Health and Fitness

There are a number of steps people with allergies and asthma can take to deal with the challenges they may face over the holidays, an expert says. “Two-thirds of allergy sufferers have symptoms year-round, so it’s not just a matter of the first freeze hitting and your symptoms disappearing,” Dr. Bryan Martin, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology … [Read more...] about Beware of these asthma and allergy triggers this holiday season

By Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE,CDN Because diabetes is a disease that affects so many parts of your body (your eyes, your pancreas, your kidneys, your feet) and demands attention in so many aspects of your daily life (your diet, your fitness routine, your medication schedule), one single doctor—even a great one—may not be able to provide you with the level of … [Read more...] about The eight people you need on your diabetes care team

By Gwendolyn Harris For BlackDoctor.org In my circle of friends, it’s not uncommon to get a text from one of my girls asking about a recommendation for a good OB/GYN or a therapist. We can mix these bigger health talks into our every day conversation like it’s nothing. For men, on the other hand, these conversations are a little bit harder to have and that’s if they … [Read more...] about Love is…helping Black men speak up about prostate health

The start of flu season is just around the corner and U.S. health officials are urging everyone aged 6 months and older to get their yearly flu shot. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu, said Dr. Lisa Grohskopf, a medical officer in the influenza division at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Flu is a … [Read more...] about It’s time for your flu shot

New initiative involves government, medical groups, media, drug store chains and more President Barack Obama on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 announced a major new initiative aimed at fighting the ongoing epidemic of prescription painkiller and heroin abuse. Speaking Wednesday in Charleston, WVA -- an area hit hard by the crisis -- Obama said that heroin and prescription drug … [Read more...] about Obama administration takes aim at epidemic of heroin, painkiller abuse

By Cheryl L. Dejewski With diabetes at epidemic levels, you probably know (or are) one of the 29+ million Americans with the disease. Whether or not the cause is due to lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise), genetics or both, be aware: Diabetes does more than affect blood sugar levels. Without proper precautions, it can rob a person of their sight. And, if you are black, … [Read more...] about Local eye care specialists answer top 6 questions about diabetic eye disease

By Mayo Clinic Staff Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's important. As you get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider … [Read more...] about Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls

As the air turns cooler and leaves drop from the trees, keeping in mind fall season safety tips helps keep you and your family protected from seasonal dangers. Home heating • Make sure your home heating system is in good working order. • Have a professional evaluate the system and address any potential problems. • Have you chimneys inspected and cleaned. • … [Read more...] about Autumn safety tips for seniors