Expert Health Articles

CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring, the newest and best way for people with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels. Simply put, a CGM is a patch that you can wear on your skin that allows the user to see their blood glucose level consistently, in real time.

File Preparation for Medical Visits

One of my friends asked the other day about how he could file his advance directives, specifically durable power of attorney and living will, with the hospital to be used in emergencies. In addition, there are many different pieces of information that would be helpful whenever someone comes to a hospital, emergency room or sees a physician.

The Importance of Handwashing

We know that bacteria and viruses cause fever and death. We also know the simple act of handwashing continues to be a powerful way to protect ourselves from infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly two million young children die each year from illnesses that can be prevented by washing hands with soap and water.

Cough Talk

Right now, there is probably at least one person in your household that has a cough. Coughs are often associated with the common cold and there is little you can do, other than try to ease the symptoms. However, a lot of coughing, especially in babies under four months old, could be a sign of a serious illness.

All About a Baby's Soft Spot

You may have noticed one or two areas on your baby’s head that do not feel like they contain a bony covering. These are your baby’s soft spots, or fontanelles. Babies have two fontanelles. One is located near the front of their heads. This is the larger of the two fontanelles and is called the anterior fontanelle. The other fontanelle is much smaller and located near the back of the head. This is the posterior fontanelle.

Focusing on Self Care During Compassion Fatigue

The past two years have been extremely difficult for most of us. First responders, healthcare workers and mental health professionals have been affected greatly, some in similar ways as the general population, yet, for some, more impacted. We are seeing significant compassion fatigue in these fields. Compassion fatigue is defined as a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others.

Hospice Volunteering and Its Benefits

Hospice volunteers are an essential part of the hospice philosophy, which is comfort and dignity. Hospice clinicians and volunteers work together to offer a holistic approach in caring for patients and their loved ones, meeting the medical needs, while also providing emotional, spiritual and social support. Hospice volunteers help provide patients and families with compassionate care during their end-of-life journey.

Has My Bladder Fallen?

Have you started to notice something bulging at the opening of your vagina? Have you noticed changes with how your bladder functions or difficulty with intercourse? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you may be experiencing a very common problem called pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is basically a hernia of the pelvic organs to or beyond the vaginal walls.

Overactive Bladder

Are you always running to the restroom? Do you plan your daily activities around knowing where bathrooms are located? Do you struggle with leakage of urine? If so, you may have overactive bladder (OAB).

Generativity in Retirement

We work hard through a 30-plus year career. We contribute to 401k or look forward to that pension. Retirement happens and then we feel freedom and bliss right? Not necessarily. Recent studies have shown as much as a 40 percent increase in depression after retirement.

Bunions

A bunion (also known as hallux abducto valgus) is a bump on the inside of your foot at the big toe joint. The bump is not an enlarged bone, but rather an abnormal bend of the first metatarsal bone on the inside of your foot. In addition to the bump, the big toe also begins to drift toward the other toes, which can cause them to bend as well. Bunions can be hereditary, they can develop overtime due to biomechanical issues of the foot, they can be caused by systemic medical issues or they can be caused secondary to trauma to the big toe joint.

Debt and Mental Health

Studies have found that people with mental health issues are three to four times more likely to have unmanageable debt. So, which came first? The chicken or the egg? Does depression cause the formation of debt or does debt cause issues of depression and anxiety?

Nutrition Before During and After Cancer Treatment

Nutrition plays a vital role in our body’s function. It is an essential component to everyday life that is often times overlooked, ignored or taken for granted. Nutrition for each individual is different and can vary based on activity level, age, diagnosis and many other factors. Cancer is a diagnosis that can bring on many changes for people. Maintaining nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment can help manage side effects and improve overall outcome.

Avoiding Winter Falls

Falls during winter weather can lead to many types of injuries such as fractures of the wrists, legs, ankles and hip, as well as cause potential head neck or brain injuries. It is nearly impossible to completely avoid ice and snow this time of year, but there are some steps that you can take to help reduce your risk of falling.

Ergonomics

Tired of having a sore back, tight shoulders, tension headaches and fatigue by the end of the work day? Habits formed in our daily activities like staring at the computer, cradling the phone, slouching in a chair and carrying the groceries can develop bad habits and painful body conditions.

Dementia Signs and Symptoms

Dementia is a general term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline. There are many symptoms of dementia, and the earlier these symptoms are evaluated by a physician, the better. Several different types of dementia exist, so it is important for your physician to complete a proper evaluation before diagnosing. Having a healthy lifestyle may help prevent dementia.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is one of most common respiratory illnesses among young children. It's caused by a viral infection that affects the tiny airways in the lung called the bronchioles. As these airways become inflamed they swell and fill with mucus which can make breathing difficult.

Importance of Sleep

There are many factors that influence how much sleep we do or do not get, but studies suggest that people today are receiving less sleep than ever before.

Flat Foot Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as progressive collapsing foot deformity, occurs with aging and wear and tear, resulting in a painful flat foot. It occurs when chronic stress is placed on the posterior tibial tendon and other soft tissue structures of the arch, resulting in inflammation and sometimes tearing of the tendon.

Acquiring COVID-19 Immunity

When it comes to COVID-19 immunity, one of the issues people consider is whether to get a vaccine or acquire natural immunity through having an active COVID-19 infection. That means getting the virus rather than the vaccine shot. The problem with natural immunity is having an active infection that is not benign...

Avoiding Accidental Weaning Over the Holidays

This time of year can pose quite a challenge for nursing mothers. While the joy of the holidays is among us, with it all, comes the business and stress of family gatherings, decorating, cooking, shopping, wrapping and other holiday activities. Here are some tips to help nursing mothers through the season of joy, while protecting their breastfeeding relationship with their little bundle of joy.

Deer Season Pandemic

There’s a pandemic. This one is specific to deer and, subsequently, should be of interest to deer hunters. It is called chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is similar to Mad Cow disease, as it is caused by a prion.

Being Mindful with Nutrition During the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, which can be such a joyful time of the year for celebrations with family and friends. However, they can also wreak havoc on our nutrition goals. The following are some helpful tips on how to be mindful during the holidays.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause pain with every step you take. Tarsal tunnel, similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist, is a compressed or pinched nerve that occurs at the inside of the ankle. Symptoms can occur at the ankle, the heel and even the bottom of the foot.

Ibuprofen Usage

You have sore muscles, so you take ibuprofen. You have a headache, so you take ibuprofen. You have arthritis pain, so you take ibuprofen. However, is it really safe to take ibuprofen regularly?

Finding the Right Pouch After an Ostomy Procedure

Life with an ostomy can be manageable once the patient, pouch and waste are all in sync.

Gross Motor Delay

Does your child lack typical skills for their age? Are they not keeping up with their peers? Gross motor delay is a broad term that describes a child who performs developmental skills later than usual. This could be crawling, standing, walking or even jumping.

Detecting Torticollis

Is your infant only looking to one side? Do they constantly tilt their head to one direction? Torticollis is a condition where the muscles on the side of your child's neck are tight, which prevents them from turning their head to both sides equally, or they tilt their head to one side more than the other.

Post War Trauma

Post-war trauma is a serious challenge, and it can be even more daunting for those with a reluctance to ask for assistance.

Concussion Update

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