Health Blog

It’s been more than a year since the U.S. declared a public health emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the past year, people in the U.S. and around the world have had experiences the likes of which haven’t been seen since the 1918 influenza pandemic. From lockdowns and a mounting case... Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of people in the U.S. and around the world who are living with anxiety and depression. One report in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report noted that during a single week in late June 2020, 40% of adults in the U.S.... 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

You have health insurance and a great primary care provider. Are there other resources that could help you build a personalized strategy to manage your health and wellbeing? Health advisory services are one option to explore. Health advisors do not provide medical care. Instead, they offer a range of services and resources that expand and... 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

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered every facet of our daily life—how we socialize, how we do basic tasks like grocery shopping, how our children attend school, and how we work. These changes coupled with the other stresses caused by the pandemic all contribute to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and negative coping strategies including substance... Read More

For almost a year, attention around the world has been rightly focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, some primary care physicians limited in-person visits or temporarily closed their offices to lower the risk of patients contracting the virus, which meant that the delivery of many routine types of care... 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

If a family member or friend asked you to serve as her or his medical power of attorney, what would your answer be? Many people say yes without a second thought, but you should take some time to understand what your responsibilities would be, why the person has chosen you, and what potential complications and... Read More

If the gym has been your go to place to work out once the weather turns cold, rainy, and snowy, you may be reconsidering that plan this winter. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, workouts at crowded indoor gyms may put you at risk of contracting the virus. Fortunately, there are several other ways you can... Read More