The term preventive care may sound familiar to you. But you may not know exactly why it matters to your health. Preventive care is an umbrella term for healthcare strategies to prevent and detect chronic (ongoing) diseases early before they can occur or get worse. Your doctor may call it routine or regular care. Preventive…

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Nearly 6% of those newly diagnosed patients will have type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the cells that make insulin, a special hormone that helps to convert the carbohydrates from food into energy. Individuals…

On average, women in the U.S. can expect to live just over 79 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s six years longer than the average for men. But certain female-specific cancers can shorten a woman’s life. And other female health conditions can decrease a woman’s quality of life. Here are…

Every year, about 8% of people in the U.S. get the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the flu can make anyone sick regardless of their age or health, some people are more at risk of serious flu complications. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to…

As people age, so do their immune systems. This decline in immune function makes older adults more susceptible to illnesses — and serious complications from those illnesses. They may also not build the same level of immunity in response to vaccines as they did when they were younger. That’s why the CDC recommends several vaccines…

It happens to everyone. You forget to take your medicine at the right time, or don’t remember to take it at all. It may not sound like a big deal, but it may be if it happens too often. Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the most important things you can do to…

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging. That’s because dementia doesn’t just lead people to be forgetful. They may also have trouble with speaking, understanding written and spoken language, problem solving, and paying attention. As a result, they may have trouble carrying out basic daily tasks, like cooking, cleaning, bathing, or taking medication. People…

You may think your teen’s mental health is okay, but some teens with mental health issues may be struggling silently, unsure of how to reach out for help. In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) declared mental health problems facing teens and children a national emergency that requires action and treatment. And suicide is…

Take a look at your medicine cabinet — or any place you store your medications and supplements. You probably have at least one medication or supplement that is past its expiry date or is no longer needed. It is past time that you got rid of them. Here is why — and how — you…

If you or your child has asthma, you may worry symptoms will flare up without warning. But you don’t have to live your life in fear. Your healthcare provider can help you develop an asthma management plan, also known as an Asthma Action Plan. This is a set of written rules to help you prevent…