May, 2019

Stay safe indoors during a lightning storm

Lightning can be exciting to watch, but it's a dangerous weather phenomenon—even when you're indoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of 3 lightning injuries occurs indoors. To reduce your risk of being hit by lightning when you're inside, avoid these things: Electronics. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, as well as radio and television reception systems. So don't use computers, laptops, washers, dryers, stoves or anything plugged int...

Learn the facts about melanoma

You may have heard that melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. And that's definitely true. But why is that? Read on for answers to this and other must-know questions about melanoma: Q: What is melanoma? A: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, cells that give skin its color. Q: Why is it so dangerous? A: Melanoma is far less common than other types of skin cancer, such as squamous and basal cell carcinomas, but melanoma is more likely to spread deep into th...

Men: Take control of your health

If you're like a lot of men, you may pay less attention to your own health than to other important matters, like your job, home and family. But you deserve good health—and a good, long life. And isn't it time you did something about that? To start to prioritize your health, you need a primary care provider PCP , such as a family physician or an internist, that you trust. You might ask your friends for recommendations. Whether you feel more comfortable with a male or a female provider is to...

Empowering Cancer Survivorship

The American Cancer Society defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer from the date of diagnosis through remission. A cancer diagnosis represents the beginning of an incredibly challenging journey, but increased awareness, early detection and improved technologies have empowered a growing number of thriving survivors. Here are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to cancer risks: 1. Early detection is key. Preventive screenings can detect cancers that affli...

Understanding Hay Fever

You're sneezing and coughing. And your eyes are watery, red and itchy. Then there's that runny, stuffy nose. Maybe you remember having the same miserable symptoms last year when the seasons changed. What gives? You may have seasonal allergies—or what's commonly called hay fever. If you do have hay fever, it doesn't necessarily mean you're allergic to hay. The culprit could just as easily be a tree. That's because a variety of airborne pollens can set off allergy symptoms, depending on your...