December 3, 2019
The holidays are almost here, and we all know what that means: friends, family, food, fun, and for some of us, a lot of extra stress. There's a lot to be done, and sometimes we feel overwhelmed! Along with planning meals and holiday get-togethers, having a plan for managing stress can ease your mind. Incorporate the following strategies to have a relaxing and fun holiday season! Sleep In the whirlwind of cooking, cleaning, decorating, and finding that perfect gift, it can be tempting to skimp on sleep. Think it will be fine to "catch up" later? Think again. Adults typically need 7-9 hours of... Continue Reading
November 28, 2019
Lose weight, eat better, exercise more, Stop smoking. Does your New Year's Resolutions list look something like this? You're not the only one. Health-related goals are a common part of the goals people set for themselves (and sometimes, forget about) every year. When you take care of your body, your whole life will improve-- so we whole-heartedly recommend sticking with your resolutions to live healthier. Maybe you haven't even thought about your goals for the next year yet. In that case, now's your chance to take a minute to get a head start! Think Ahead Having your resolutions ready ahead... Continue Reading
November 26, 2019
One condition becoming all too common today is Alzheimer’s disease, a brain condition that is the 6 th leading cause of death in the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association defines the disease as “a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.” Alzheimer’s (also sometimes called senile dementia) doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, the symptoms may at first be dismissed as simply “getting older,” if doctors and family members aren’t vigilant. Early symptoms include relatively small issues like trouble learning new things or remembering details. Eventually, the... Continue Reading
November 19, 2019
If not for the curious minds of a physicist, a surgeon, and a radiologist, countless patients may not have had access to a life saving screening tool for breast cancer. In fact, the history of the mammogram spans over a century from the discovery of x-rays to advanced 3D mammography. For the 1 in 8 women in the United States that are estimated to develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, early detection with the assistance of a mammogram can greatly improve their chances of survival. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating medical advancement. The History of the Mammogram You... Continue Reading
November 14, 2019
According to the Alzheimer's Association , in 2019, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's dementia. It is the 6 th leading cause of death in the United States—and for those with family members of advancing age—a dreaded diagnosis. What follows is a brief overview of what the condition is and how it might be detected. What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible brain disorder that slowly erodes memory and thinking ability over the course of years. As the condition worsens in severity, it eventually robs the diagnosed from the ability to perform... Continue Reading
November 12, 2019
The human body is an amazing collection of systems working together to keep you healthy. The largest and most prominent organ is your skin. It's easy to take for granted the hard work our skin does on a daily basis to keep our bodies functioning properly. While we often worry about cosmetic features like wrinkles and blemishes, the skin plays a much more vital role than keeping up our appearance. Just like we take care of other organs like our heart and lungs—the skin deserves the same attention. Often the health of our skin is a clue to underlying conditions. It's essential to get in the... Continue Reading
November 7, 2019
Every day of your life, there are two spongy organs working hard on your behalf. Without them, your body wouldn't be able to take oxygen from the air or remove harmful carbon dioxide from your body. These superstars are your lungs, and they work in conjunction with the airways, blood vessels, and muscles of the respiratory system. Most of us go through our day breathing normally and never giving much thought to how it happens. Let's explore the functions of the lungs and five amazing facts about these life-giving organs. What do your lungs and a tennis court have in common? Read on to find... Continue Reading
November 5, 2019
The weather is cooling down and that means coughs, stuffy noses, fevers, and lots of germs are on their way! Two of the most overwhelming illnesses that come around this time of year are influenza (the flu) and pneumonia. They have so many similar symptoms it can be hard to differentiate between the two. Below are some tips for telling the difference. Remember, make sure you are always getting your doctors input if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. What's the Difference The flu and pneumonia have some common symptoms, but they are not exactly the same. Both are important to be aware... Continue Reading
October 10, 2019
One of the most common health concerns affecting men is the possibility of facing prostate cancer. Second only to skin cancer in prevalence, prostate cancer will affect 1 in 9 men during their lifetime. Every year that equates to approximately 164,000 new cases and nearly 30,000 deaths. While prostate cancer is a serious condition requiring treatment for most men, prostate cancer is non-lethal. In fact, there have been many advancements in the diagnosis and treatments of prostate cancer that have led to better outcomes for patients. Among the diagnostic tools that have been developed, the... Continue Reading
October 9, 2019
As many people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is a terrific opportunity to discuss screening for a familial breast cancer syndrome. Traditionally, 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary, which means the vast majority of cancer patients have no family history of cancer at all. However, if cancer does run in one's family, being tested for certain genetic mutations can lead to increased cancer surveillance, risk-reducing surgeries, behavior modifications, and can alert other family members to risk. The mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 are autosomal dominant germline mutations,... Continue Reading
