Health Blog

For more and more Americans, a cluster of serious risk factors for the development of heart disease and diabetes are converging to create a medical perfect storm. Known as metabolic syndrome, these risk factors include: Abdominal obesity: A waist of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women Blood fat... Read More

This year, after pandemic stay at home orders and winter storms, you’re probably more excited than usual for the arrival of spring and the chance to spend more time outdoors. But for people living with allergies and asthma, spring can be a difficult season. The higher pollen counts and wet weather that encourages the growth... Read More

With vaccines to protect against COVID-19 now available and a small but growing number of Americans having received one or both doses of the vaccine, one question that keeps coming up is, “If I’m vaccinated, why do I still need to wear a mask?” There are several reasons why wearing a mask, continuing to practice... Read More

For people in recovery for substance or alcohol use disorder, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a double-edged sword. The high levels of stress caused by fear of contracting the virus, loved ones who become ill, job loss and financial problems, and the isolation associated with social distancing may be triggers that lead to drinking or... Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the condition and what each type of treatment entails so you can make an informed decision. This Q&A provides answers to some common questions. Q: What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? A: Seasonal affective disorder is a form... Read More

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have tried a virtual visit through an online app or a service provided by your health insurer. Many primary care physicians and specialists around the country didn’t even offer virtual visits as an option, but 2020 changed that. Because people were concerned about potential exposure to the virus at... Read More

Back pain is a more common problem than you may realize. It’s one of the most common reasons people see their doctor and also one of the most common causes people miss work. About 60% to 80% of adults experience low back pain during their lives, and for 10% of them the pain continues for... Read More

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S. An estimated 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2020, with one in nine men at risk of being diagnosed with this cancer during his lifetime. And while advanced or aggressive prostate cancer... Read More

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant toll on the mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages, from older people self-isolating to young children who can’t spend time playing with friends because of social distancing. A study on JAMA Network Open found that symptoms of depression were three times more prevalent among... Read More

Back pain is one of the most common reasons that adults in the U.S. seek medical attention and also one of the leading reasons Americans miss time at work. But it’s important to know that surgery often isn’t the most appropriate treatment and, in most cases, should not be the first treatment undertaken. Before choosing... Read More