Birth plans. Let’s go there. I am often asked when a woman should start preparing her birth plan. My answer might surprise you — never. It’s important to note that every woman is different. Some women advocate strongly for having a birth plan, and I get it. With all the unknowns, it may give you … Continue reading Should you consider a birth plan?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 21 years old. Like most 20-somethings, I was innocent, carefree and just trying to figure out my place in this world. Cancer was nowhere close to being on my radar. But before you start throwing me a pity party, don’t. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 21 hasn’t … Continue reading 5 things I’ve learned fighting breast cancer in my 20s
You may be seeing more and more products on the shelf touting “activated charcoal” as an ingredient, from supplements and drinks to cleansers and facemasks. Recently popular for its supposed detoxifying and purifying abilities, activated charcoal has actually been used for years in emergency rooms to treat specific types of issues including drug overdoses. Because … Continue reading Activated charcoal: 4 things to know about this skincare trend
It was clear the 63-year-old Irving man at a Baylor Scott & White community clinic needed help — and that his diabetes wasn’t the only problem at hand. Clinic personnel noted that he seemed disconnected with the outside world and lacked social support. Concerned, one of the clinic’s community health workers asked if she could … Continue reading Tackling social determinants of health outside the hospital walls
Stephen Mensch was like any other young father, happily married and enjoying life. That is, until he started feeling the effects of his chronic liver condition that would soon leave him in desperate need of a transplant. In his early 20s, Stephen was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease in which … Continue reading How his best friend became his living organ donor
Let’s talk about exercise. Maybe you love it, maybe you tolerate it, maybe the mere mention of it draws a cringe. We all know the value of exercise but turning that knowledge into action can be a challenge. But did you know that simply moving more throughout the day can actually improve your health? This … Continue reading Sit less, move more: 5 ways to squeeze more physical activity into your day
When it comes to healthcare, Americans’ top priorities are lowering costs and affordable insurance, a recent study suggests. In the last year, healthcare spending in the U.S. increased by more than 5 percent, a trend that is expected to continue in 2019. Healthcare spending is driven by the combination of two factors: the frequency of … Continue reading How this digital data tool empowers doctors to make personalized decisions for your care
At the end of the day, we all just want the truth about how to live well and stay healthy. But what is the truth? From “old wives’ tales” to simple misunderstandings, let’s set the record straight on these top four health myths I encounter in primary care. Myth #1: Antibiotics are always the answer. … Continue reading 4 medical myths doctors want you to forget
Matcha tea. Matcha lattes and smoothies. Matcha muffins. From trendy wellness blogs to health clubs to your local grocer, it seems this matcha craze can be found just about everywhere. Although matcha has been around for nearly 1,000 years, it experienced a surprising surge in popularity around 2013 — and its presence continues to grow. … Continue reading The science behind matcha powder: How healthy is it, really?
It’s time we talk openly about a condition that affects more women than you might realize — postpartum depression. It often starts something like this… Here you are. Mother of two. Living the dream. Two weeks ago, you delivered your second baby, your newest miracle. Of course, you aren’t sleeping well, but that you … Continue reading How to recognize the signs of postpartum depression
