Awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease
When the team at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI) asked me to get involved in spreading the word about Taking Action Against Alzheimer’s, I agreed to participate in this important campaign. While I feel very lucky that neither of my late parents experienced this devastating condition, I have seen the impact it has had on the families […]
Can Cutting Out Bread Help You Lose Weight
I have a huge snacking problem. Chips, crackers, pizza you name it, and I’m probably snacking on it. I’m especially fond of snacks made from refined and processed carbohydrates. These foods were making me gain weight and feel tired. And it’s no wonder, because refined grains (like white bread and crackers made with processed flour) […]
Why Smiling Feels So Good
I’ve never really been fully aware of my facial expressions until I recently caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I wasn’t feeling particularly gloomy or angry or even a wee bit sad. But the mirror reflected otherwise. The corners of my mouth were turned downward, and anyone who didn’t know me might think […]
The Scary Truth About Hospital Stays
Up to 400,000 people are killed each year due to preventable medical errors. A new study recently released by the Journal of Patient Safety indicates that between 210,000 and 400,000 hospital patients each year suffer some type of preventable harm that contributes to their death. This new study estimates preventable medical errors are the […]
Join The Fight: Stand Up To Lung Cancer
At 28 years old, I was naively unaware as I sat in my doctor’s office. She wanted to discuss the results of my recent CT scan, ordered after a chest X-ray, which had come after several months of coughing, wheezing and shoulder pain. Perhaps, looking back, I should have been more worried. But as a […]
Have Fun Getting Healthy
Are you tired of hearing the pleas to get out there and exercise for your health? Yeah, I know. While I happen to be one of those people who actually likes going to a gym, I know so many people who say that’s boring, tedious, mind-numbing work. Lest you take me for a total hero, […]
When You Need Medical Help Fast
In medical emergencies, it can be crucial to seek help quickly. As an RN, I’ve seen instances where getting immediate care can make all the difference. For some injuries and illnesses, there is a short window of time during which medical treatment should be administered. Once that window closes, the chances of successful treatment shrinks. […]
Hpv Vaccine Pros and Cons
The science on vaccines is clear: They save millions of lives and protect our children from the pain and damage that measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tuberculosis and more can cause. So when my son’s doctor suggested he get the HPV vaccination, why did I hesitate? HPV is different than the other aforementioned diseases because it’s […]
The Health Benefits Of Bike Riding
When Carolyn Stafford’s leg started hurting her, medical tests couldn’t find a cause for the pain. Her doctor suggested that stress might be creating the problem. At the time, Stafford was working a pressure-filled job in computer support. “I was constantly trying to solve people’s problems,” she says. “I had a lot of stress coming […]
Ovarian Cancer Possible After Hysterectomy
Did you know it’s possible to get ovarian cancer even after you’ve had a hysterectomy? I learned the hard way. My sister, who had a hysterectomy about 10 years ago, just received a diagnosis for a type of ovarian cancer. If you have a partial hysterectomy, which removes your uterus, or a total hysterectomy, which […]
Signs Of Heart Attack: Different For Women
Most women know the symptoms of a heart attack squeezing chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea. But as it turns out, these symptoms are more typical for males. Female heart attacks can be quite different — and it’s important for all women to learn the warning signs. Rhonda Monroe’s story is a cautionary tale. She […]
Low In Fat, High In Salt And Sugar?
Are foods labeled “low-fat” really that good for you? When they come in the form of fruits and veggies, I say Mangia! But, it might be wise to take a closer look at the prepackaged items in your shopping cart. A recent report from Consumer Reports found that lower fat foods can have pretty steep […]