What is Arthritis? Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and...

What is a Pelvic Exam? A pelvic exam is a routine physical exam intended to check the female organs for any diseases. During a pelvic exam the healthcare provider will check the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the ovaries. Many women also have routine pelvic exams if they have a known history of any ovarian cancer, STDs or menstrual problems. When Should I Get A Pelvic Exam? Pelvic exams are recommended for women to get by the age of 21. A pelvic exams includes a

What is a Pap Smear? A pap smear is a pap test to look for cervical cancer in women. This test involves collecting cells from the cervix, the lower end of the uterus. Along with looking for cervical cancer it can also detect whether you may be at risk for this cancer in the future. When Should I Get A Pap Smear? Most doctors recommend women getting a pap smear at the age of 21, as pap smears can also be combined with an HPV test- a sexually transmitted disease in women that c

What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they don't cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need little or even no treatment, other types are aggress

What Is A Heart Attack? A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or completely blocked. The main cause of this blockage is due to high cholesterol and fat. Symptoms Of A Heart Attack? Symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person as some have mild symptoms, severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Here are some common symptoms of a heart attack. Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching Pain or discom

What is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. There Are Two Types of Strokes: Ischemic strokes: this is the most common type of stroke where the blood vessels become narrow which lead to reduced blo

What is Geriatric Care? Geriatric care is the branch of healthcare that specializes in treating people as they age, physically and mentally each in a unique way depending on the needs of the patient. Professional geriatric providers help the elderly maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age and help manage their independence and keep them motivated to continue life. Managing the patient's symptoms and providing activities for daily living including diet, exercise, and social

What is Stress? Stress is a feeling of emotion or physical tension which can be triggered by an event or thought that can make you feel mad, sad, nervous, or frustrated. Stress is the body's natural reaction to a challenge or demand. Stress can become harmful when it lasts for a long period of time. What Are The Symptoms of Stress? Headaches Muscle pain/tension Restlessness Angry outbursts Chest pain Feeling overwhelmed Irritability, anger Upset stomach Sleep problems In more

What Are Shingles? Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes and blisters typically wrapping around the torso. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles itself is not life-threatening and can be treated with medication easily but do tend to be very painful. What Causes Shingles? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes chicken pox, so if you have had chicken pox in your lifetime it is common for you to get shingles at some point.

Millions of people get the flu every year, an annual flu shot is the best way to help protect against the flu. What is Influenza? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza is known as routinely causing seasonal outbreaks and mild respiratory infections. It can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot every year! What causes the Flu? The virus enters your body by comin

What are STDs? Sexually transmitted diseases are illnesses that are caused and spread through any sexual activity involving vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and are transmitted from person to person. STDs are serious conditions that without immediate treatment can be life-threatening. Some Types of STDs Include: Genital herpes- a common STD that infects the genitals and mouth area causing blistery sores, with no cure but treatable symptoms HIV/AIDS- HIV is an infection that break

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Millions of people get the flu every year, an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu. What is Influenza? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu va

What is Eczema? Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that makes the skin red, itchy, and inflamed. Over time eczema disrupts the skin barrier, making that area of skin more susceptible to infections and dryness. Eczema is most common in children but can happen to anyone; eczema alone affects more than fifteen million Americans. Eczema is most common in families that have histories of allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems. What Are The Causes of Eczema? Genetic

Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Being active has been shown to have many health benefits, both physically and mentally. It may even help you live longer. It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety. It can also increase brain sensitivity for the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which relieve feelings of depression. In addition to being an important part of a healthy

What is Asthma? Asthma is an ongoing medical condition where the airways of the lungs become narrow and swell up causing excess mucus, difficulty breathing, wheezing, excess coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma cannot be cured but can be controlled. In addition, there are three types of asthma: Exercised-induced asthma: triggered by exercise Occupational asthma: occurs in people that work around irritating substances Allergy-induced asthma: triggered by allergies or airb

Arthritis is a general term used for conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and other joint symptoms. The protective cartilage between bones starts to wear away. This allows the bones to rub together, which can cause pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects middle-aged or older people most frequently. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. It most commonly a

What is Conjunctivitis "Pink Eye"? Pink eye is the inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and the white part of your eyeball; the irritated small blood vessels are what cause the “pink eye” appearance. Conjunctivitis is often contagious, so early diagnosis is recommended. What Causes Conjunctivitis? The main cause of conjunctivitis is a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction. What Are The Symptoms of Conjunctivitis? Redness and itchiness

Why Are Child Physicals Important? Physicals are important for children and parents, as they give both an opportunity to assess growth and development. Physicals give the pediatrician insight into family dynamics and the environment in which the child is growing and learning. They also allow parents to ask questions about raising their children in a safe and healthy way. Your child should get physicals once a year even if they seem healthy as children change so often both phy

Obesity is considered a chronic medical condition, with a specific list of symptoms that help diagnose it. Being overweight or obese adds health risks. But how do you know if your weight is in the high-risk zone? What is Obesity? Obesity is the result of eating more calories than the body can burn or use on a regular basis. The body then stores the excess calories as fat. As the extra calories are consumed each day, the body continues to accumulate extra fat stores, leading t

What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus beneath the mucus membrane. Hemorrhoids can develop under the skin around the anus or inside the rectum. There are many causes that contribute to hemorrhoids but the main cause is unknown. Different Types of Hemorrhoids: Internal Hemorrhoids. These types of hemorrhoids lie inside of the rectum and are usually painless yet still may result in: - bleeding when passing stool which may appear in sma