Food allergies are on the rise among Americans, and the cause is unclear.
There’s no cure and, with most allergens, no chance of outgrowing it. If you’re one of the estimated 15 million Americans that live with this reality, you know the importance of proper food allergy care and how it can mean the difference between life and death.
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Many of us may go for years with relatively few health problems and are able to rely solely on a primary care physician for check-ups, routine screenings, and the occasional sore throat or cough. However, we’re all susceptible to illnesses that require more in-depth care. You may need to see a specialist for a procedure or to either rule out or confirm a particular diagnosis. At other times, your primary care physician may have already made a diagnosis but wants you to receive treatment offered by a specialist.
If you get butterflies in your stomach thinking about a trip to the doctor, you’re not alone. While many adults may not admit they feel nervous or embarrassed when it comes to healthcare appointments, the phenomenon is actually common. Many people worry about a bad test result or pain associated with a procedure. Others may be embarrassed to discuss certain health topics or be afraid the doctor will lecture them on the repercussions of unhealthy behavior.
Seeing a new doctor for the first time can be slightly stressful, even if you know switching doctors is in your best interest. Perhaps you just moved to a new neighborhood that is no longer convenient to your old doctor’s office or your previous doctor retired. You may have decided a particular physician is not the best match for your personality or health goals.
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.— that’s 43.8 million people — experience mental illness in any given year. Anxiety disorders affect 18 percent of American adults, and among people aged 15 to 24, suicide is the second leading cause of death. While the numbers are staggering, studies show that awareness and education help prompt more people to speak out and seek treatment. In honor of National Mental Health Month, we’ve provided a list of common signs of mental illness and information about treatment benefits and options.
Summer is the perfect season for pool parties and weekend beach trips, yet many people dread the thought of putting on a swimsuit due to extra pounds. In a quest for a lean and toned beach body, adults and teens often turn to weight-loss programs that offer quick and dramatic results. But do these programs work and do they keep weight off in the long run? Will you look great in June, but gain it all back by September?
If your thyroid gland isn’t functioning properly, it can affect everything from energy levels to heart function to digestion. Patients with thyroid disorders may suffer from a wide range of symptoms. Understanding how a thyroid disorder can impact your health is the first key to feeling better. We’ve compiled information about two of the most common thyroid disorders and tips for coping.
A stroke can be a life altering event that requires weeks or months of recovery. Having a skilled neurologist coordinating your care helps ensure you regain as much function as possible. Because neurologists are specially trained to understand brain function and anatomy, as well as different types of strokes, they can help you understand what caused your stroke and develop steps to reduce the risk of a future stroke.
Lab tests, which usually include blood or urine samples, provide your doctor a window into many vital health markers and are relatively non-invasive. While lab work can pinpoint the cause of symptoms, screen for a disease, or confirm a diagnosis, lab results are often difficult for patients to understand. A long list of numbers that indicate both results and reference ranges can look more like a high school math test than useful health information.The following guide will help you interpret many of the more common lab tests.
Doctors, hospitals, and the media are placing increased emphasis on wellness and disease prevention. In addition, the Internet and social media make it easier than ever to gain access to health tips, workout routines, healthy recipes, and more. Yet, many people struggle with how to make healthy choices a regular habit. Trying a few light recipes or going on an occasional run around the neighborhood will not sustain long-term health. To make healthy choices a regular part of your routine, try these tips:
