The current outbreak of Mpox is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with an infected person. Mpox had been virtually nonexistent in the United States until earlier this summer. Reported cases surpassed 100 per week in mid-July and 1,000 per week in early August. We turned to Paul S. Schulz, M.D., infectious diseases physician with Norton…
New research suggests that young African Americans (in their 20s, 30s and 40s) are living with or dying from conditions typical of older white Americans — like high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults (54%) than in other non-Hispanic groups….
The cause of high blood pressure in young adults isn’t always known, but addressing obesity, sedentary lifestyle and excessive alcohol or salt can be the first steps toward bringing your blood pressure down. Some patients with high blood pressure may not notice a difference in how they feel, but over time, the increased stress on…
If you or someone you’re with is experience stroke or heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away. Paramedics can start delivering lifesaving treatment as soon as they arrive. If you are ill or are with someone who is, having medical emergency information ready beforehand can be critical. If you’d like to choose which hospital the ambulance takes…
Embarrassed to talk to your doctor? Here are some topics patients avoid talking about and tips on speaking up to your physician. The most under-discussed topics in an exam room include: Mental health concerns Hair loss Body odors, including fecal odors Bad breath Sexual issues Screenings for sexually transmitted infections and diseases Urinary incontinence There…
It’s hard to believe the world has struggled with the COVID-19 virus and its variants for over two years now. From quarantine to vaccines, to isolation and upheaval, it’s no wonder we just don’t feel “normal.” Mental health after COVID-19 is complicated, and many people need help. “We were seeing a rise in the need…
For many women, it may be difficult to relax during a pelvic exam, but it can be a traumatizing experience for survivors of sexual abuse. Although a pelvic exam can help screen for various gynecological conditions, including fibroids and cancer, the procedure may feel intrusive or triggering for some trauma survivors, said Rebecca P. Walker, M.D.,…
A cesarean section (C-section) can be an essential, lifesaving surgery during labor and delivery, with more health risks for a mother compared to a vaginal birth. “Even though all C-sections have some health risks, I believe C-sections should be done in cases when it is medically necessary, when a vaginal birth would have more risk…
It’s that time of year for many in our region: sore throat season. If you have red streaks in your throat, pain or swelling in the throat or other symptoms, you may wonder is it strep? Read on to learn some of the common causes and what do to about a sore throat or red…
Traveling as much as 40 mph on top of a 1,000-pound animal is a risky business, leaving the jockeys who ride as one with thoroughbred racehorses vulnerable to injuries from falls, collisions, rearing in the starting gate and other dangerous situations. The most common jockey injuries are orthopedic soft-tissue injuries. A four-year study of jockeys…
It’s the popular social media platform that has something for everyone, but are those TikTok health trends safe? Parasite cleanses, brushing your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and more — there’s no shortage of advice-laden content, but medical professionals warn caution if you’re going to try a viral health trend. Here are three of the most…
Smoking weed during pregnancy significantly can increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery and requiring neonatal intensive care, according to a recent study published in JAMA. The tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in marijuana will pass through your system to your baby and may harm your baby’s development. If you are planning to get pregnant,…