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Your Trusted Guide to Better Health Presented by Clinica Medica Familiar Providing practical health information to help you and your family live healthier, happier lives. Men: These Health Screenings Could Save Your Life Many men believe that if they feel healthy, they don't need to see a doctor. Unfortunately, some of the most serious health conditions—including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers—often develop silently with few or no symptoms. The good news is that routine preventive screenings can detect many of these conditions early, when treatment is often easier, more effective, and less expensive. Whether you're in [...]

Movement can be medicine, and staying active is especially helpful for relieving arthritis-related joint pain and stiffness. But when your joints already ache, it's understandable that exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do. The good news is that there are ways to get the movement you need to manage arthritis while avoiding soreness and injury. Focus on low-impact aerobic activities and exercises that build your strength, balance and flexibility. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Get Guidance from a physical therapist or trainer. Choose gentle activities, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Start slow, [...]

Osteoporosis: Protecting Your Bones as You Age Bone Loss, Fracture Risk, and Prevention Strategies As we grow older, many of us focus on heart health, blood sugar, and blood pressure—but one important area is often overlooked: our bones. Osteoporosis is a common condition that quietly weakens bones over time, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is often called a “silent disease” because most people don’t know they have it until a fracture occurs—sometimes from something as simple as a minor fall or even bending down. Many patients are first diagnosed with osteopenia, a milder form of bone [...]

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor Urinary tract infections, often called UTIs, are one of the most common infections seen in medical offices. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary system and begin to multiply. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the bladder, but if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and become more serious. UTIs are especially common in women, but they can affect men and older adults as well. Common Symptoms Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include: Burning or pain [...]

Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment, and the Vaccine That Can Help Prevent It Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body. Instead, it remains inactive in the nerves and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. Shingles most commonly occurs in adults over the age of 50, but younger people can develop it as well. The risk increases as the immune system naturally weakens with age. Early Symptoms Before the rash appears, many people experience early warning symptoms such as: Burning, tingling, or itching [...]

Dementia vs. Normal Aging: 10 Warning Signs Families Should Know Many people worry about memory loss as they grow older. It is normal to occasionally forget a name, misplace your keys, or walk into a room and forget why you went there. These types of small memory lapses are a common part of aging. However, when memory problems become more frequent or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of dementia. Dementia is not a single disease. It is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that affects a person’s [...]

How Exercise Can Reduce Dementia Risk Benefits can include improved blood flow and reduced chronic inflammation More than 7 million Americans live with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2025 report from the Alzheimer’s Association. There is no cure for dementia and given the rapid aging of the U.S. population, finding ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia is increasingly urgent. Dementia is an umbrella term for several types of disorders that cause memory loss, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Unlike age-related memory impairment, such as forgetting a word or name, dementia is [...]

Stay Merry, Not Miserable The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and — let’s face it — temptation. From pumpkin pies to tamales, from mashed potatoes to festive drinks, it’s easy to overindulge and forget that moderation keeps us feeling our best. This year let’s create a Holiday Game Plan to protect our health without losing the fun. Tame the Sugar Holiday desserts and sweet drinks can send blood sugar levels soaring, leaving you feeling sluggish and hungry again. Swap sugary beverages for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea. When baking, try cutting sugar by one-third — you’ll hardly notice the [...]

Knowledge is Power — Screenings Save Lives October reminds us that prevention truly begins with awareness. Across the country, this month shines a spotlight on two of the most common cancers affecting women and men — breast cancer and prostate cancer — and the power of early detection to save lives. Breast Cancer Awareness Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. The good news is that when detected early, the survival rate exceeds 90%. Regular mammograms, starting at age 40 (or earlier for those with family history), can detect cancer long before symptoms appear. Performing monthly self-breast [...]