7 things you should know about bronchitis
From coughing and a sore throat, to fever, to sinus and nasal congestion, and even wheezing, respiratory symptoms can leave you feeling miserable. Potential causes include allergies, sinus infection, throat infection and pneumonia, but one of the most common causes is acute bronchitis. (The word “acute” means the symptoms came on suddenly rather than being … Continue reading 7 things you should know about bronchitis
Could low cholesterol actually raise your stroke risk?
You’re likely well aware of the dangers of high cholesterol. Over time, elevated cholesterol — specifically LDL cholesterol, the kind many people refer to as “bad” cholesterol — causes your arteries to harden and narrow. Having high cholesterol can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. For most adults, less than 200 mg/dl … Continue reading Could low cholesterol actually raise your stroke risk?
Why I became a patient navigator
Most of us have experienced cancer from at least one perspective — as a family member or friend, a caregiver, a patient or perhaps a volunteer. Each perspective is different, like looking through a prism. My story links all of these. My journey with cancer began as that of a loved one. My mother-in-law and … Continue reading Why I became a patient navigator
How to cope with photophobia
Have you ever walked out of a dark movie theater in the middle of the day? Like most people, you probably squint and find the light uncomfortable for a brief period. This is an instance of photophobia (light sensitivity). Photophobia is described as a condition where light, natural or artificial, causes an abnormal sense of … Continue reading How to cope with photophobia
Why meditation is good for your heart
What was the last thing that caused you to feel stressed? A health issue? A project deadline? An unexpected expense? A family disagreement? We all feel stress, but each of us reacts to it and copes with it in our own way. Depending on the degree of stress you’re feeling and your reaction to it, … Continue reading Why meditation is good for your heart
What your nails say about your health
It’s just a toenail, right? An important accessory you can choose to paint pink or teal, right? Nope. As it turns out, fingernails and toenails can give you some good hints as to the internal events of your body. While none of these clues are diagnostic of a specific disease, your fingernails and toenails can say quite a few … Continue reading What your nails say about your health
5 myths people believe about lower back pain
Your health risks change as you age, but lower back pain is virtually ubiquitous throughout the human lifespan. An estimated 80 percent of the population will experience at least one episode of low back pain at some point in life. Lower back pain is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 540 … Continue reading 5 myths people believe about lower back pain
7 tips for better blood sugar control this summer
Summer’s here. Your diabetes doesn’t take vacations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Here are seven tips — and associated tools — to help you get the most out of your time off, beat the heat and keep your diabetes in check all at the same time. Hydration is key. It’s nice outside, but it’s … Continue reading 7 tips for better blood sugar control this summer
Is the pescatarian diet right for you?
Trying to go plant-based with your diet, but don’t want to give up fish? You’ve come to the right place. Enter the pescatarian diet (also called pesco-vegetarian), which is very similar to the popular Mediterranean diet. Pesce is the Italian word for fish. In addition to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, eggs and dairy products, … Continue reading Is the pescatarian diet right for you?