According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and about 17 percent require medical attention. But dogs are not the only animals that occasionally bite humans. A bite from any animal that breaks the skin puts you at risk for infection, whether from the saliva of an animal that’s been rooting through garbage or the rare but more serious risk of rabies. Bites from larger animals, such as coyotes, can cause injury and … [Read more...] about Animal Bites: Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Doctor's Corner
Articles and health care suggestions for your family, written by our very own physicians.
Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Causes, Relief
Symptoms It starts with a burning sensation in your throat or chest after a large meal. Whether you call it heartburn, acid indigestion or acid reflux, the discomfort occurs when stomach acid or undigested food come back up into your throat, causing irritation of the esophagus and the stomach lining. Other symptoms may include: Upper abdominal painRegurgitation of food or sour liquidSensation of a lump in your throatDry, persistent cough or laryngitisDisrupted sleepSymptoms that worsen … [Read more...] about Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Causes, Relief
Family Health History
Whenever you visit a new healthcare provider for the first time, they are likely to ask you about your own history of diseases and conditions as well as the ones that run in your family. You may know the specifics—that your grandmother died of a coronary or your uncle had prostate cancer—but family medical history is often shrouded in mystery and vagueness. You may have heard that your Aunt Colleen died of “female troubles,” but what does that mean? And what information should you give to … [Read more...] about Family Health History
All About the Importance of Workout Warmups
Staying fit and sticking to any workout regime requires dedication and commitment. In our fast-paced lives, there may be times where you might not have enough time to squeeze in a complete workout in your schedule. One of the biggest mistakes people make when pressed for time, is to cut short or maybe even altogether, skip the warmup or cool-down part of your workout. What is a Workout Warmup? A warmup is an essential part of any workout session. It has a direct impact on how successful … [Read more...] about All About the Importance of Workout Warmups
10 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Holiday Cheer!
With all the excitement brewing in the air, we know the holiday season is here, and you can't wait to celebrate them with your loved ones. And much like the food, drinks are a big part of any celebration. The outbreak of coronavirus, followed by a nationwide closure of bars earlier this year, has adversely affected our consumption habits. Consumption of alcohol has increased drastically during the start of COVID-19. Many people started drinking heavily to cope with loneliness, social … [Read more...] about 10 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Holiday Cheer!
Bladder Health and Incontinence
The urinary bladder, or simply called bladder, is a hollow muscular organ. Its function is to store urine received from the kidneys before its disposal. Most of us do not think much about this organ unless there is an issue with its functioning. As people get older and the bladder changes, they may face common problems like urinary incontinence or bladder infections. Sometimes even healthy individuals can experience issues like a urinary tract infection. Tips to Keep Your Bladder … [Read more...] about Bladder Health and Incontinence
Is Vaping a Lung Cancer Risk?
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month The American Cancer Society has designated November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the U.S. Each year, lung cancer accounts for roughly one in four cancer deaths. In other words, more people die due to lung cancer-related causes than prostate, colon, and breast cancers combined. (AHA, 2020) Smoking is considered to be a leading cause of lung … [Read more...] about Is Vaping a Lung Cancer Risk?
Mental Health Symptoms and Resources
Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. And if you’re experiencing persistent or severe mental health challenges, it’s time to get help. (WebMD, 2020) When should you get help? Here is a list of symptoms which can be signs of an underlying mental health condition: Thoughts of hurting yourself or othersFrequent or persistent feelings of sadness, anger, fear, worry, or anxietyFrequent emotional outbursts or mood swingsConfusion or unexplained memory … [Read more...] about Mental Health Symptoms and Resources
5 Perimenopause Symptoms to Watch For
If you’re a woman in your 40s, you may experience bodily changes as you begin the transition to menopause. This transition period—which can last 3 to 5 years—is called perimenopause. Perimenopause is a natural part of life and is nothing to worry about. But it can be helpful to know what to expect. During perimenopause, your estrogen levels fluctuate and gradually begin to drop. This continues until your monthly cycle stops. This is the time you’ve reached menopause. But in the meantime, … [Read more...] about 5 Perimenopause Symptoms to Watch For
National Family Health History Day
Did you know that apart from Thanksgiving each year, it is National Family Health History Day? Since 2004, the U.S Surgeon General has declared Thanksgiving Day as National Family Health History Day. This move was to encourage families to discuss their health histories on a day when everyone catches up. Why Is National Family Health History Day Important? While having fun and eating too much good food is essential to Thanksgiving, also remember to spend some time educating each other about … [Read more...] about National Family Health History Day
