Can you get a Pap smear or pelvic exam on your period? The answer is yes! If you’ve scheduled an appointment with your gynecologist and you’re on your period, there is no need to cancel the appointment. Normal vaginal bleeding should not get in the way of a Pap smear or pelvic exam. “An OB/GYN…
With its winter during our summer months, Australia often can be a good indicator of what kind of a flu season is on its way north of the equator. Based on the experience in Australia, the 2022-2023 flu season predictions are for a tough winter. From mid-April through the end of June in Australia, weekly…
Getting the flu shot earlier in the season provides some protection through the spring, and since the vaccine takes a couple weeks to build up antibodies, it’s a good idea to get it before the virus is spreading. Getting the flu vaccine provides up to about 60% protection for your body, meaning it will decrease…
The holidays were coming up, but Jonathan House wasn’t feeling particularly joyous. Jonathan was grief-stricken from the recent loss of his mother and stepfather, and stressed after losing his job of more than 20 years. On top of that, he also was recovering from COVID-19. One evening in November 2021, after having dinner with his…
Dan English got the kind of scare no one wants. He was on a construction site when his vision became blurry and his arms went numb. He had to step back to brace himself on a big piece of equipment — and then drove himself to a local hospital emergency room. Dan underwent extensive tests…
When a young pulmonology resident stumbled upon an article about sleep apnea, he could not have predicted how it would affect his life. What a difference 40 years makes. “Right after I read that article, I saw a patient who was very heavy. He had a thick neck and edema,” said David H. Winslow Jr.,…
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diagnoses made by healthcare providers. A recent report suggests that people who had COVID-19 could experience a variety of health issues afterward, including diabetes. Whether or not a person has had COVID-19, it’s important to be screened regularly for diabetes, especially if the person has higher risks….
You probably know that cholesterol is important and that there are “good” and “bad” versions of it. But what IS the difference? Here is everything you need to know about cholesterol and what it means for your health. Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver or found in certain foods. It helps the…
Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cancer killer of adults in the U.S. It also is one of the most preventable cancers and very treatable when caught early. By understanding when to get your screening, along with your personal risk factors, you can learn how to reduce your risk. Prevention is key Routine screenings are the…
Four years ago, Sara Westerman was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose treatment that included a double mastectomy with reconstruction. While preparing for surgery, Sara discovered pillows designed for patients who have this surgery. Sara’s mom, Betty, is a retired home economics teacher and promptly created a version of the pillow for her daughter’s recovery….
Rhonda Cash calls herself a breast cancer “thriver.” She practices self-care by giving back to her community and shares comforting gifts with cancer patients going through treatment. “I want other cancer patients to be as blessed as I am. I want them to have that little something special that they can use more than once,”…
The average cost of weight loss surgery in the United States ranges between $17,000 and $26,000 (without any insurance coverage), according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Whether insurance covers some of this cost depends on the insurance provider and the plan. Does insurance cover weight loss surgery? Many insurance plans do…