The frequency of your blood work depends on both your health and your doctor’s discretion. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends certain blood tests depending on age and sex. Blood work generally consists of a variety of different panels that check for very selective components in your blood, including electrolytes, hormones, and…
What is a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and how do I know if I have one? A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in your body, usually in the legs. Symptoms include unilateral leg swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, especially behind the knee or in the calf. The causes of deep…
Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and feelings of anxiousness that are difficult to control, causing significant distress and impairment. Anxiety occurs commonly, most often with adult onset, and a chronic course. The effects of anxiety may lead to impairments in daily functioning and diminished quality of life. However, anxiety can be effectively treated with…
Although sunlight is beneficial in the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, too much or too strong of sunlight without proper protection is responsible for sunburn, skin cancers, and premature aging. Wearing sunscreen daily is an easy and effective way to protect the appearance and health of your skin. If used on a regular…
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide in the physical, emotional, and financial sense. Being in quarantine has taken a toll on our bodies due to the sedentary nature of staying indoors and limiting gatherings. Now that infection rates have abated, and aspects of our normal lives begin to re-emerge, we may notice…
Improving digestive health can take different meanings, we may seek to relieve symptoms of constipation, indigestion, or the goal may be to increase intake of vitamins through foods. A good place to start this journey of gut health is through increasing the diversity of our intestinal microbiota. In simple terms, it means consuming a wide…
Depression can take on many forms and affects. For some it may be a constant feeling of anxiousness or hopelessness, while for others it may be debilitating enough to cause sleepproblems, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of worthlessness. According to the Clevelan clinic, depression can worsen, last longer, or lead to self-harm without…
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition which can make it hardfor people to concentrate, perform daily tasks, sit still for long periods of time, and controlimpulsive behavior. If you or someone you know has ADHD below are important facts to keep in mind when trying to understand the condition. 1) Some people…
Unfortunately, many people are all too familiar with the disease called Alzhiemer’s. For those who are not, Alzhiemer’s is a debilitating disease which can affect not only the patient but also their friends and family. The FDA explains Alzheimer’s as a progressive disorder affecting the brain that slowly impairs memory, thinking skills, and eventually the…
If you or anyone you know has had a history of cardiac issues, you’ve most likely heard about preventative aspirin. If you’re wondering if a baby aspirin (81mg) should be a part of your daily regimen, the first step is discussing it with your healthcare provider. They will be able to inform you about heart…
If you are motivated and willing to work hard towards weight loss, you have already achieved your first two steps for success according to the Mayo Clinic. Once you’re prepared to begin your weight loss journey to obtain a healthy and optimal BMI (body mass index) for yourself, you’re ready to sit down and set…
While routine blood work is very important to monitor one’s overall health and well being, sometimes it can be hard to physically get to the doctors office or testing facility for a blood draw. When it does prove to be too difficult to leave your home for testing, there are many at-home kits available so…
An important part of treating your high cholesterol is first understanding what it means. According to the Mayo Clinic, cholesterol is a waxy substance. If someone has high levels of cholesterol they are at risk for the waxy substance to build up over time and cause fat deposits. These fat deposits then put patients at…
Millions of people are plagued with a condition called hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The Cleveland Clinic describes high blood pressure as a condition which occurs when the pressure against the blood vessel walls in one’s body is consistently too high. A normal blood pressure is defined as less than 130/80 mmHg. The…
