just trying to stay warm! The frigid temps and lack of daylight can affect your physical and your mental health. In this cold weather it’s important to maintain healthy habits. And that means doing more than just bundling up! Our first and most important tip comes from Dr. Barlow, our Chief Medical Officer ...
" ‘Tis the season for more than just decorating, shopping and parties. It’s also the time of year when many people feel ill. Coughing, sneezing, and stuffy noses lead us to ask, “Is this a cold or do I have the flu?” So, what is the difference? Both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because both can have some of the same symptoms, it can ...
" Did you know that the first week in December is National Handwashing Awareness week? This campaign encourages adults to make proper handwashing a part of their everyday life and encourages parents to teach their children to do the same. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and people frequently touch these areas of the body with their hands without even realizing it making handwashing an essential part of our daily ...
" We all have feelings of stress from time to time, but the holidays can kick that stress into high gear. Overloaded schedules, decorating, family get-togethers and expensive gift lists can cause holiday stress levels to escalate. Stress can be unhealthy. So, what can you do to minimize some of these holiday stress inducers? Make a budget: One of the leading causes of holiday stress is financial concerns. Make a reasonable budget for shopping and stick ...
" The American Heart Association has designated November as Eat Smart Month and encourages Americans to take the first step to commit to healthier eating. But with November comes the season for holiday meals and sweet treats. This can make eating healthy this time of year a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry. Try these tips to help keep you on track and feeling great: Cut the sugar: Research continues to show that Americans ...
" November is National Diabetes Month and a time to bring attention to the management of the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. In adults, type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5% of all diagnosed cases while type 2 diabetes accounts for 95%. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the ...
" According to the Heart Rhythm Society, more than 350,000 deaths occur each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). To decrease the death toll from SCA, it is important to understand what SCA is, what the warning signs are, and how to respond to an SCA event. People often use the term “heart attack” interchangeably with SCA, but they are NOT the same thing! What is the difference? A heart attack occurs when a blocked ...
" According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9.3 million – 49.0 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 960,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 79,000 deaths annually since 2010. Studies have proven ...
" October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness about the importance of this disease and detecting it early. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime according to breastcancer.org. Because of this staggering statistic, we put together a list of frequently asked questions about this disease: What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a common term for a cancerous (malignant ...
" A touch of fall is finally in the air (or at least around the corner), and the thought of spending more time in the cool autumn temps is very appealing. But with fall often comes the itchy eyes and skin, sneezing and nasal congestion of seasonal allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies each year. This statistic begs the question: What ...
" Did you know that about 1 in 5 (19%) children in the United States are obese? September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and provides a chance for all of us to learn more about this serious health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines childhood obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same sex and age. In other words ...
" Did you know that September is National Cholesterol Education Month? It’s a perfect reminder to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. According to the CDC, more than 102 million American Adults (20 years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher ...
" Did you know that, for an average adult, your body is made of 60% water? This water is mostly contained in the cells which need water to live. Our vital organs are also made up of different amounts of water. The brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and even our bones contain large amounts of water. Water is essential to the body because it helps deliver vitamins and minerals to the cells, regulates body temperature, helps ...
" Steroids, (short for corticosteroids), are very commonly used to treat inflammation in the body. Steroids are prescribed for a variety of illnesses including asthma, acute illnesses such as strep throat and for joint problems including arthritis. In general, steroids decrease the body’s immune responses which in turn, work to decrease inflammation. Steroids can be taken by mouth, injected into a muscle, or injected directly into a joint, depending on the diagnosis from a physician ...
" Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature and becomes dehydrated. The causes and symptoms are very recognizable and luckily, preventable. Causes of Heat Exhaustion: Physical exertion in warm, high- humidity weather Dehydration Alcohol use, drug use, or smoking Certain medications and illnesses can increase risk Children and the elderly are at higher risk Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Profuse sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness Pale, cool, clammy ...
" Are your summer travels taking you abroad this year? Whether it’s an African safari, a tropical beach getaway or a mountain retreat, if it’s overseas or across our border, chances are you need travel vaccinations. Travelers to third world countries are at greater risk than those who travel to developed countries, but anyone planning overseas travel should check for recommended vaccinations before their departure. Over 1 million people travel internationally each day. In ...
" What is it? Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, leading to fractures. Osteoporosis usually progresses painlessly until a fracture occurs, usually in the hip, spine or wrist. Who gets it? According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four ...
" According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the fifth most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die. When a stroke strikes ...
" Measles is now one of the most significant health care risks for young children in the U.S as cases continue to climb. The Centers for Disease Control now estimate that nearly 704 cases of measles have been confirmed in the U.S, which is the highest amount since the disease was virtually eradicated in 2000. The main reasons that measles came back into the public eye is because a lower amount of parents decided ...
" Did you know that sports injuries are some of the most common reasons for medical visits among children in middle school and high school? The Centers for Disease Control estimate that nearly 3.2 million children each year are hospitalized from sports injuries annually. In addition, over 750,000 children between the ages of 12-17 are treated in an emergency room (ER) for sports and recreation-related injuries. So what should parents do to protect their ...
