Topic: Health Planning

medical history
Mar 24 2022

What to do if you don’t know your family’s medical history

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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hospital
Mar 10 2022

Four things to consider when choosing a hospital

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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in the ICU
Feb 24 2022

How to advocate for a loved one in the ICU

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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elective surgery
Jan 18 2022

What to do if your elective surgery is postponed

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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surprise medical bills
Jan 11 2022

How the No Surprises Act protects you against surprise medical bills

Health finance  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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immunizations
Jan 4 2022

Are you up to date on all your immunizations?

Preventive Care  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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doctor retiring
Nov 16 2021

Is your doctor retiring? These strategies can help you find a new one.

Healthy Living  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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vaccinated
Nov 2 2021

How to ask family and friends if they’re vaccinated before holiday gatherings

Healthy Living  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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second opinion
Sep 13 2021

Three challenges to getting a second opinion and how to overcome them

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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healthy aging
Aug 17 2021

What are the key strategies for healthy aging?

Healthy Living  •  By Miles Varn, MD

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

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