Do you know the facts about unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Really? Don’t believe everything you read or hear. The Internet is full of truths, half-truths, confusion and straight-up lies. How do you know what to believe? Go to the source. Below are some of the most common myths about birth control and…
One of Norton Audubon Hospital’s newest employees works like a dog. He also barks like a dog, walks like a dog and gladly accepts treats like a dog. That’s because he is a dog. Henry Dog joined Norton Audubon as a full-time therapy dog in early March. He is an extension of the ministry of…
Knowing how to prevent a stroke and learning if you are at risk doesn’t have to be a mystery. Most risk factors can be changed, treated or medically managed. Here are 12 health issues you can avoid or control to lower your risk for stroke. High blood pressure (hypertension) – The single most important risk…
Keeping hope I was diagnosed with stage I melanoma in August 2011 when my youngest son was two months old. I had surgery to remove it that October and although the recovery was longer than anticipated, it was relatively easy and no additional treatment was necessary. So, to be honest, the fact that I had…
“Baby we were born to run,” echoes through my head and I think to myself, “Today, I am.” I have made time today to go for a run, and I’ve looked forward to this moment all day. However, I confess I have an addiction — a love for numbers and data. I want to know…
Serving as the nurse manager of the emergency department at Norton Audubon Hospital keeps Renée Cecil, R.N., on her toes, but it’s taking on the personal challenge of teaching Hands-Only CPR that keeps her hopping. “As a nurse I see the devastation caused by a heart attack and empathize with family and friends who wish…
For years, Denise Valente suffered from a nonmalignant fibrocystic breast condition. Her breasts would get tender, swollen and lumpy, and she would have the cysts aspirated. It was so predictable, in the words of the 58-year-old Valente, “I got pretty nonchalant about it.” Then in 2010, she discovered a lump in her right breast that…
Did you know for every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy for some people may increase by two hours! Wednesday, April 6, is National Walking Day. The American Heart Association is challenging us to “lace up and go” for a walk. By starting this simple healthy habit, we can improve our overall health in big…
No one likes to think about being in a nursing home, but the fact is more than half of us will be in one when we get older. How prepared are you to care for your parents if they’re not physically or mentally able to care for themselves? Could you help your parents manage their…
Your teen’s doctor just suggested the birth control pill. Before you mutter “I don’t think so,” hold on a minute. There might be a good reason — a medical reason — and it doesn’t mean your teen is going to go out and start having sex. Teen girls often go on the pill (or another…
The surest way to know whether you are maintaining a healthy weight is to know your body mass index (BMI). An unhealthy BMI can lead to many serious health conditions. It also can keep you from living the life you want to live. You have the power to change your life. Find your BMI here…
Turmeric, a beautifully colored relative of ginger, is a spice commonly used in curry and added to foods for color. It also has a host of health benefits, mainly thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, can help with heartburn and indigestion, joint pain, pelvic pain, and even depression…