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Read our latest stories on the people and scientific innovations making a difference in patients’ lives.
Low Back Pain and What You Can Do About It
If there’s one medical condition that many of us might have in common, it’s low back pain. Here are some facts that highlight just how widespread low back pain is: It affects 8 out of every 10 adults at some point in their life. It affects men and women equally. In 2010, it caused more disability globally than any other medical condition. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and one of the main reasons why people miss days of work. In 2013, nearly 3 out of every 10 adults...
Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is colorectal cancer?Colorectal cancer (CRC) starts in the colon or rectum. It is sometimes called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer starts. Generally, if it starts in the last several inches of the large intestine (close to the anus), it is rectal cancer. They are often grouped together because they are similar in terms of how they appear, how they’re monitored by healthcare providers, and how they’re treated.How does CRC develop?Most CRCs start as a growth...
Cold vs Allergies: Which Is It?
You find yourself coughing, sneezing, and with a runny nose. At first you may think it’s a cold, but how do you know it’s not a seasonal allergy? Colds and seasonal allergies are both common, and they share some of the same symptoms. But they are very different conditions. What’s the difference? Colds and seasonal allergies both affect the respiratory system (i.e., nose, throat, lungs), but beyond that they are very different. The common cold is caused by viruses. Most people with a cold...
Family Planning for Women With a Chronic Illness
If you’re among the growing number of women with a chronic illness who want to start a family, you may be worried about how your condition may impact your pregnancy, your baby, and your health. It’s normal to ask yourself questions such as: Will my baby be okay? What will happen to me if my healthcare provider needs to adjust or even stop some of my medicines? Am I strong enough physically to raise a baby? Whether you have a gastrointestinal condition, diabetes, arthritis, or one of a number of...
The Facts About Osteoarthritis
Often called "wear and tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the U.S. It is caused by aging and wear and tear on a joint, resulting in the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is slippery tissue between the ends of the bones in a joint. It absorbs the shock of movement by preventing the bones from rubbing together. But as the cartilage breaks down, the bones begin to rub against each other. Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the...
Breast Cancer Isn’t Just a Woman’s Disease
When most people think of breast cancer, the chances are they don’t think about men. Most information and many of the images about breast cancer are geared toward women. Though breast cancer in men is rare (the chance of a man getting breast cancer in his lifetime is less than 1%), the numbers remind us that breast cancer does happen in men. It is estimated that in 2019: About 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US. About 500 men will die from breast cancer in the US. In...
Breast Cancer in Men: Michael’s Story
In 2007, Michael Kovarik and his doctor discovered a lump near his left nipple, which was beginning to invert. Michael proceeded with the necessary follow-up as his doctor ordered a series of tests. When he heard the words breast cancer, Michael didn’t have the faintest idea that men could be affected by it. His immediate thought: it’s a woman’s disease. Dealing with his breast cancer diagnosis Michael was hesitant about sharing his diagnosis at first. “It took me a while to overcome my own...
Understanding Genetic Testing
How much do you really know about health problems that may run in your family? Are there any that may affect you now or in the future? Or that may affect your children? Genetic testing can help people and their healthcare providers make more informed health care decisions. But there are some potential limitations of genetic testing to be aware of, too. Read on to learn more. The background: What are genes/chromosomes? Genes are found in chromosomes, which are located inside cells. Genes are...
ADHD in Girls
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been recognized more frequently in boys than girls, and is diagnosed 2 to 9 times more frequently in boys than girls. The CDC reports that boys between the ages of 4 and 17 were more than two times as likely to have been diagnosed with ADHD as girls (13.3% compared with 5.6%). However, in adulthood, the number of men and women with ADHD is much more similar (5.4% for males compared with 3.2% for females). Studies suggest that females may be...
The Do’s of Good Sleep Hygiene
Did you know that getting a good night’s sleep is linked to achieving better overall health? Maybe you’ve only experienced the occasional restless night of endless tossing and turning, but some people sleep poorly on a regular basis and it may be due to insomnia. Unfortunately, insomnia can get in the way of a healthy amount of sleep and can affect you mentally and physically. Keep in mind that insomnia may be a symptom of another health problem. Some health conditions that can cause insomnia...
5 Simple Tips for Talking With Your Doctor
Most people know that seeing their doctor regularly is an important part of staying healthy. During your visits, it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your doctor. Doing so can help him or her work with you to best manage your overall health. Below are some tips to help you get started. 1. Choose a doctor you’re comfortable talking with. If you don’t already have a primary care doctor or are thinking of getting a new one, take the time to find one you are at ease with. Keep in mind...
Prostate Cancer: Replacing Myths With Facts
Prostate cancer is a major healthcare challenge in the US. It's also the most common cancer in adult men besides skin cancer.But for many men, the words “prostate cancer” stop them in their tracks. This disease is often cloaked in myths, which may lead them to:Avoid screenings.Experience anxiety and depression at diagnosis.Fear and avoid treatment because of side effects.By addressing these myths, we can give men the facts they need to take action.5 common myths about prostate cancerMyth #1: If...
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