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
Health and Fitness
Obama administration takes aim at epidemic of heroin, painkiller abuse
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
Local eye care specialists answer top 6 questions about diabetic eye disease
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
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
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
Autumn safety tips for seniors
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
Black women and breast cancer
Surviving breast cancer through early detection and diagnosis October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some facts about black women and breast cancer to help better educate yourself and help get you the right treatment sooner. The issue Nothing speaks more clearly to the shocking breast cancer health disparities than the fact that Black women are less likely … [Read more...] about Black women and breast cancer
You are here, navigating the mental illness diagnosis maze
By Asha Tarry, LMSW, PLLC, Behavioral Health Consulting Services Mental illness is something many people live and cope with but rarely openly discuss. On average, about 43 million Americans have some form of treatable mental illness ranging from depression, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, 12 million adults are misdiagnosed each year in a mental … [Read more...] about You are here, navigating the mental illness diagnosis maze
New precision medicine approach to cancer treatment offers promise in eliminating cancer disparities gap
Someone who is diagnosed with cancer today would typically receive treatment for their disease based on the type of cancer they have. For example, there are specific, standard treatments for patients with breast cancer or colorectal cancer or prostate cancer. That strategy is now evolving, thanks to a new approach to medicine that is focused not on where in the body the cancer … [Read more...] about New precision medicine approach to cancer treatment offers promise in eliminating cancer disparities gap
Before vaccinating your child, here’s what you should know
With all the constant showing of back-to-school commercials from Target to Staples, it’s pretty clear that back-to-school season is officially in full effect. But, along with purchasing new clothes and new school supplies come vaccinations. If you’re a parent of a young child or teenager, then this is probably at the top of your list to talk with your doctor about. In recent … [Read more...] about Before vaccinating your child, here’s what you should know
Your laptop on your lap: Not a good combination
Nowadays, we work just about anywhere. From a corner table in Starbucks, to a big office on Main Street. More and more people are working from home or wher- ever and thus use their porta- ble laptops any kind of way. But actually putting them on your lap could do some dam- age. The prolonged placement of laptop on the thighs re- sults in the thermal build of around 44 degrees … [Read more...] about Your laptop on your lap: Not a good combination