The chances are pretty good that you—or someone you know—is infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, currently affecting a whopping 79 million Americans, most of them in their late teens and early 20s. In some cases, HPV infection can prove deadly, leading to an…
Some 93 percent of cervical cancers could be prevented through HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination and screenings, including regular Pap tests (also known as Pap smears), which help doctors detect and treat unhealthy cells before they become cancerous or spot cancers early when they’re more effectively treated. As a result, the number of women being diagnosed…
Have you ever thought your period was over, only to see spots of blood in your underwear a few days later? If you didn’t pack a panty liner, you’re not alone. Menstrual cycles usually last somewhere between 24 and 38 days, and a regular period can run anywhere from a few days to about a…
If you’re going through menopause or perimenopause, you may be experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, or changes in your menstrual cycles. These are all normal side effects of the “Big M,” but they can still be uncomfortable. You don’t have to suffer in silence, says Erin Mateer, MD, an attending…
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States—killing one woman every 76 seconds—yet only one out of five American women actually believe it’s a threat. Heart disease is a catch-all term that includes a variety of conditions and events—such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure—and is often related to…
For women in their 40s, the possibilities in life may still seem endless. But even though so many doors remain open, conventional wisdom suggests at least one is slamming shut: childbearing. While it’s true that the odds of getting pregnant and having a baby after 40 are slimmer and there are more risks involved, it’s…
For many people, eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. But even a very healthy diet might miss out on some key nutrients. The stakes are even higher when you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. At that point, it’s vital to fill those…
Losing weight can be tough, but keeping the pounds off can be even harder. Some research suggests dieters who have successfully lost weight are likely to pack the pounds back on in the months and years that follow. Some may even gain more than they lost. Weight regain can be caused by an unhealthy diet,…
If you’re struggling with a chronic illness, chances are you have regular appointments with your oncologist, cardiologist or gastroenterologist. If you’re an aspiring—but injury-prone—marathoner, you probably see an orthopedist or sports medicine doctor. And if you’re trying to conceive or are already pregnant, it’s likely you’ve got a great OB/GYN on call. But whether you’re…
Adults are supposed to get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night, but the number of people getting by on six hours—or fewer—is on the rise. With so many of us short-changing our sleep, it may not seem surprising that the number of Americans who rely on a daily jolt of coffee…
Want to slim down, firm flab and boost your body confidence? Regular workout sessions can help accomplish all of those things. But there are other reasons why exercise deserves a spot on your weekly schedule that have nothing to do with losing weight—and they could boost your quality of life. Learn about more major payoffs…
Anyone who has tried to slim down can tell you: there’s no simple solution for shedding pounds. But drastic steps, like eliminating whole food groups, aren’t a healthy way to lose weight. They’re also not an effective long-term solution for keeping belly bulge at bay. “These quick, instant gratification myths sometimes result in modest weight loss…
Christie Donnelly – We all know smoking has countless negative effects on our health—from discolored teeth, to heart disease and heart failure, to the development of cancers—but quitting can be extremely difficult. Common misconceptions about quitting smoking, like fear of gaining weight, can make it even tougher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),…
Ann Wendling – Quitting tobacco is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Each year, more than 480,000 people in the US die from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Another 16 million live with a smoking-related illness. By quitting, you are making the choice to live a longer, healthier life. But…
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet surprisingly, nearly one in every seven adults smokes. The good news: The health benefits start just moments after you quit. We’re sharing six surprising strategies that may help you or a loved one kick the habit…
You already know that smoking is bad for you. Lighting up can contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and much more. Not to mention, smoking is hard on your wallet—the price of a pack of cigarettes can run upwards of $10 or more. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many Americans who…
Lea Herring – Smoking causes roughly 480,000 deaths a year in the United States. Of those deaths, 41,000 are from secondhand smoke, meaning those who live and work around smokers can experience major health problems. It’s no surprise that smoking cigarettes is addictive, dangerous and quite expensive, but there are even more risks you may…
Your general practitioner’s (GPs) office is your healthcare home base. Your GP has probably stood by you through everything from worrisome new symptoms, to medication changes, to hospital stays and more. It’s their job to keep track of all your conditions and every part of your body. That means they stay pretty busy, but there are some things…
You may not see them, but germs are everywhere. They’re on your skin, inside your body and all around you. From the minute you wake up in the morning until you fall back into bed at night, you’ll likely encounter billions of microorganisms throughout your day. Before you break out the hazmat suit, it’s important…
You are never too young to start preparing for a healthy future. While it’s important for people of all ages to take an interest in their care, establishing a good relationship with a primary care physician as a young adult can have many positive effects as you grow older. “Preventative medicine is something I think…
We experience a lot of life changes as we age, and the way we monitor our health is no exception. Whether you feel healthy or not, you should be regularly screened for certain health issues—and when you reach your 40s, guidelines for those health screenings start to change. Learning about these tests before you see…
As you approach your retirement years, your health needs and concerns may be different from what they were in your 40s and 50s. “Even if you feel fine, you should be regularly screened for a bevy of health issues that you might not have thought about when you were younger,” explains Sandra Fryhofer, MD, an…
Finding the time to exercise can be challenging—even for those who are motivated to work out. Family commitments, work deadlines and poor sleep can all conspire to thwart your fitness goals. And when you’re tired in the morning and just want to put your feet up at the end of a long day, making time…
Many men don’t feel comfortable talking about their health when problems arise. They may not want to admit a possible medical issue—aka weakness—to a spouse or partner. And guy friends tend to keep their banter to the level of last night’s game. Still, keeping symptoms to yourself could create a bigger health problem, if left…
Some men may feel the need to be strong, stoic or fearless, but these traits traditionally viewed as masculine could partly explain why women usually live longer. In some cases, seemingly “macho” behavior can take a serious toll on men’s long-term health and well-being. Men are more likely to drink too much, smoke and bury…
New dads can experience depression during their partner’s pregnancy or after the birth of their child, just as mothers can. It’s called paternal postpartum depression (PPD)—and we don’t talk about it nearly enough. Estimates vary, but studies suggest that about 10 percent of fathers develop paternal PPD, and under-reporting means this number is probably even…
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States—killing one woman every 76 seconds—yet only one out of five American women actually believe it’s a threat. Heart disease is a catch-all term that includes a variety of conditions and events—such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure—and is often related to…
Each day your heart beats about 100,000 times and pumps roughly 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. During pregnancy, it works harder to pump even more blood and support your developing baby. These changes aren’t as obvious as your growing belly, but you may notice that you’re more tired or short of breath. You…
If you sometimes feel like your heart “skips a beat”—even when you’re simply drifting off to sleep—it may seem like cause for alarm. The truth is, your heart isn’t really missing a beat. In fact, that sensation, also known as a heart palpitation, is actually an extra beat. While that sounds ominous, it’s usually harmless….
The image is a familiar one—a man hunched over, clutching his chest in pain. It’s the universal symbol for a heart attack. This chest pain, along with shortness of breath and pain radiating down the arm, are often considered the standard symptoms of a major cardiac event. But there are more subtle symptoms of heart…
Are you a vacation slacker, someone who for one reason or another leaves precious, unused personal time on the table at the end of the year? If you are, and you think you’re an outlier—think again. A May 2018 survey of 1,200 full-time U.S. employees found that 53 percent of those polled failed to use…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 84 million people have prediabetes, and 9 out of 10 of them don’t know it. What’s more, many people with prediabetes will eventually go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are…
NOT-SO-FRIENDLY FOODS Certain foods can send your blood sugar level on a roller coaster, with insulin rushing to keep up. The good news is, while there are some surprises, most of these foods fall under the same category: processed food, such as white flour and sugar. “Refined flours and sugar cause huge spikes in insulin…
You know exercise is key to better living with diabetes. It enhances insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. But if you have diabetes, you need to take extra safety precautions whenever you work out. Check with your doc. If you’re overweight or have high blood pressure, a heart condition, or vision or foot problems, talk…
How can you tell if the goals of your diabetes management plan are working to hold your blood sugar in range? The easiest way is to monitor your blood sugar at home. Daily testing with a computerized glucose meter tells you whether your diet, exercise regimen and medication are working or need adjustment. At-home blood glucose tests…
What if one in three American adults had a condition that put them at higher-than-normal risk of developing diabetes? What if the vast majority of them were unaware that they were sitting on this ticking time bomb? And what if their doctors knew they had this condition, but didn’t tell them or didn’t provide treatment—or…
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with about 50,000 people dying due to colon cancer each year. This disease is so often deadly because it’s frequently discovered after it’s already reached a late stage. “Colon cancer is potentially very curable if we screen for it according to guidelines,”…
Drinking is associated with a laundry list of health risks—more than 200 if you’re keeping track. The more you drink, the greater your risk for one or more of these issues, which range from digestive problems and infection to liver or heart disease. Your DNA, medical history, weight and lifestyle will also make you more or…
Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, can be devastating—and startling—news. These types of cancers don’t usually cause obvious symptoms, like blood in the stool or abdominal pain, until they’re advanced. The good news is that if caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is as high…
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men and women separately, according to the American Cancer Society. The good news? Early detection and regular screenings can help prevent the disease and often cure it. In fact, colorectal cancer death rates are declining, and have been for a few decades. What is colorectal…
You might think of colorectal canceras a condition that only affects older people. While it’s true that the risk shoots up the older you get, an increasing number of younger people are developing the disease. “People can get colon cancer under 50,” says Rya Kaplan, MD, a gastroenterologist with Trident Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. “It’s not the…
Nearly 5 million American children—some 15 percent of all kids aged 10 to 17—were obese in 2017-2018 according to an October 2019 report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). These findings suggest the childhood obesity epidemic isn’t really improving. In 2016, the national obesity rate among this age group was 16 percent—a statistically insignificant…
Nearly 40 percent of US adults—more than 93 million Americans—are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, over 71 percent of adults are considered overweight. It’s well established that carrying an excessive amount of body fat increases the risk for a slew of chronic health conditions, including blood pressure, high…
Childhood obesity is an American epidemic, affecting almost 1 in 5 children and adolescents. And while it’s well understood that unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity contribute greatly to the problem, more research suggests that poor sleep influences obesity in kids, as well. “There are lots of studies showing that kids who are…
When a friend or family member is diagnosed with breast cancer, many people don’t know how to react—or help. What can I really do? Will I say the wrong thing? Does she or he even want my help? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s vital to support your loved one throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. In…
In June 2013, the American Medical Association declared obesity—defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher—as a disease requiring multiple interventions for treatment and prevention. These can include behavioral modifications, medications and possibly surgery. The numbers are jarring. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third (36.5…
By the end of 2019, it’s estimated that almost 270,000 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, a number that’s climbed 0.3 percent for the last 10 years. More than 41,000 women are expected to die of the disease. And even though awareness and survival rates are improving, many of us still have…
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that began in the breasts but has spread to other areas of the body. Hearing that you or a loved one has MBC is a difficult diagnosis to receive and a difficult topic to talk about. You are not alone; more than 150,000 people in the U.S. are currently living…
Almost 270,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2018. Aside from skin cancer, it is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Given that a woman in the US has a one in eight chance of developing the disease, being able to identify changes in your breasts…
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. It is so prevalent that most people will get it at some point in their lives, says Gretchen Homan, MD, a pediatrician with Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. 79 million Americans are infected with HPV. There are 200 strains of HPV, but only…
Getting regular mammograms, which are x-rays that check for any changes in breast tissue, is the key to early detection of breast cancer. But many women are confused by their mammogram results, especially when it comes to dense breast tissue. One small 2018 study published in Patient Education & Counseling found that of 30 women who received notification…
Did you know that men are less likely to seek treatment for health problems than women? Fortunately, there are a few simple steps guys can take to improve their health and longevity. This is the perfect time to set a good example for your loved ones and make your health a priority.
Knowledge is power. A screening could save your life. Schedule your colon cancer screening today. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the United States, but there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. Knowing your risk, undergoing regular screenings and making healthy choices are…
If you’re healthy overall, or if you already visit specialists for different medical conditions, you might not have a primary care provider (PCP). And while passing up primary care – and skipping your annual physical – might seem like it saves time and makes life easier, it can actually lead to stress, confusion and complications…
Schedule your cervical screening and put your health first. When someone you care about needs something, you’re always there for them. Now, it’s time to be that person for yourself and schedule the screening that could actually save your life. Here are a few facts about cervical cancer screening – and why screening is so…