Health Blog
Topic: Health Planning
What to do if you don’t know your family’s medical history
Knowing your family’s medical history helps you and your doctors build a plan for screening and preventive care based on the health risks you may face. For example, if your father or mother had a heart attack at a younger age, you could be at a higher risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.... Read More
Four things to consider when choosing a hospital
When they need hospital care, many people simply go to the closest hospital or the one their doctor recommends. But if you need care at a hospital, whether it’s for labor and delivery, back surgery, joint replacement, cancer treatment, or treatment for heart disease, it’s important to do some research before you choose where to... Read More
How to advocate for a loved one in the ICU
If someone you care about is seriously ill or injured and is receiving care in the ICU, you can play an important role in ensuring they get the care they need and that that care is in line with their wishes. One thing that can help guide you is your loved one’s healthcare directive or... Read More
What to do if your elective surgery is postponed
Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were overwhelmed with patients who were seriously ill with the virus, most of them indefinitely postponed all elective surgeries. As the initial surge decreased, these surgeries were rescheduled. Unfortunately, the omicron variant of the virus has put hospitals in a difficult position once again. Because of the... Read More
How the No Surprises Act protects you against surprise medical bills
Surprise medical bills can cause significant financial and mental stress, with some bills totaling in the thousands of dollars. These types of bills are so common and hard to understand that Kaiser Health News and NPR have an ongoing monthly feature called “Bill of the Month, where they investigate bills submitted by readers. What are... Read More
Are you up to date on all your immunizations?
Getting the full series of COVID-19 vaccines is an important way to both protect your health and the health of your community. But are you keeping current with the other adult immunizations that are appropriate for you? To find out which immunizations are recommended, talk with your primary care provider. Your provider can tell you... Read More
Is your doctor retiring? These strategies can help you find a new one.
The stress and trauma experienced by many healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic has added to an issue that was already on the radar—a looming shortage of both primary care physicians and specialists. Many doctors are choosing to retire early and others are choosing to leave medicine because of burnout or mental health issues caused... Read More
How to ask family and friends if they’re vaccinated before holiday gatherings
As the winter holidays approach, people are hoping to make up for the togetherness they missed during last year’s holiday season because of the pandemic. Much has changed since last year’s holidays and even since COVID-19 vaccines first became available last winter: Vaccines: Everyone 12 and older has been eligible to be vaccinated for some... Read More
Three challenges to getting a second opinion and how to overcome them
A second opinion can be a valuable tool to help you ensure that your diagnosis is accurate and you’re choosing an appropriate treatment plan. Second opinions from experienced specialists can confirm or change your diagnosis and treatment options, lowering your risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that approximately 88%... Read More
What are the key strategies for healthy aging?
There’s no magic elixir that will prevent you from getting older, but by making appropriate lifestyle choices and being proactive about finding new ways to optimize your health, you can be healthier as you grow older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent update of the report, “The State of Aging... Read More